Corvallis Social Security Disability Claims

In 1935 the Social Security Act was implemented and has since been the most important financial protection plan in our Country. While there are several programs under the Act, each designed to support or protect residents when they need it, the largest and most well-known is the Social Security Disability program.

The Social Security Disability program is designed to provide those who have a steady work history, financial support should they find themselves disabled or otherwise unable to work. Essentially, the program is designed much like a long-term disability insurance program in that, each time that you receive a paycheck from your employer, social security taxes were withheld from your wages earned. Those taxes are then added to the fun that supports the Social Security Act programs. So, if you find yourself disabled and unable to work, you are entitled to file for social security disability benefits.

While you did pay into the fund, the process of applying and being approved to receive benefits is not so simple. In fact, almost all applications for social security disability benefits are denied the first time around. However, having a social security disability attorney fighting for you significantly increases your chances of an approved application.

Each year, our team of specially-trained social security disability attorneys help nearly 1,000 Oregon residents secure an approved application for benefits. That means that nearly 1,000 Oregon families are able to continue on with their lives and making memories together because they are not dealing with the stress of a social security disability claim.

From our years of experience, some of the things we have learned include:

• Don’t give up. If you receive a denial letter, don’t assume that it means you will never receive your benefits. Simply contact our office and schedule a consultation. You have 60-days to file an appeal, and with our help your chances of the next letter being approval are significant.
• Keep track of deadlines. Everything with the SSD process is driven by deadlines. There are application deadlines, appeal deadlines, and all of them must be adhered to or you claim will be denied and benefits suspended or postponed.
• Keep track of your day. As you are going through your day, make sure to think about how your disability is limiting or affecting you. If you have to take medications as a result of your disability, keep track of the side effects that you experience and how those impact your ability to get through the day.

• Be patient. While you may have jumped through hoops to meet the deadlines outlined by the social security department that does not mean they will return the favor. In fact, the average wait time for a hearing is 16 months.
• Keep your doctors’ appointments and always follow medical advice. This is not a good time to change providers or, to pick and choose which recommendations you will follow. Make sure that you discuss with your doctor any concerns you have about your course of treatment and have changes documented. Do not make changes on your own.
• Keep records. Get a small file cabinet or safe and keep copies of all records, reports, and communications that you receive.

While it is not mandatory that you have an attorney represent you when filing for social security disability benefits, it does definitely help you. Not only do the attorneys at the law practice of Shlesinger & deVilleneuve have years of experience navigating the social security disability application process but, we have experience with a wide variety of circumstances and how they might be interpreted during the case. We have the experience and the skill to give you the right advice and recommendation for getting your application approved as quickly as possible. While you are waiting for your benefits, your bills are piling up. Getting approval as quickly as possible is essential to getting your life back on track.

How much do attorneys charge to represent me for my Social Security disability claim?

Attorney fees are only paid after being approved by the Social Security Administration and only if you are approved for benefits. Fees are paid out of your retroactive benefits. Currently, federal law allows attorney fees of up to 25% of your retroactive benefits and a maximum of $6000, whichever is less.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I file for disability benefits?
“Please contact us to discuss filing an application for your Social Security disability benefits.”

I just received a denial notice. What should I do?
It can be disheartening to receive a denial notice from Social Security. This happens to most people when they apply. It is important to file an appeal within the 60-day time limit, and to seek legal advice from a qualified and experienced attorney.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me for disability?
Claimants are not required by Social Security to have an attorney. Individuals can go through the process alone, but it is not advisable. An experienced attorney fighting for you can make all the difference.

I requested a hearing months ago. Why is it taking so long?
There is a backlog of claims at the hearing level all across the country. Average waiting times are around 16 months. Even though it may seem like nothing is happening, this waiting period is an important opportunity for you to improve your chances at hearing. There are things you could be doing right now that might help your case.

How much do attorneys charge to represent me for my Social Security disability claim?
Attorney fees are only paid after being approved by the Social Security Administration and only if you are approved for benefits. Fees are paid out of your retroactive benefits. Currently, federal law allows attorney fees of up to 25% of your retroactive benefits and a maximum of $6000, whichever is less.

Helpful Links:

Social Security Website: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

National Institute of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/