The Social Security Administration handles several important federal programs. Each month, I receive a multitude of questions related to Social Security, Medicare, and applications for disability benefits.
Below are the locations and phone numbers for the closest Social Security offices serving the 4th Congressional District.
- Battle Creek Phone Number: 1-877-445-0829 Address: 5700 Beckley Rd. STE D1 Battle Creek, MI 49015
- Benton Harbor Phone Number: 1-877-405-5457 Address: 455 Bond St Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Grand Rapids Phone Number: 1-877-5710 Address: 3045 Knapp ST NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Holland Phone Number: 1-877-223-6062 Address: 657 Hastings Ave Holland, MI 49423
- Kalamazoo Phone Number: 1-866-331-9088 Address : 317 South Drake Road Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Below are some of the most common questions my office receives about Social Security. If you don't find your answers here, the socialsecurity.gov and medicare.gov are good sources of information as well. If you are having trouble locating the answer to your question, please call my congressional office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 for further assistance.
How can I get information about my Social Security retirement benefits?
- Your local Social Security office can help you with this issue. Visit the Social Security Regional Site to find your local Social Security office.
How long does it take to process Social Security Disability claims?
An application for Social Security Disability can take from 6 weeks to several years to handle, depending on a variety of factors. For more information, visit the Social Security Disability Benefits page.
Visit the Social Security Locator to find your local Social Security office.
The times below are merely estimates, but represent what people in the district have experienced over the past few years:
- Initial Processing - Some cases are approved in this first step. If your case is denied at this level, you are encouraged to apply for Reconsideration.
- Hearings and Appeals - An Administrative Law Judge will hear your claim at this level. It usually takes 9 to 12 months to get a hearing. It can take a few months longer to get a decision. You may want to get an attorney or other qualified individual to help represent you in your hearing. If you are denied at this level, you can appeal your case to the Appeals Council.
- Appeals Council - If your claim is not approved by the Appeals Council, your only option is to file a lawsuit if you want to continue your claim.
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What can the Congressman do to help with my Disability claim?
I am always happy to help constituents who need assistance with a disability claim. However, there are limits to what I can do. At my request, Social Security officials will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. This communication can really help a person understand what is happening with their case, so they can make other decisions regarding their life and family.
However, I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's disability paperwork. You may want an attorney to help you with this. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative. I also do not have the authority to overturn any decision made by the Social Security Administration.
After you file the paperwork for disability benefits with your local Social Security office, I would be pleased to follow the progress of your claim. If you would like my help, please contact
my Holland office.
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