Roseburg, OR Social Security Disability Lawyer

In Oregon, more than 890,000 people receive benefits by means of Social Security. However, the process of applying and getting approved is not as simple as it might appear. Some common questions you might be thinking regarding SSDI are:

Am I eligible for Social Security disability benefits?

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must:

• Have a physical or mental disability
• Have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death 
• Have worked long enough to obtain credit into the Social Security system

When should I apply for Social Security Disability Benefits and how long is the process? 

You should apply immediately if you expect the disability from your personal injury to last longer than 12 months. It can take between 3 to 6 months to receive a decision from the Social Security Administration for your claim. In some cases, even longer. A rising number of applicants, lack of medical records, and missing paperwork are some of the reasons for the delay. It is thus wise to begin the process early. 

If my application is denied, should I reapply? 

Yes, you should. Do not give up if you receive a notice that your claim was denied. In fact, about 70 percent of initial applications are denied. Some common reasons for initial denial include: the applicant making too much money, refusing to cooperate, or lacking sufficient medical evidence. You can file an appeal within 60 days. There are four levels in the appeal process. 

Do I need a Social Security Disability lawyer to represent me? 

No, you can file your claim yourself. However, statistics show that hiring a lawyer for Social Security Disability significantly increases approval rate. Since an experienced lawyer is familiar with the legal process, he or she would know how to present your claim and how to help you prepare for any appeals that may be needed. You can hire a lawyer at any time during the process, but the sooner, the better.

You can clearly see that applying for disability benefits from Social Security can be a very complicated, time-consuming process. Trying to remember deadlines and facing confusing filing procedures only increases the stress you may already be experiencing. You can lessen potential frustration, though, by working with a lawyer at our law firm who is familiar with the process enough to smooth things out.

Many applicants begin the process alone only to discover that it will be a fight to receive entitled benefits. Don’t go it alone – start off your claim right.

Regardless of where you are in the process, you can get legal help from our knowledgeable lawyers. Contact Bell Law Offices, PC, serving Roseburg, Oregon, at (541) 636-4930 today for a free consultation.