We get many calls each day from folks who are seeking disability benefits. At least half of these folks we decline to represent, and I’d like to explain why.
- If you haven’t stopped earning over $1090 gross/month, it’s premature to apply.
- If you can’t honestly say that there’s no work you could do full time, just that you wouldn’t want those jobs, you’re heading down the wrong road. The test is whether you could do any work, not just your past work. These are disability benefits, not unemployment benefits.
- If you think you might go back to work, then do, rather than apply for benefits.
- If you don’t believe in Western medicine and think you can support your claim solely with the help of alternative medicine, think again. Social Security’s rule requires acceptable medical sources and that means medical doctors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.
- If you aren’t clean and sober and you don’t intend to be, deal with that first.
- If you’re young and you haven’t tried the services of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, you owe it to yourself to give that a real try. Disability benefits will neither support you at the level that working will, nor will they make you feel good about yourself. Disability benefits are the last stop, not the first.