How to get a disability hearing scheduled in Ohio?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 08/07/2025
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is denied after reconsideration in Ohio, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing gives you the chance to present your case in more detail, submit new evidence, and explain your disability situation directly to a judge.
Understanding how to get this hearing scheduled—and what to expect—can make the process less overwhelming and improve your chances of success.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Scheduling a Disability Hearing in Ohio
Step 1: File a Request for Hearing
If your reconsideration was denied, you must file a Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge using Form HA-501. This can be done:
- Online via your mySSA account
- In person at your local SSA office
- By mail by submitting the completed form to the SSA
You must submit your request within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
Step 2: Receive Confirmation from the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
Once the SSA receives your request, your case will be transferred to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) that covers your region in Ohio. They’ll send you an acknowledgment letter confirming that your hearing request is being processed.
The OHO offices in Ohio include locations such as Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Akron.
Step 3: Prepare While You Wait
It can take 6 to 12 months (sometimes longer) to get a hearing date, depending on backlog. During this time, you should:
- Continue receiving medical treatment
- Keep copies of medical records and evaluations
- Obtain statements from doctors
- Collect supporting documentation that proves your disability
- Stay in contact with your representative, if you have one
Being prepared before the hearing is scheduled will give you a strong advantage.
Step 4: Get Your Hearing Date
You’ll receive a Notice of Hearing at least 75 days in advance of the scheduled date. This letter will include:
- The time, date, and location of your hearing
- Whether it will be held in person, by video conference, or by telephone
- Instructions on what to bring and how to prepare
If you have a conflict, you must notify the SSA as soon as possible.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing
During the hearing, the judge will:
- Ask about your medical history and daily limitations
- Review your work history and job abilities
- Hear from medical or vocational experts, if present
- Review any additional evidence you’ve submitted
After the hearing, it can take several weeks or months to receive a decision.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Ohio residents request, prepare for, and win their disability hearings. From filing the hearing request to organizing medical records and representing you before the judge, we manage every step of the process to maximize your chance of approval.
If your SSDI claim has been denied, don’t go to your hearing alone—let us help you build the strongest case possible.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Need help scheduling or preparing for your disability hearing in Ohio? Call Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist with your case, guide you through the process, and stand by your side during the hearing. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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