Address, phone & hours
Back of the Yards Social Security Office
5253 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL
60609
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
View on SSA.govThe Back Of The Yards office serves 14,745 total beneficiaries across 2 ZIP codes in Chicago. Of those, 1,810 receive SSDI, representing 12% of the office caseload. When visiting, plan for a standard interview to review your application and documentation. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence for the state disability determination process. This office is your primary point of contact for your initial filing and document submission.
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, the Back Of The Yards office manages a significant portfolio of benefits for the community. With 14,745 total beneficiaries, the office oversees $19 million in monthly payments, totaling $232 million annually. The beneficiary mix includes 1,810 disabled workers, which aligns with typical SSDI participation rates. Whether you reside in 60608 or 60609, this office is the primary location for your initial disability-related paperwork.
You can visit this office to file your initial SSDI application, drop off medical records, or verify your identity for benefit updates. While you can handle many tasks online, an in-person visit is often necessary for specific document verification. Please note that this office does not make the final decision on your disability claim, as that is handled by the state disability determination service. Additionally, any future hearings will be conducted at a separate office location.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $19,340k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Arrive prepared with a valid photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history to ensure your application moves forward without delays. Bring a complete list of your treating providers with their full addresses, along with any recent medical records and a current list of your medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, include those in your folder. Expect your appointment to last between 45 and 90 minutes as a representative reviews your file.
Avoid delays by ensuring your work history is complete and accurate, as gaps often trigger requests for more information. Many people struggle because they fail to bring recent medical records or neglect to mention mental health conditions that impact their ability to work. Never sign a document without reading it thoroughly, as these forms establish the foundation of your claim. Providing incomplete contact information for your doctors can also stall the review process.
Working while you apply? Check how much you can earn on SSDI this year — SSA's earnings limit is the first thing it looks at.
Was your claim denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
Should you bring an attorney?
The application stage at Back Of The Yards is the most important time to build a strong record. Most people who apply without professional guidance face denials that are difficult to overcome during the appeal process. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and avoid common filing errors. Request a free case review to understand how your specific medical situation aligns with SSA requirements.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
If your SSDI claim moves to a hearing
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. If yours is, your case moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at one of the regional hearing offices that handles appeals from Back of the Yards. The Back of the Yards field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you can visit for certain services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you. Contact this office using the phone button below to confirm if your specific needs require a scheduled time.
Yes, you can initiate your application online, which may save you a trip. However, if you prefer to file in person or need to submit physical documentation, the Back Of The Yards office is available to assist you.
Missing an appointment can delay your application significantly. If you cannot make your scheduled time, contact this office using the phone button below as soon as possible to reschedule.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors with their contact information, and any recent medical records. Having these items ready helps the staff process your application more efficiently.
Most appointments at this office last between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of your application and the amount of documentation you need to submit.



