Chihak + Chihak was a referral from a co-worker and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. After applying for SSDI online and getting denied (for multiple sclerosis & breast cancer) Chihak + Chihak gathered up all of the same information that I had provided SSA and reapplied on my behalf. I didn’t know what to expect or how long it would take. The worst case scenario was another denial which would have prompted a court date for an in-person hearing with my attorney, at which time I would have likely been approved. But that scenario could add another year to the timeline — just for the court date to be scheduled! While waiting for the answer, I refinanced my condo to get my monthly mortgage payment down, and to take a bit of cash from my equity to help pay the bills until I got approved (since I had to leave the workforce in order to apply). I took out more cash than I needed. I was approved within one year of my initial application after Chihak & Assoc. did their part. The attorney’s fees came out of my first SSDI payment, which was retroactive to the date of my first application (a.k.a., date of disability, I believe). And I didn’t think I could be happier with my experience, until… I got an unexpected phone call from a gentleman, Dan McCarley (so kind and so professional!), who works with Chihak & Assoc. to assist their clients — at NO charge — with navigating the complexities of Medicare choices & enrollment, which is forced upon SSDI recipients two years after approval. He asked for a list of all of my doctors & places I go for specialty care, and a list of all the prescription drugs I take. We scheduled a phone call for the following week to discuss his findings. I have since signed up for a Humana Gold Plus Advantage Plan and feel 100% confident that it’s the best option for me. This is invaluable peace of mind that I’m certain I wouldn’t have if I had made the decision myself, as it likely would have been with the “help” of a commission-based sales person for one of the many insurance companies that were reaching out. I don’t think these sales people would be happy to know about this service offered by Chihak + Chihak, which is apparently NOT a service offered by every SSDI attorney. I still can’t believe my good fortune in receiving this referral! Long story, short: hire Chihak + Chihak for your SSDI reapplication and rest easy that you’re doing the right thing & that you will receive ongoing support for as long as you need it. It was one of the best and most consequential decisions I’ve ever made & I’m so thankful for them.
Gemma
