Approximately 30 miles northwest of Portland lies the beautiful city of Auburn, Maine. With a population of roughly 23,000 people, this twin city of Lewiston is a popular place to live and work. Unfortunately, not all Auburn residents can hold down a job. For those who are facing a serious illness, employment may not currently be an option.
Thankfully, Auburn is a community filled with many resources for individuals who are disabled. Auburn and the surrounding areas are packed with excellent physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers. Additionally, disabled Auburn residents can apply for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, created to assist individuals who have become permanently disabled, is available to those residing in Auburn.
Health Resources for Individuals Living in Auburn
When illness or injury strikes, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn first. While taking care of one’s health should be of utmost importance, the financial demands of life do not disappear. In addition to medical expenses, mortgages, car payments, and other bills often begin to mount. The stress of declining health is now compounded with a significant financial burden.
The SSDI program was created to assist those who have become disabled as a result of a serious health condition. To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have earned a minimum number of work credits within the last ten years, thus paying taxes into the system.
The number of disabled workers has grown significantly over the years, with over 10 million Americans currently receiving disability benefits. Although that number is large, many applicants are denied benefits. In fact, approximately two-thirds of claimants are turned down for benefits during the initial application phase.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must have thorough medical records outlining the diagnosis, accompanying symptoms, and prognosis. Therefore, establishing a strong working relationship with a doctor is essential. The SSA will work with your physician to obtain the required documentation.
If you have been diagnosed with a health condition and you are not able to work, you will need to have a doctor. There are many reputable practices throughout the state of Maine. Listed below are three physician practices located centrally to the Auburn area:
Central Maine Family Practice
12 High Street, Suite 302
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 795-5750
cmhc.org/location/central-maine-family-practice
Auburn Medical Associates
2 Great Falls Plaza, Second Floor
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 330-3950
stmarysmaine.com/departments-services/primary-care-providers/family-practice/auburn-medical-associates
Family Health Associates
190 Stetson Road
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 784-7388
cmhc.org/location/family-health-associates?utm_source=local-listing&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=website-link
Applying for Social Security Disability in Auburn
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits is the same from state to state. First, you will need to determine if you have earned enough work credits in the last ten years to be eligible for SSDI benefits. If so, you will then want to assess whether or not your illness is severe enough to warrant a disability award. One way to do this is by reviewing the Blue Book.
The Blue Book, also referred to as the Listing of Impairments, is an online medical guide used by the SSA to determine if an individual has a disability that is severe enough to prevent them from working. It also includes the medical evidence required to receive benefits. Many claimants find it helpful to review the Blue Book with their doctors to ensure that all of the necessary medical tests have been performed and all of the documentation updated.
It’s important to note that disability benefits are not meant for health conditions that are expected to resolve. For example, unless there are long-term and unexpected complications, you won’t receive SSDI benefits for pneumonia or a knee replacement. To be granted a disability award, your condition must be expected to keep you out of work for at least a year or longer.
The majority of disability applicants choose to complete their applications online. However, the option to do so by mail or in person also exists. Here are three Social Security offices within driving distance to Auburn.
Auburn Social Security Office 04210
600 Turner Street, Suite 5
Auburn, Maine 04210
(866) 627-6996
Augusta Social Security Office 04330
330 Civic Center Drive, #4
Augusta, Maine 04330
(800) 772-1213
Portland Social Security Office 04101
550 Forest Ave, #150
Portland, Maine 04101
(877) 319-3076
Can a Social Security Lawyer Help Me Win My Claim in Auburn?
Applying for disability benefits is a cumbersome process, filled with many steps and deadlines. Further, if you are one of the many who are denied benefits during the first phase of the application process, you must file an appeal. The required paperwork is complicated.
A disability attorney has experience in dealing with the Social Security Administration and knows exactly what steps to take to enhance your application. Further, with your permission, your lawyer can speak directly with your healthcare providers. Working with a qualified lawyer allows you more time to take care of the important thing: your health.
