Importance of the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review

The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is responsible for setting and conducting hearings as well as releasing decisions of the Social Security Administration regarding appeals and grant of benefits of applicants.



They make sure that Administrative Law Judges are impartial in conducting hearings which would decide whether or not the applicants for supplemental security income are eligible to receive benefits.



These ODAR hearings will reject or grant application for benefits which would help them in their necessities and expenses.





Subject of ODAR Hearings



The government tries its best to extend a helping hand to those who are in need. Here are the issues that the ODAR covers:



• Disability. Workers pay social security tax in the event that they get injured or disabled during an industrial or work-related accident.



It is important to note that the disabled applicant must have earned points while working for a certain number of years before being qualified for this program.



In other cases, this benefit can be extended to their family members provided that they meet certain qualifications imposed by the Social Security Administration.



• Retirement. The amount of retirement benefits varies. There are instances when some would receive higher and there are those who receive lower.



This happens when people apply for early retirement. There are a lot of factors that must be considered when applying for retirement benefits including the date of birth and the month of application.



So, it is important to consult with someone from the SSA who can guide retirees of when it is advisable to retire.



• Survivors. Survivor benefits are given to certain family members of the deceased who has paid social security taxes. Beneficiaries would include surviving spouses and their children below the age of 18.



Contrary to common belief, even divorce could not prevent the living spouse to receive benefits if the marriage lasted for more than ten years. In case the deceased never married or has any, the parents will be his beneficiary.



• Supplemental Security Income. This benefits those who has limited income like the elderly and those with disabilities but has not paid social security taxes.



Funds for this benefit are taken from general taxes and so payment of social security taxes is not important. SSI cannot provide for all the necessities of the beneficiaries and so other means of income is necessary in order to survive.



According to the SSA, more than half of all the applicants are rejected. Some of these applicants are rightful beneficiaries but are rejected for some technicalities.



ODAR hearings are important as it provides chances for claimants to prove that they are worthy to receive benefits from the government.



Those who have been rejected for their benefits can file for appeals with the help of a legal expert who can help and guide them through the process.



For more reliable information regarding ODAR Hearings and other social security cases, consult with our skilled social security law attorneys. Visit our website and call us toll free for immediate legal assistance.