Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, Mott Haven manages a substantial portfolio of benefits, distributing $17 million in monthly payments to the community. The office serves a population where 2,950 residents rely on SSDI, a figure that aligns with the typical national share of disabled-worker beneficiaries. With 67% of the local beneficiary population aged 65 or older, the office balances retirement services with critical disability intake for the 14,310 people it supports.
You can visit Mott Haven to file your initial SSDI application, drop off medical records, or verify your identity for benefit updates. While this office handles the intake of your paperwork, it does not make the final decision on your disability claim, which is handled by the state DDS. Additionally, any necessary hearings for your case will be conducted at a separate Office of Hearings Operations location. Schedule an appointment in advance to minimize wait times during your visit.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $16,649k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your appointment, bring a government-issued photo ID and a complete 15-year work history. You should also provide a detailed list of your treating physicians with their current addresses, recent medical records, and a list of all current medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well. An in-person interview with a claims representative typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.
You may experience delays if you submit incomplete work histories or fail to provide the most recent medical records from your doctors. Another frequent error is omitting information about mental-health conditions, which are just as relevant as physical impairments. Read every form carefully before signing, as errors in your initial application can complicate your case later.
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 evidence you submit during your initial appointment at Mott Haven establishes the foundation for your entire claim. If you apply without representation, you may find the process overwhelming and face initial denials that could have been avoided. An attorney can help you gather the right evidence now, potentially saving you months of waiting during the appeals process.
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 Mott Haven. The Mott Haven 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 in person, scheduling an appointment at Mott Haven is highly recommended to ensure you are seen promptly. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can vary significantly depending on the volume of visitors.
Yes, you can initiate your application online, which is often the fastest way to start the process. You may still need to visit Mott Haven to submit specific physical documents or verify your identity.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of your doctors with their contact information, and any recent medical records. Having these items organized will help the claims representative process your request more efficiently.
An appointment at Mott Haven typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. This time is used to review your application and ensure all required documentation is complete.