Social Security Disability Claims Attorneys Portland

When you look at your pay stub each pay period, you see various deductions that have been made for different tax programs – one of which is the Social Security program. A very simplified way to think about the Social Security program is that it is a savings account – you are paying taxes into it from each one of your paychecks.

If you are ever sick or injured to the point of not being able to work anymore – you can file for payments from that Social Security savings account that you have been paying into. In other words, it is your money. You forfeited that money from each paycheck that you have ever earned. And, now when you need them, you are absolutely entitled to receive them.

Unfortunately, the process of filing for Social Security benefits can be extremely overwhelming – they do not make the process to receiving your payments as easy as the process of paying into the account that’s for sure! If filing for benefits is difficult, then getting your application approved and actually receiving benefits is nearly impossible – especially if you are trying to do all of this without the help of a professional Social Security attorney.

At Shlesinger & deVilleneuve we manage upwards of 1,000 Social Security Disability claims every year – making us highly qualified and uniquely experienced. We know the process and the Social Security system inside and out. We know which “I”s to dot and “T”s to cross so that your application is approved as quickly as possible. If you have already applied or you have looked at the application process, then you know how much supporting documentation and information you are asked to submit along with your application. Even if you are able to keep everything straight and get all of the paperwork, interviews, and medical records together – that is no guarantee that your application will be approved. In fact, the saying “everyone is denied the first time”, is not far from the truth! The process is daunting, it is long and can be drawn out, all the while you are home suffering a decrease in the quality of your life and without income. Let our special team of attorneys and legal professionals manage your Social Security Disability application process, and dramatically increase the chances of being approved as quickly as possible.

We will oversee the entire process of gathering information, filling out forms, and submitting a stellar application that doesn’t fall through the cracks or get caught on any bureaucratic snags. We will fight with you and your family in mind. and we will work hard to make sure you receiving approval of your benefits as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. And, don’t worry about our fee. You are not responsible, unless we successfully secure an approval of your benefits.

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/