Appropriately named for its location, Oak Hill sits on a hill under a spreading white Oak Tree in the southern section of West Virginia. Although Oak Hill is home to only approximately 7,500 residents, it is the largest city in Fayette County.
While there are job opportunities in Oak Hill, not all individuals living in the area are able to work. Unfortunately, there are a handful of people who face severe health conditions that prohibit them from continuing in their jobs. The good news is that there are resources available to Oak Hill residents. In addition to many excellent doctors in the area, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two distinct disability programs aimed at providing financial assistance to qualified individuals.
Health Resources for Individuals Living in Oak Hill
For individuals who have worked their entire lives, facing a new health condition can be debilitating on many levels. In addition to the health aspect, one must adjust to the emotional and financial impacts of their new limitations. While a desire to work may be there, the ability simply may not.
The United States government has developed programs to assist those who are facing a health crisis. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is available to individuals who have “paid into the system” by working and paying taxes throughout the years.
However, just because one has worked and paid taxes, does not mean that they will automatically be awarded disability benefits when they become ill. Due to a large number of citizens seeking assistance, the SSA must carefully review each application and determine which individuals are most in need of help. To do this, they rely heavily on the medical evidence provided by an applicant and his or her medical team.
It is essential that claimants have up-to-date medical records, including recent visits with their doctor. The SSA depends on the opinion and medical data provided by an applicant’s physician to determine if they are indeed permanently disabled. Therefore, establishing a strong relationship with your doctor and attending regular appointments is vital for your disability claim.
There are many well-regarded doctors in the Oak Hill and surrounding areas. If you are in need of a physician, here are three recommended practices:
Mountain Laurel Medical Clinic
119 Main Street, Suite A
Oak Hill, WV 25901
(304) 465-0544
plateaumedicalgroup.com/our-locations/mountain-laurel-medical-clinic-1653
Fayette Physicians
5495 Maple Lane
Fayetteville, WV 25840
(304) 574-0120
plateaumedicalgroup.com/our-locations/fayette-physicians-1654
Arh Oak Hill Primary Care Center
223 Maple Ave
Oak Hill, WV 25901
(304) 465-6416
arh.org/locations/beckley/clinics.aspx
Applying for Social Security Disability in Oak Hill
If you are unable to work as a direct result of your severe health condition, you might qualify for SSDI benefits. One important caveat to remember, however, is that only those individuals who are facing a long-term illness qualify for disability payments. Therefore, your doctor must assert that your health condition is so severe so as to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
Once you have determined that you will indeed be unable to maintain substantial gainful employment for at least a year, you may want to review the Blue Book. The Blue Book is the medical guide used by the SSA to determine which illnesses are severe enough to warrant a disability award. The Blue Book lists all of the health conditions that the SSA deems serious, as well as what evidence is required to apply with those conditions.
There are various ways to apply for SSDI benefits, including online, via mail, and in person. If you wish to apply in person or if you need assistance with your application, you may visit one of the following locations central to the Oak Hill area:
Mount Hope Social Security Office 25801
5475 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Suite A-8
Mount Hope, West Virginia 25801
(800) 772-1213
Charleston Social Security Office 25301
500 Quarrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
(800) 772-1213
Bluefield Social Security Office 24701
3014 E Cumberland Road
Bluefield, West Virginia 24701
(800) 772-1213
Can a Social Security Lawyer Help Me Win My Claim in Oak Hill?
Oak Hill residents have approximately a one-in-three chance of being awarded benefits when they first apply for a Social Security disability award. This means that the vast majority of claimants are initially denied the financial benefits that they are seeking. Those applicants may either drop their claim or continue to the complicated appeals process.
One of the best ways of enhancing your chances of a successful claim is to hire an experienced disability lawyer to help you with your claim. If you are initially denied, which is often the case, your attorney can examine your application and medical records to see what information might be missing. Further, a disability lawyer can help navigate the appeals process on your behalf.
While some individuals are skeptical of hiring a Social Security lawyer, it’s helpful to know that disability attorneys earn a percentage of your claim, meaning that they only get paid if you win your case.
Do you live in Oak Hill? Do you have a disability? Get a free case evaluation today
