Houston Social Security Disability Application Process

Social Security is a federal program, but your application doesn’t travel as far as you might think. When you apply for SSD benefits in Houston or the surrounding area, all your paperwork generally stays right here in Texas. If you have trouble with your application, you can call a local or regional office instead of speaking to someone in D.C.

The good news is that Texas has a slightly better than average reputation for awarding benefits upon first application. However, this number is still less than 40%, which means your application has a better chance of being denied than it does of being approved.

Fortunately, your odds go up dramatically with a social security attorney. If you’ve already been denied for benefits, even after submitting a request for reconsideration, we can walk you through Disability Hearings and even into federal court. Note that not all Houston social security attorneys are licensed for federal court and not all those who are licensed are accustomed to practicing there, so before you hire an attorney, make sure that you’re hiring one like us who is ready, willing, and able to move into federal court, if needed.

The Initial Application

While you can fill out the initial application form for social security disability benefits online or come to us for help in submitting it, you can also apply in person if this is something you prefer. The nearest SSA field office is right here in Houston.

SSA Houston Field Office
16200 Dillard Dr.
Houston, TX 77040
1-800-772-1213

This office is open most weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm, except for Wednesdays, when they close at noon.

You can get directions from your home by clicking on the map below.

If your case is pre-approved by the field office, it then goes to the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) in Austin where the final determination will be made as to whether or not you should receive benefits.

If you have questions at this point, you can contact DARS directly at

DARS Division of Disability Services
P.O. Box 149198
Austin, TX 78714
(512) 437-8000

Reconsideration Review

If your application is denied, don’t worry – you are far from done. Since over 60% of first-time applications are denied, appeals are very common. Just like the initial application, you can submit an appeal online or contact the Houston field office. However, at this point, you may want to contact an attorney first. You will need to completely fill out the following three forms, and having assistance from someone who is experienced in helping people get benefits can increase your chances of having this reconsideration approved so you don’t have to go to the next step.

In particular, you’ll need to fill out and submit:

• Disability Report – Appeal (SSA-3441-BK)
• Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA-827)
• Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561)

Disability Hearing

If your application is still denied after another review by the SSA, your next step should be to call an attorney. An experienced social security disability attorney can help you prepare for your hearing and present your case before the administrative law judge, just as if you were appearing before a regular court.

Fortunately, the regional hearing office in Dallas has two local branches here in Houston, so there is no need to travel.

If you live in northwest or southwest Houston or the surrounding areas, your Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is on Bissonnet Street at the location below.

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
9945 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77036
(866) 779-5456

If you live in northeast, southeast, or downtown Houston, the nearest ODAR is at the GTML Federal Building.

SSA, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
GTML Federal Building, Ste 500
1919 Smith St.
Houston, TX 77002
(877) 850-7829

Appeals Council

If, after your disability hearing, your benefits have still been unfairly denied, there is yet one more level before you go to federal court. The Appeals Council will review the judge’s decision if you file within 60 days after the date you received your hearing decision (which is assumed to be 5 days after the date on the notice).

This is the last time you will be able to present your case before your attorney has to move it into the federal court system, so if you have not yet hired an attorney, now is the critical time. Any new evidence you have or legal arguments you have to make should be submitted along with your Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order form.

Federal Court

In the event that the Appeals Council decides not to hear your appeal or sides with the judge who denied your benefits, your last course of action is to file a lawsuit in federal court. This is where many social security attorneys have to bow out of the process, because they are either not licensed or not experienced enough in federal court to take your case to this level. However, at Herren Law, we’re both able and willing to fight for your claim to the very end.

Questions? Call Herren Law

Chances are, if you are on this website, you’ve either had difficulties or known someone who had difficulties obtaining their benefits. This should never be the case. Social security is a fund that your taxes support, so when its your turn to need support, you should have it.

However, obtaining these benefits can be a tricky endeavor. If you need help or are frustrated because you’ve had your claim denied, call us right away to see how we can help at 800-529-7707.