Here are some things you might not have known about the application process for disability benefits: a whopping 70% of applications for disability benefits are rejected every year. Yet a rejection of your initial application does not indicate that the search for benefits is hopeless.
On the contrary, many people, after their initial application is rejected, embark on a complex appeals process that can take as many as four steps. What these people might not know is that there is a statistically measurable advantage for those who hire an attorney to help them with their case. Undoubtedly, if you are a Salem resident thinking about applying for disability benefits, you will probably want to consider engaging the services of a Salem Social Security Disability attorney.
Salem, the capital of Oregon, has a population of about 155,469. The public sector is the largest area employer, and the health care industry is also a major player in the local economy. Salem’s status as an urban center surrounded by farming communities means that it serves as a hub for agricultural activity including farmer’s markets as well as food processing and wineries and vineyards.
Recently, high tech industry and computer manufacturing have become increasingly important to the area’s economy. Salem’s many theaters, cultural events and fairs make it a hub for recreation in the area. The city is lauded each year for its commitment to the environment and urban forestry. Flowering cherry trees line many streets, creating an attractive atmosphere.
In sum total, the state of Oregon dispensed $77 million to disabled workers and their spouses and children in the last year for which figures are known. The average payment that went out to disabled workers was $938 (the average payment to a dependent of a disabled worker was considerably less). In Salem alone, there are 11,645 individuals currently receiving such benefits. In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that completely prevents you from working, and which is expected to last at least a year or result in death.
Applying for Salem Social Security Disability Benefits
Undoubtedly, Federal law requires a very strict definition of disability that requires an applicant to prove that he or she deserves disabled status. The good thing is that if this status is successfully proven, not only the disabled individual, but also his or her spouse and dependents could be eligible for Federal aid. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet the requirements of two separate earnings guidelines.
In addition, there are actually two different types of Social Security Disability benefits: for those who, over the course of their career, have earned enough work credits, the original Social Security Disability Insurance program is an option. For those who, on the other hand, do not have enough work credits or quarters of coverage, but can demonstrate a fair amount of financial need, the Social Security’s SSI program could be a possible alternate choice.
If the process of obtaining benefits seems incredibly complex, there is also assistance available that can help people during the process. An experienced Salem disability lawyer can be of great help during every step of the process. If you are at the beginning stages and preparing to submit your initial application, you may want to have a consultation with a Salem disability attorney to appraise your case (often times this can be done for free). A lawyer can also help you collect all relevant medical records and make sure your application is filed in a timely manner.
If you are preparing an appeal, you will want to contact a Salem disability lawyer to help you file your request for reconsideration and make sure you are prepared for the Social Security Disability appeal process. You are statistically more likely to prevail if you engage the services of an attorney.
Hiring a Salem Disability Attorney
The help of a Salem disability attorney do not have to be exorbitant. In fact, the amount that a lawyer can be paid from a disability case is strictly capped by law. You will only have to pay your attorney if your case is successful and you win benefits. If you lose, you owe your attorney nothing. In addition, you legally only must pay your attorney 25% of the back payments you receive or $6,000, whichever is less. These rules keep you safe from undue financial burden and provide your attorney with an incentive to win your case.
A Salem Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Marion County, Lynn County, Wasco County, Jefferson County, Clackamas County, Yamhill County, Polk County, and Benton County: Keizar, Hayesville, Four Corners, Labish Village, Pratum, Sublimity, Slayton, Marion, Talbot, Buena Vista, Independence, Portland, Rickreall, and Dallas.
