Oklahoma SSDI and SSI Benefits

If you live in Oklahoma and can't work due to a physical or mental condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although these are both federal programs, states are responsible for some parts of the disability process, such as setting the SSI benefit amount and deciding whether you should receive Medicaid.

How Do I Apply for Disability in Oklahoma?

There are three ways you may be able to apply for disability in Oklahoma:

• On the internet. If you are applying for SSDI, you can file your claim online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/.
• In person at your local field office. Oklahoma has about 20 Social Security offices statewide. To find your local field office, visit the SSA's website and enter your zip code in the locator. You can apply in person regardless of whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI.
• By telephone. Both SSI and SSDI applicants can apply over the phone. Call 800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the TTY number at 800-325-0778.

When you file for disability, the office nearest you will review your application to determine whether you meet the technical requirements to receive SSDI or SSI. (SSDI eligibility is based on your work history, while SSI is for low-income applicants.) If you're legally eligible to receive disability benefits, your application is then sent to an Oklahoma state agency that determines whether you're medically disabled.

Oklahoma State Disability Determination Services

Oklahoma's Disability Determination Division (DDD) is the state agency that is responsible for deciding whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability. A claims reviewer at the DDD will gather your medical records and may set up appointments for you to be examined by doctors who work for Social Security.

Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services administers the DDD. Below is the contact information for the agency:

3535 NW 58th Street
Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Telephone: 405-919-2200

DDD reviews both initial disability claims and first appeals ("reconsiderations"). The Social Security Administration estimates that, as of fiscal year 2023, around 27% of initial claims are approved in Oklahoma, well below the national average. That means that most Oklahomans' best chance of getting benefits is at a hearing with a disability judge.

Oklahoma Social Security Disability Hearings

You have 60 days after you receive your second denial letter to request a hearing with an administrative law judge. At this point, your file will be sent to Social Security's Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) to schedule a time and date for your hearing.

There are three hearing offices in Oklahoma. You can find their contact information below.

McAlester OHO
524 South 2nd Street
McAlester, OK 74501

Telephone: 877-748-9767
Fax: 833-694-0065
eFile Fax: 877-559-1920

As of April 2024, the wait time for a scheduled hearing at the McAlester office averages 11 months. Judges at this OHO issue favorable decisions about 47% of the time.

Oklahoma City OHO
Suite 300
301 NW 6th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Telephone: 866-701-8094
Fax: 833-302-0021
eFile Fax: 877-559-1929

The wait time for a scheduled hearing at the Oklahoma City OHO is approximately 12 months. Judges at this OHO issue favorable decisions over 60% of the time.

Tulsa OHO
Eastgate Metroplex, Suite 500
14002 E. 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74134

Telephone: 888-286-1124
Fax: 833-748-0024
eFile Fax: 877-904-5480

The Tulsa OHO averages a hearing wait time of 7.5 months. Judges at this OHO issue favorable decisions 65% of the time.

How Much Disability Benefits Can I Get in Oklahoma?

The State of Oklahoma adds a small supplement to the federal SSI payment in some circumstances. In 2024, the federal government will pay up to $943 monthly in SSI benefits, and you can also receive a state supplement of $42 if you live independently or with someone else (but not in a nursing home). You can apply for the benefit at Oklahoma's Department of Human Services by calling 405-521-2779 or visiting the agency website. You may also be able to apply for the state supplement at your physician's office.

SSDI benefits aren't supplemented by the state. SSDI can be as much as $3,822 per month in 2024, but the average is much lower, around $1,537. Determining how much your SSDI check will be involves complicated formulas involving your earnings record. You can learn more in our article on how Social Security calculates your SSDI benefits.

How Can I Get Medicaid in Oklahoma?

To receive Medicaid in Oklahoma (called SoonerCare), you must be eligible for either SSI or SSDI and

• live in Oklahoma
• be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, and
• meet the SoonerCare income test.

The income test is similar to that of the federal SSI program, and there is no resource limit for disabled Oklahomans. You can review the income guidelines on the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority's SoonerCare website.

Finding an Attorney in Oklahoma

If you have questions about the disability process or you are denied benefits by Oklahoma's Disability Determination Division, it may be helpful to discuss your case with an attorney. Many disability lawyers offer free consultations, and you can determine whether the attorney will be a good fit for you. Knowing what questions to ask at the consultation will help you find a representative who meets your needs.