Firm Overview

Efficient, Compassionate and Committed Representation

Chihak & Gustad is a law firm that is exclusively dedicated to helping people obtain Social Security DisabilityAn impairment that qualifies as a disability under Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines must be quite serious. The impairment must render the applicant unable to perform any substantial gainful activity — that is, the applicant must not be able to earn more than a minimum amount of money, determined each year by the SSA. The impairment must completely disable the applicant from working. It must be expected to last for a year, have already lasted a year or be expected to cause the applicant's death. But this is not the end of the qualifying tests. (SSDYou can get disability benefits if you: are under full retirement age, have enough Social Security credits and, have a severe medical impairment (physical or mental) that’s expected to prevent you from doing "substantial" work for a year or more, or have a condition that is expected to result in death.) and Supplemental Security IncomeA Federal supplemental income program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It helps aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income by providing monthly cash payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. (SSIA Federal supplemental income program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It helps aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income by providing monthly cash payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.) benefits.

We represent individuals throughout the Puget Sound area in every type of SSDYou can get disability benefits if you: are under full retirement age, have enough Social Security credits and, have a severe medical impairment (physical or mental) that’s expected to prevent you from doing "substantial" work for a year or more, or have a condition that is expected to result in death. and SSIA Federal supplemental income program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It helps aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income by providing monthly cash payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. claim and at every level of the process — from initial application to filing appeals in federal District Court.

Our mission, first and foremost, is to act as an effective and committed advocate for our clients. We know that each client's situation is unique and handle every case with sensitivity and responsiveness.

We also understand that the process of seeking benefits can be intimidating, so our entire staff is committed to guiding clients through every step, no matter how simple or complex, with efficiency and compassion.

In every case, our goal is to help the client obtain the benefits he or she deserves.

How We Can Help You

From the earliest stages of our clients’ cases, we identify and clarify the issues to the Social Security Administration (SSA). We review and help complete forms that are sent to our clients by the Adjudicator in connection with both applications and appeals. This is important because these forms are often used to discredit claimant’s statements and testimony. The right answers and responses early in the process can help to avoid later problems, as well as directing SSA to the proper issues in a claimant’s case.

The attorneys at Chihak & Gustad will review your case to determine what additional evidence is needed. This involves obtaining the medical opinions and relevant records from your doctors as they relate to specific points crucial to establishing your disabilityAn impairment that qualifies as a disability under Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines must be quite serious. The impairment must render the applicant unable to perform any substantial gainful activity — that is, the applicant must not be able to earn more than a minimum amount of money, determined each year by the SSA. The impairment must completely disable the applicant from working. It must be expected to last for a year, have already lasted a year or be expected to cause the applicant's death. But this is not the end of the qualifying tests.. We will monitor the progress of your case while it is pending before SSA. We attempt to keep your case on track and moving toward a favorable decision by maintaining constant contact with the SSA.

At all levels of your case, we will present written arguments supporting your claim. We will prepare you and tell you want to expect at your hearing. We will also discuss the claims process with you and explain what the Judge assigned to your case will be looking for.

As attorneys who have successfully represented individuals in over 2,000 hearings, we are well equipped to deal with the often harmful testimony of SSA’s medical and vocational witnesses.

Chihak & Gustad has helped thousands of people obtain benefits. We want to help you, too.
Contact a Lawyer

For a free initial consultation with Chihak & Gustad call toll free (888) 723-4141 or send us an e-mail.

Chihak & Gustad is pleased to accept cases from other attorneys on a referral basis.

Our office is located in downtown Seattle, just a few blocks from the Office of DisabilityAn impairment that qualifies as a disability under Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines must be quite serious. The impairment must render the applicant unable to perform any substantial gainful activity — that is, the applicant must not be able to earn more than a minimum amount of money, determined each year by the SSA. The impairment must completely disable the applicant from working. It must be expected to last for a year, have already lasted a year or be expected to cause the applicant's death. But this is not the end of the qualifying tests. Adjudication and Review. This is where all decisions are made at the Hearing level.