Alexandria Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security Disability benefits provide monthly payments to people who can’t work due to a serious medical condition. Two programs exist: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those with enough work history and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with limited income and resources. Most initial applications get denied, but many people win benefits through the appeals process. An Alexandria Social Security Disability lawyer can help you prepare a strong application or appeal a denial.

As a respected Social Security Disability firm serving clients throughout Virginia, Gillette Law Group, PLLC, has helped many people in Alexandria, VA navigate the complex benefits process and understands how federal disability law applies to real cases.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration runs two separate disability programs. Each has different requirements, but both use the same medical standards.

SSDI provides benefits if you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits based on your age. Most people need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years; fewer are required for younger workers. These benefits also cover certain family members, including spouses and children.

SSI helps people who have limited income and resources. You don’t need work history to qualify. The program focuses on financial need combined with disability.

Both programs define disability strictly. Your condition must prevent you from doing any substantial work. It must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. This is a high bar to meet.

The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, work history, and how your condition affects daily activities. They want detailed documentation from your doctors. They may also send you to their own medical exams.

How Disability Claims Are Evaluated in Virginia

Alexandria residents apply through the same federal system as everyone else. The process starts with an initial application that asks about your medical conditions, treatments, and work history.

A state agency called Disability Determination Services reviews your claim first. They look at five key questions:

Are you working and earning more than $1,620 per month? If yes, you typically don’t qualify. Is your condition severe enough to limit basic work activities? Does your condition match or equal a listing in Social Security’s medical guide? Can you do your past work? Can you do any other type of work?

You must answer “no” to the first question and “yes” to questions two and three (or “no” to questions four and five) to get approved.

The review process takes several months. Many qualified people get denied initially because they didn’t submit enough medical evidence. According to Social Security statistics, initial approval rates have averaged around 31 percent for claims filed in recent years.

The Appeals Process Makes a Difference

Getting denied doesn’t mean you can’t win benefits. The appeals process has four levels, and many people succeed at later stages.

First comes reconsideration. A different examiner reviews all your original evidence plus any new information. You have 60 days from your denial letter to request this review.

If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is often where people finally win. The judge reviews your file, considers new evidence, and may ask questions about your conditions and work history. You can bring witnesses and medical experts.

Hearings can take a year or more to schedule. Many people find success at this level because they can present their case directly and submit updated medical records.

The Appeals Council reviews judges’ decisions if you disagree with the outcome. As a final option, you can file in federal court. Most people don’t need to go this far.

Brian Gillette has guided many Alexandria residents through each stage of the appeals process. Having experienced legal help often makes the difference between denial and approval.

What SSA office handles Alexandria, VA, social security disability claims and appeals?

The process for Social Security disability claims and appeals in Alexandria, VA, is handled by three different offices depending on the stage of the claim.

1. Local SSA Field Office (Initial Claims & Administration)

The local Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office handles your application and non-medical requirements (like checking your work history) and processes payments if your claim is approved.

• Office: SSA Field Office: Alexandria
• Address: 5510 Cherokee Ave, Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22312
• National Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-772-1213
• Local Phone: 1-888-472-2402
• Fax: 1-833-950-2294
• Hours: Generally Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Call to confirm before visiting).

2. Disability Determination Services (DDS) (Medical Review)

The Virginia Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a state agency that works with the SSA to determine the medical eligibility for your initial claim and the first appeal (reconsideration). Alexandria is served by the Northern District Office.

• Office: Virginia DDS Northern District Office
• Address: 11150 Fairfax Blvd., Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030-5066
• Toll-Free Phone (General DDS Line): 1-855-445-3938
• Fax: 1-703-934-7410
• Hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Call to confirm).

3. Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) (Appeals/Hearings)

If your claim is denied at the DDS level, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which is handled by the OHO. Cases for the Alexandria area are typically heard by the Falls Church Hearing Office.

• Office: SSA Office of Hearings Operations (OHO): Falls Church Hearing Office
• Address: Note: While the Falls Church OHO handles the cases, its operations sometimes cover a wide area. For the most precise mailing address and point of contact for an appeal, it is best to use the SSA’s official Appeals Locator or the contact information provided in your appeal denial letter.
• Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-931-2878 (This is the listed number for the Falls Church OHO, but call the national line first for general appeal status).
• National Appeals Status Line: 1-800-772-1213

Common Reasons for Denial

The Social Security Administration denies claims for several reasons. Understanding these helps you avoid mistakes.

Lack of medical evidence is the most common problem. Your doctors’ records must show the severity of your condition and how it limits you. General statements aren’t enough. You need specific details about symptoms, treatments, and functional limits.

Not following prescribed treatment can lead to denial. If your doctor recommends surgery or therapy and you refuse without a good reason, Social Security may question how serious your condition really is.

Earning too much money disqualifies you. The 2025 limit is $1,620 per month for most people. Working above this amount suggests you can do substantial work.

Technical denials happen when you don’t meet basic requirements. For SSDI, this means not having enough work credits. For SSI, it means having too much income or assets.

Failing to cooperate with requests for information also causes denials. Always respond when Social Security asks for records or wants to schedule an exam.

Why Legal Help Matters

Social Security Disability claims involve complex rules and strict deadlines. Missing information or procedural mistakes can cost you months or years of benefits.

A lawyer knows what evidence Social Security wants. They can work with your doctors to get detailed statements. They understand how to frame your limitations in terms that match the law’s requirements.

At hearings, lawyers question witnesses and challenge vocational experts. They know which arguments work and how to present medical evidence effectively.

Gillette Law Group, PLLC, handles all aspects of disability claims for Alexandria clients. We help with initial applications, reconsideration requests, and hearings. Our goal is to build the strongest possible case for your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get approved for disability?

A: The timeline varies widely. Initial decisions take three to six months on average. If you need to appeal, add several more months for reconsideration and up to two years for a hearing. Having complete medical records and legal help can speed things up.

Q: Can I work while applying for disability?

A: You can work, but earnings above $1,620 per month in 2025 usually disqualify you. Social Security considers this substantial gainful activity. Part-time work below this amount may be allowed depending on your situation.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for my disability claim?

A: You’re not required to have one, but it helps. People with lawyers win their cases more often than those who go it alone. Lawyers know the process, understand what evidence matters, and can handle appeals if needed.

Q: What happens if my disability claim gets denied?

A: You have 60 days to file an appeal. The denial letter explains your appeal rights. Most people start with a reconsideration request. If that fails, you can request a hearing with a judge. Many claims that get denied initially win on appeal.

Key Points to Remember

• SSDI requires a work history, while SSI focuses on financial need
• Your condition must prevent substantial work for at least 12 months
• Most initial applications get denied, but appeals often succeed
• Medical evidence from your doctors is critical to winning benefits
• You have 60 days to appeal a denial decision
• Legal representation significantly improves your chances of approval

Contact Gillette Law Group, PLLC, for Help With Your Social Security Disability Case

If you’re applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial in Alexandria, we can help.

Brian Gillette is a top-rated Social Security Disability attorney in Virginia. Call 855-873-2604 to schedule a consultation.