The Office of Hearings Operations also referred to as OHO, is the Social Security office that is responsible for the management of Social Security Disability hearings.
When a claim is denied at the reconsideration level and an appeal is filed, the claim is then transferred to an OHO office.
The area of Pennsylvania that you live in determines which Pennsylvania OHO office processes your disability hearing.
In this blog post, we will discuss the Johnstown Office of Hearings and Operations.
The Johnstown OHO serves the Social Security field offices in Altoona, DuBois, Indiana, Johnstown and State College.
The field offices are located in several counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania including Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, and Indiana.
The Johnstown Office of Hearings Operations (Johnstown OHO) is located at 334 Washington Street, Suite 200, Johnstown, PA 15901-9954. Their phone number is (866) 331-7134.
If you have questions or concerns about your Social Security Disability claim, you can visit the SSA’s website here for a list of FAQs.
If you cannot use the SSA’s online services, you can reach an SSA employee by phone. At this time, offices are closed to the public for service.
You can find the phone number for your local Social Security office by using the SSA’s Field Office Locator and look under Additional Office Information.
If you cannot use the online services or reach your local office, you may call Social Security’s national phone number toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
What to expect at your Social Security Disability Hearing?
The SSA holds disability hearings at the Office of Hearings Operations, also referred to as OHO. A federally appointed Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will conduct the hearing there.
It is important to know, that although ALJs are appointed, they are not technically under the Social Security Administration’s authority. They are independent and neutral, which enables them to make unbiased decisions about Social Security Disability claims.
In preparation for your hearing, an experienced Social Security Disability attorney will gather medical evidence to support your claim and prepare you for your testimony.
At the hearing, your attorney will present evidence, take testimony, question the vocational expert and argue your case before the ALJ.
The ALJ will also review your file and analyze your medical and vocational evidence. This includes all the documents from your initial claim, as well as any new evidence. After the hearing, the SSA will send you a letter and a copy of the ALJ’s decision.
Success is very possible at this stage because you can appear before the Judge and tell him or her about your disability in your own words. Having an experienced attorney on your side will help as well.
Having representation helps win SSD and SSI claims because the regulations that govern the Social Security Administration’s disability programs are so complex. Ensure you receive the benefits you deserve and contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney at Berger and Green today for a free consultation.
Getting Help With Your Social Security Disability Benefits
You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. If you become disabled and will be unable to work or your disability is life threatening, do not hesitate to apply. The process of receiving these monthly payments and benefits can take a long time. It is important that you begin the application process early so that you can begin receiving benefits as soon as possible.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationIf you are considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits, or have been denied these benefits and need representation, do not delay. Contact an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney. Call the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green at 412-661-1400 for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your claim.