Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR)

What is ODAR?

The Office of Disability Adjudication & Review (ODAR) is a division of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its mission is to review decisions made by SSA administrative law judges (ALJs), who make initial determinations about whether people are entitled to disability insurance benefits (DIB) under Title II of the Social Security Act.

How does ODAR work?

When someone applies for DIB, they go before an ALJ, who makes a decision based on medical evidence and testimony provided by the applicant and their witnesses. If the ALJ decides that the person is disabled, he or she sends the case file to ODAR for further review. ODAR then reviews the entire record and determines if the ALJ's decision was correct. If ODAR agrees with the ALJ's decision, it sends its own decision back to the ALJ. If ODAR disagrees with the ALJ's determination, it issues a written decision explaining why.

Who is responsible for making decisions at ODAR?

ODAR is overseen by two officials: the Commissioner of Social Security and the Chief Administrative Law Judge (CALJ). The CALJ is appointed by the Commissioner and serves as the head of the office. He or she appoints subordinate ALJs, who serve as hearing officers. These ALJs hear cases and make initial determinations about disability claims.

Can I appeal my claim to ODAR?

Yes, you may appeal a denial of benefits to ODAR. To do so, you need to submit a request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving notice of the denial. A request for reconsideration asks ODAR to look again at the evidence and decide if the ALJ's findings were correct.

If you disagree with ODAR's final decision, you may ask for a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council considers additional information submitted by both parties and decides whether to uphold, modify, or reverse the ALJ's decision.