Who We Are The Clauson Law Firm

Clauson law was founded over 14 years ago, focusing on helping the disabled. We have helped thousands of clients across the United States in Social Security disability cases.

Whether you have an initial application, need to appeal a denial, or go to a hearing, and no matter where you are, we can help.

Tollfree: 833-680-0177
Law Firm in North Carolina

Areas We Serve We represent clients across the country in Social Security disability

Clauson Law attorneys and staff are passionate, competitive, and creative. They love their job and are naturally motivated to fight for what they believe in: the legal rights of their clients. With owner Vaughn Clauson and his experienced team, rest assured that you will have competent and trustworthy representation, to quickly resolve even the most complicated legal dilemmas.

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Frequently Asked Questions Social Security disability FAQ’s

The “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” Unlike Worker Compensation, or VA Disability, under Social Security you are either completely disabled, or not disabled. There is no such thing as partial, or percentage, of disability.

For disability purposes, what you have to prove at a hearing is the same regardless of whether the case concerns SSI or Disability: you still have to go through the five-step sequential evaluation process. The programs differ in their technical requirements for disability.

Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) is a disability program for those who have little or no income or resources, except for an automobile, a home and furnishings, and are disabled. If you receive either money (earned or unearned) from any source, or assistance in the form of food, clothing, or shelter, that amount may be reduced.

Disability Insurance benefits (DIB) is a disability program for persons who have worked and paid Social Security Taxes for 20 out of the last 40 quarters, generally speaking, and are disabled. It also pays for dependents of the disabled to a certain extent. The amount of DIB is computed based upon average monthly earnings according to a computer program created by Social Security, and is unaffected by any other income you might get. If you are eligible for both types of Disability benefits—as some of my clients are—your payments will be subject to a complicated formula called the Windfall Offset, which reduces your SSI payments by the amount that should have been paid had the DIB been paid first.

The hearings are not like any court proceeding, in that the normal rules of evidence do not apply, although you will be sworn (or affirmed) as a witness for testimony, and medical evidence will be admitted formally to a written record referred to as your official file for purposes of the hearing. Typically attending are the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), a court reporter and you and your representative. In some cases, the ALJ has a medical doctor (a medical expert or “ME”) or vocational expert (“VE”) present to testify at the hearing. In some cases (where a client alleges that they have seizures, for example), there may be other witnesses your attorney will want to have present to testify on your behalf, but this is rare.

No, you can file as soon as you become disabled. Most people make the mistake of waiting too long to file for benefits. If you and your doctor believe that you won’t be able to return to work for at least a year, or your doctor or therapist advises you to seek disability benefits, or you have been to Vocational Rehabilitation and they have said you are too sick to be able to benefit from their services, it is time to file for disability. In fact, if you wait more than a year after becoming disabled before filing for benefits, you may be losing valuable months of past-due benefits.

Unless you are homebound, go to your local Social Security office and apply in person. Even if you have an appointment, you may have to wait several hours before you actually meet with a claims representative who will take your application. If you cannot appear in person, call 1-800-772-1213 and schedule a telephone interview with a claims representative who can take your claim over the phone. This is not as satisfactory as actually sitting in front of a claims representative, but will get the job of filing done.WHEN YOU FILE YOUR CLAIM, BE SURE TO BRING ALL THE INFORMATION SOCIAL SECURITY NEEDS, INCLUDING THE NAMES AND CONTACT NUMBERS FOR YOUR TREATING DOCTORS AND MEDICAL CLINICS. ALSO, ANSWER SOCIAL SECURITY’S QUESTIONS THOROUGHLY AND COMPLETELY SO AS NOT TO MISLEAD THE EXAMINERS. See “giving incomplete information,” under “Mistakes Claimants Make,” above.

Client Testimonials

I must say that I truly believe they have compassion for clients. Response time is fast , they always answer the Phone and they are very Proactive, I would like to thank the Clauson law firm staff and my attorney Ari Sibrey. She made me feel very comfortable and she answered all of my questions when I felt nervous . I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who is seeking a lawyer. Once again Thank you for taking my case !

Tierra

The Clayson law firm helped me get my SSI and they were such a blessing🙏.I would really advise you to call them when u need a law firm... They keep in touch with you and you actually talk to a real person.... They have my appreciation and respect... Thank you

Sherri

Brandon Forbes handled my case and was a pleasure to work with, from start to finish. He was professional, responsive, and caring - all of the qualities you want in an attorney. I would recommend the firm.

Mary Lisa

With what is going on in this world today, I am grateful to express my respects to how this law firm represented me. I truly believe he respects people of color and cares for who you are no matter what. I always will love this law firm. Thank you for changing my life. I will keep sharing my experience with others. Many are afraid due to color but I encourage them to know you are not alone and this law firm can help you!!!!Thank you,Tracy

Havok

This is a great law firm. Ari Sibrey was a great lawyer to work with. She explained the process and all of my questions. Most importantly she was accessible. I give Mrs. Sibrey all the credit for a successful conclusion in my Social Security Disability case. Thank also to the rest of the Clauson Firm.

Quincy

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SSD Applications and What You Need to Know

If you are unable to work due to your health, we can help you get the benefits you deserve!

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