In the southern part of Oregon State, not far from the California border, lies the small city of Klamath Falls. This city of approximately 21,000 people has seen its fair share of growth in the last decade.
However, the city also faces upwards of a 6% unemployment rate as compared to Oregon’s overall unemployment rate of 4.1%.
While there are many reasons that a particular geographical area might have a higher unemployment rate, reflected in these numbers are individuals who are no longer capable of working due to a severe health condition.
What some Klamath Falls residents might not know is that the federal government has created programs to assist those who have become permanently disabled.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two distinct programs aimed at offering financial aid to those who are ill or injured.
Further, Klamath Falls is home to many medical practitioners who can assist not only with one’s health but also with the Social Security disability application process.
Health Resources for Individuals Living in Klamath Falls
Certainly, many individuals have had the experience of calling out of a job due to feeling ill. For most, the illness was short-lived, and a return to work came swiftly.
Often, for these types of absences, the much-needed time off does not result in a reduced paycheck. Employers typically understand that everyone gets sick occasionally, and they plan for these rare occurrences.
However, what happens when a serious illness strikes seemingly out of nowhere? Some individuals are no longer able to work after an injury or new health diagnosis.
Often, the financial ramifications of a serious health condition are devastating. Many people turn to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for help.
SSDI benefits are reserved for those individuals who have worked a certain number of hours in the last ten years, thus paying taxes into this program.
Not everyone who applies for SSDI is awarded it, however. Due to the massive number of disability applicants each year, the federal government must be judicious in their decision-making process.
Only those with the most severe health conditions are considered as candidates. Individuals seeking disability benefits are required to submit a thorough application with significant medical evidence.
SSDI applications must reflect the most recent health status of the claimant. As such, the SSA carefully reviews the medical records of each applicant.
The most important information submitted will come directly from your doctor and other health care providers. Therefore, it’s essential that you attend regular doctor visits with the same provider.
The SSA will want to evaluate not only your current status but the progression of your illness.
There are many reputable healthcare providers in the Klamath Falls area. Listed below are three recommended offices that might be of assistance to you:
Sky Lakes Medical Center Primary Care
2617 Almond Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 274-8690
https://www.skylakes.org
Cascades East Family Medicine
2801 Daggett Ave
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 274-6733
http://www.ruralresidency.com/for-patients/
Klamath Family Practice Center
2300 Clairmont Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 883-8134
Applying for Social Security Disability in Klamath Falls
Preparation is key when applying for SSDI benefits. One of the most useful resources in determining if a health condition might be considered disabling is to review the Blue Book.
The Blue Book, a medical guide used by the SSA, lists all of the illnesses and injuries that the SSA considers disabling. The Blue Book is broken down into sections based on the various body systems.
For example, COPD would be listed in the respiratory section of the Blue Book.
Some claimants find it helpful to review the Blue Book with their health care provider. Each section of the Blue Book also includes the diagnostic tests and other medical evidence required to win your claim.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are reserved for those who are considered permanently disabled. Therefore, your doctor must assert that the symptoms related to your illness are expected to last for at least a year.
There are three ways that one can go about applying for SSDI benefits and they include online, via the mail, or in person.
If you are interested in visiting a Social Security office, here are three local to Klamath Falls:
Yreka Social Security Office 96097
1960 South Oregon Street
Yreka, California 96097
(800) 772-1213
Bend Social Security Office 97703
250 NW Franklin Ave #201
Bend, Oregon 97703
(800) 772-1213
Medford Social Security Office 97504
3501 Excel Drive, #101
Medford, Oregon 97504
(800) 772-1213
Can a Social Security Lawyer Help Me Win My Claim in Klamath Falls?
While there have been instances where individuals have successfully won their Social Security disability claim without the help of an attorney, many more have faced denials.
The SSDI application process is quite complex to navigate.
Many Klamath Falls residents choose to hire an experienced Social Security lawyer to increase their chance of winning their disability claim.
Ideally, a claimant will work with their attorney from the initial stages of the application process. However, a disability lawyer can be hired at any point in the process.
