In our beautiful state of Oregon, we treat our social programs with the utmost respect and care. We work closely with agencies to approve as many Social Security applications as possible. While the national average of approved applications was around 35% in 2022, Oregon approved nearly 45% of its Social Security benefit requests that same year.
These approval numbers are low because the Social Security Administration (SAA) and Oregon’s own Disability Determination Services (DDS) have strict rules about who they can approve. The factors that determine these standards include the type of disability a person has, the severity of their condition, and whether the affected person is able to earn sufficient income despite the restrictions of the disorder. In general, if you are unable to work full-time due to your disability, you will qualify for benefits.
This article will discuss the factors that affect the application approval process for Social Security in Oregon. We’ll focus on the most common disabilities that are approved for benefits and how to provide evidence that supports your claim. If a disability has prevented you from making a living, or if your Social Security application has already been denied, call Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law. Our friendly staff at our Eugene, Oregon office have the skills and experience you need to receive the benefits you deserve.
Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
When it comes to Social Security benefits, two national programs stand out to support individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program is tailored to meet the specific needs of the disabled person, and each has its own unique requirements for eligibility.
- SSDI provides support to those who have contributed to the Social Security system through their work but now find themselves unable to continue working due to their disability. It’s a crucial safety net that acknowledges your work history and offers assistance when you need it most.
- SSI, on the other hand, offers assistance to people who might not have an extensive work history but are still facing significant challenges due to a disability, blindness, or old age. This program ensures that financial support is available to all Oregonians who need it, regardless of their work history.
Both SSDI and SSI provide compassionate and practical assistance to people in need. If you need specific guidance for your unique situation, call our social security lawyer at Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law today.
Eligibility and Medical Evidence
When applying for Social Security benefits in Oregon, whether or not you qualify will depend on three main factors:
- The type of disability you have;
- The severity of your disability based on evidence from medical professionals;
- And, the impact the disability has had on your ability to make a living.
To prove the severity of your disorder and the impact it has had on you financially, some important paperwork is necessary. This can include medical records, doctor’s reports, and test results. Then, the SSA will require proof that the disability significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities by comparing your income to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) number set for that year.
The Most Common Disabilities Eligible for Social Security Benefits in Oregon:
Physical Disabilities: In Oregon, as in the rest of the United States, physical disabilities that severely impact an individual’s ability to work can qualify for SSDI or SSI. Conditions such as severe heart disease, chronic back injuries, and advanced arthritis are examples where the specific criteria set by the SSA must be met. The medical evidence must detail how these conditions limit your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity and, therefore, require Social Security benefits.
Mental Health Conditions: Mental health conditions are equally recognized but sometimes require more thorough documentation. Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders can qualify when they severely impact a person’s life. Evidence should include detailed treatment records, psychological evaluations, and statements from mental health professionals detailing the impact on your daily life.
Developmental Disabilities: This category includes conditions that are typically diagnosed in childhood but affect individuals throughout their lives. They include intellectual disabilities as well as various genetic and chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. These conditions can significantly impair mental, physical, and social skills necessary for day-to-day functioning and independence. To qualify for Social Security benefits in Oregon under this category, documentation must demonstrate the onset of the disability before age 22 and how it limits one or more major life activities. Evidence may include developmental history, school records, cognitive testing results, and professional medical evaluations that detail the extent of the disability.
Combination of Impairments: Many people applying for Social Security benefits suffer from a combination of impairments. One condition alone might not impact their ability to make a living, but the combination of disorders has led to a disability. In these cases, it’s important to document how these combined impairments reduce your capacity to work. The SSA will evaluate the full impact of your disability on your capacity to perform work-related duties.
Seeking Professional Assistance
At Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law, we understand the challenges you face when applying for Social Security disability benefits in Oregon. Our state strives to approve as many applications as possible, but the evidence that supports your claim must follow the strict standards set by the SSA. Our firm can help you gather and organize the medical evidence you’ll require to receive the benefits you need. We can present your case effectively and represent you in hearings if necessary.
If you need help proving your disability or just guidance on how the social security process works, call Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys At Law in Eugene, OR, at (541) 434-6466.
