Address, phone and hours
| Address | 6th Floor, 600 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60661-2406 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (877) 768-5681 |
| Fax | (833) 796-0383 |
| eFile fax | (877) 310-0642 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 8784, London, KY 40742 |
| Hours | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
This office holds hearings before administrative law judges. It does not issue Social Security cards or take new benefit applications: for that, visit your local Social Security field office in Illinois.
How long is the wait at the Chicago hearing office?
SSA does not publish a processing time for this office in its latest report. Check the national figures in hearing wait times.
Judges at the Chicago hearing office and approval rates
These are the administrative law judges (ALJs) listed for Chicago National Hearing Center in SSA's FY 2026 disposition data. The approval rate is the share of decisions that were fully or partially favorable; dismissals are not counted as decisions. The office average was 55%, against 58% nationally.
| Judge | Decisions | Approved | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Lucas | 353 | 58% | |
| John Martin | 295 | 64% | |
| Kathryn Bridges | 294 | 53% | |
| Mary Ann Poulose | 287 | 59% | |
| Helen Valkavich | 270 | 60% | |
| Thomas Sanzi | 254 | 17% | |
| Richard Thrasher | 126 | 87% | |
| Roxanne Fuller | 50 | 62% | |
| Henry Kramzyk | 36 | 25% |
Which field offices send cases to Chicago National Hearing Center?
According to SSA, Chicago National Hearing Center handles hearings for people served by these Social Security field offices:
NHCs are not open to the public.
If your local office is not listed, your hearing is handled elsewhere: check the Illinois hearing offices.
How to request a hearing at this office
- Your claim must first be denied at reconsideration.
- Request the hearing within 60 days of receiving the reconsideration denial (SSA presumes you received it 5 days after the date on the letter), online at ssa.gov or with form HA-501.
- The hearing office acknowledges your request and sends a notice about the ways to attend: in person, by video or by phone.
- You receive the Notice of Hearing at least 75 days before the hearing date.
- Send any remaining evidence at least 5 business days before the hearing. What happens at the hearing.
The previous decisions in Illinois are made by the Bureau of Disability Services. Full walkthrough: how to appeal a disability denial and what happens at the hearing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number of the Chicago hearing office?
The Chicago National Hearing Center phone number is (877) 768-5681. Fax: (833) 796-0383.
Where is the Chicago Social Security hearing office?
Chicago National Hearing Center is located at 6th Floor, 600 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661-2406.
What is the approval rate at the Chicago hearing office?
In FY 2026, judges at Chicago National Hearing Center approved 55% of the cases they decided (fully or partially favorable), versus 58% nationally.
Can I have my hearing by phone or video?
Yes. SSA offers hearings in person, by agency video, by online video (Microsoft Teams, only if you agree on form HA-56) and by phone. You can tell the hearing office which option you prefer.
Is this the same as the Illinois DDS?
No. The Bureau of Disability Services (DDS) makes the initial and reconsideration decisions. The hearing office handles the next step, the hearing before an administrative law judge.