Here to Assist You With the SSDI Application Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees several government assistance programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). When someone with a certain amount of work history suffers a disability, they may apply for SSDI benefits and receive monthly payments that provide them with the financial stability they need when they are unable to work. The SSDI application process in Oregon may be completed online, by phone, or in person, but it can seem daunting and confusing for many people who are unfamiliar with the eligibility requirements or the types of benefits that may be available to them. At Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we are deeply committed to helping our clients navigate the SSDI application process with greater understanding and ease. Together, we will assess your specific needs, identify the most strategic path forward, and answer your questions as they arise. Our goal is to empower you to move through the SSDI application process in Oregon to secure the benefits you need.
Understanding SSDI Benefits in Oregon
SSDI benefits are intended to support individuals who have a qualifying disability or blindness that prevents them from working. In order to qualify for SSDI in Oregon, you will have to show that you have enough of a work history (also known as having a sufficient number of work credits). Generally speaking, you must be able to prove that you worked for at least five of the last ten years prior to the start of your disability in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. The longer you have worked and the more taxes you have paid over the years, the more likely it is that you qualify for SSDI benefits. Additionally, you will also need to show that your injury, disability, or health condition prevents you from working for a year or more, or that it will result in death. As you approach the SSDI application process, it’s essential to determine whether the following criteria are true in order to move forward with this process:
- The injury or health condition stops you from doing the work you used to do.
- The injury or health condition prohibits you from pursuing or finding another form of work or employment.
If you have specific questions about the SSDI application process, the highly qualified and caring team at Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys at Law is here to provide you with the trusted information you need to make these important decisions with greater confidence.
How to Apply For SSDI in Oregon
Once you have assessed the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits and you believe that you meet these requirements, you can move forward with the SSDI application process. It’s worth noting that it takes some time for the SSA to review the high volume of SSDI applications it receives, so filing an application sooner rather than later is highly recommended. When you fill out an SSDI application, you will be asked to provide several pieces of information, the most important of which are outlined below.
Personal Information About the SSDI Applicant
First, you will need to give the SSA information about your identity so that it knows who you are and how to contact you. The application will ask you to provide the following details, as well as supporting documentation as needed:
- Your date and place of birth
- Your Social Security number
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of individuals who are aware of your medical condition (and who are not medical providers)
- A savings or checking account number with the routing transit number so that you can receive SSDI payments
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful resident status
- U.S. military discharge papers (if applicable)
The application will also ask you to provide details about your current or former spouse (i.e., their date and place of birth, Social Security number, or other information).
Medical Information About the SSDI Applicant
It’s essential that you provide comprehensive information about your medical condition or injury to demonstrate your eligibility for SSDI benefits. You can work with your dedicated SSDI attorney to gather and compile these documents to include with your application. For instance, you can start compiling medical records that detail your medical condition, the types of medications you take (as well as who prescribed them), and the names and dates of any medical tests that doctors or medical specialists ordered. If you are struggling to communicate with healthcare providers and access the information you need, your trusted Oregon SSDI lawyer can step in to handle these tasks on your behalf.
Educational Training and Job Information
The third section of the SSDI application asks you to provide details about your work history and education. You can expect to be asked about the following:
- The jobs you have held within the last five years, as well as details about the dates you worked, your earnings, and how many hours you typically worked per week
- The vocational, trade, or specialized training you received and the dates you completed these programs
- Details about your educational history, including the name and location of the institution from which you received your highest level of education
What to Expect Once You File an SSDI Application
Once you have filed an SSDI application, you can check its status using the SSA’s online portal. Depending on the volume of applications the SSA receives, it can take between five and eight months to receive a decision. However, even if your SSDI application is denied, this does not mean that you have no further options. At Drew L. Johnson, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we handle denied disability claims and help our clients explore their options for securing the benefits they need, like filing a request for reconsideration or seeking a hearing before a judge. No matter what your specific needs and goals may be, you can rely on our dedicated legal team to support you at every step of the process and advocate for your best interests at every turn.
