Practice Areas

Our Commitment

At Chihak & Gustad, we try to give hope to clients who are in pain and in financial need.

We help people who cannot work due to illness or disabilities get the Social Security benefits they need and deserve.

Because we practice only in the area of Social Security, we understand the complex claims process. We know how to guide claims through the system. We know how to overcome the rejection of an initial claim and work at all levels of the appeal process.

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.

Our firm has helped thousands of people obtain Social Security benefits. We will prepare and file a Social Security Disability claim and support it with the necessary medical and vocational information.

You worked hard all your life, asking for nothing. You paid into the system out of each and very paycheck. You deserve the benefits that can enable you to live a decent life now.

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.

Chihak & Gustad also helps people with limited work histories to qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits and Medicaid. These benefits may also be available for children in some cases.

We can explain the claims and appeal process and discuss whether your condition or illness can qualify you for benefits.

Call us toll free at (888) 723-4141 to schedule a free consultation.

A Network of Resources

Our firm has working relationships with a number of doctors, medical specialists, and vocational experts that can provide a second opinion to counter the opinions of the Social Security Administration. If necessary, our attorneys can direct you to agencies that can provide social services and help while you wait for the approval of your claim.

Chihak & Gustad will be your advocate throughout the entire process, from the initial application to the final approval of your claim.

Contact a Social Security Benefits Lawyer

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

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.