Information About Obtaining Social Security Benefits The claims process for obtaining Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits is complicated. Most initial claims are denied, and an experienced attorney is often necessary to obtain a claim approval. Chihak & Gustad understand the claims process and has helped more than two thousand people obtain Social Security … Read More →

The Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs can provide the income and medical coverage you need to live a decent life. These essential programs can mean the difference between a comfortable life or a life of poverty and hardship. Chihak & Gustad is a law firm dedicated to helping people obtain the SSD or SSI … Read More →

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program developed to provide benefits for people with limited work histories who cannot work because of disability or illness. Getting SSI benefits can enable you to live a better and more comfortable life, and obtain health care through the Medicaid program. But a large number of initial SSI claims are denied. An … Read More →

Our government has established the Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs to provide benefits for people who cannot work due to disability or illness. Qualifying for benefits does not come automatically. The fact that your doctor or counselor thinks you are disabled is not enough. You must present evidence that your condition prevents you … Read More →

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis C, severe back pain and other hard to measure symptoms may qualify the sufferer for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Convincing a skeptical SSA doctor or administrative law judge that these conditions prevent you from working can be difficult. Chihak & Gustad is a law firm … Read More →

At Chihak & Gustad, we are often asked by people with disabilities if they should try to work. The answer to this question is complex and depends on facts specific to your situation. We would be pleased to discuss your case and advise you what to do. It may make the difference between getting benefits … Read More →

Many people try to navigate the disability benefits system themselves. This is a serious risk. The Social Security Administration is one of the largest bureaucracies in the world. It is understaffed and underfunded. SSA simply does not have the resources to adequately develop a claim and give it the thoughtful attention it deserves. As a result, … Read More →

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules about the information that must be included on a benefits claim. If your claim does not conform to these rules in every detail, your claim will be denied. Your best bet is to work with an experienced lawyer who can present an error-free claim to SSA and … Read More →

The Social Security Administration denies a large number of initial claims, but even if your claim is denied, there is still hope. There are ways to overcome a Social Security denial. Chihak & Gustad has an extensive record of success obtaining disability benefits for people throughout the Puget Sound area. We work with clients at … Read More →

You typically start receiving benefits as soon as your claim is approved. This can happen in as little as three months, though it can take a year or longer. Once your claim is approved, you will receive back benefits, minus our attorney fee. For Social Security Disability claims, your back benefits will begin from the date … Read More →

Our fees are set by federal law and paid by the Social Security Administration out of any award of back benefits. The fee is 25% of the back benefits up to a maximum of $6000, whichever is less. Additionally, it is a contingent fee, which means unless we obtain a favorable outcome, you do not … Read More →

http://www.ssa.gov/ The US Social Security Administration (SSA) is dedicated to protecting individuals’ economic security through programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

http://ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html Look here for useful information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about Social Security Disability benefits and how to apply for them.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/disabilities.html The US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health provide health information and numerous other resources for people with disabilities.

http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/Populations/Disability/Disability.htm The CDC and the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (OMHD) provide this informative Web page with disability demographics and resources for people with disabilities.

http://ssa.gov/disability/Adult_StarterKit_Factsheet.pdf The Social Security Administration answers frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability benefits.