Talk to Our Salem, OR Disability Attorneys for Free

When you become disabled and unable to work, your livelihood is on the line. You may find yourself overwhelmed with questions about how you will support yourself while you access the care you need to get by. Managing a disability is hard enough, and that stress is compounded by the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims process and its many moving parts. You may have considered pursuing disability benefits but don’t know where to start, or you may have applied and faced a denial. The concept seems daunting to you, and that’s because it’s supposed to be.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it difficult for applicants to get approved for benefits, especially when they handle it themselves. You need an experienced advocate, local to you in Salem, to guide you through it every step of the way. At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, our disability lawyers know times like these can bring about a lot of insecurity and uncertainty – but they don’t have to. This is where we come in.

You can turn to our skilled Salem Social Security Disability attorneys, who will walk you through the disability claims process every step of the way. No case is too tough for us; from the initial application to appeals to approval, we will work tirelessly to secure the essential financial help of SSDI that you may be entitled to by law. Speak with us for free today.

How Can a Disability Attorney Help With the SSDI Claims Process?

A knowledgeable Salem Social Security Disability attorney well-versed in disability law and SSA claims can guide you through the complex process, regardless of where you are. Whether you need representation in court, someone to file your paperwork on time, or an advocate for advice or legal guidance, our compassionate Salem disability lawyers at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll are here to help. Here are just a few ways we help secure the benefits you could be entitled to:

1. Knowing the SSA. SSDI has specific rules and requirements for each applicant from the SSA. A skilled disability lawyer helps you understand these rules, ensuring you know what you need to qualify for assistance and confidently navigate the claims process.
2. Collecting evidence. You need to prove that you have a qualifying disability for SSDI, and your disability lawyer knows how to gather all the necessary medical records, doctor's notes, and other evidence to show the severity of your qualifying condition.
3. Filling out forms and organizing files. There's extensive paperwork involved in the claims process. Your disability lawyer ensures all forms are completed accurately, so you don't miss any important details or deadlines.
4. Navigating the appeals process. A Social Security Disability attorney is well-versed in all steps of the appeals process. Don’t go through the lengthy appeals process alone – a knowledgeable SSDI lawyer can advocate for you and argue your case at every phase.
5. Representing you at hearings. If the SSA denies your claim and request for reconsideration, you are not alone. A lawyer can represent you at hearings. They speak up for you, explaining why you qualify for SSDI and presenting your case in the best possible way before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
6. Maximizing benefits. Your disability lawyer ensures you get the maximum benefits you’re entitled to. They know the system well and can identify opportunities to improve the chances of a successful claim.

SSDI vs. SSI: What’s The Difference?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), two different federal programs to ensure beneficiaries’ financial stability and security.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to Americans who can no longer work due to a disability. Eligibility for SSDI is based on work history and contributions to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, Social Security Disability applicants must have a certain number of work credits and their disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Work credits earned during employment impact benefit amounts determined by the individual's age and lifetime earnings covered by Social Security. Applicants must have a qualifying disability preventing them from engaging in substantial gainful activity, expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the onset of their disability. Work incentives in place, such as trial work periods and extended periods of eligibility, encourage individuals to re-enter the workforce.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program providing financial assistance for Americans who meet the income requirements. Eligibility for SSI is based on financial need rather than work history. SSI is available to individuals with limited income and resources, including those who may not have worked or paid into Social Security. The benefit amount is a fixed federal payment supplemented by some states. It is not based on past earnings but is subject to income and resource limits. Similar medical criteria apply, but eligibility is also tied to financial need. Medicaid eligibility usually begins immediately upon approval.