There is one advantage to the long wait, particularly for clients with "gray" cases. A "gray" case is a one with many good points, but with enough bad points to prevent a decision without a hearing. Go to Shortening the Long Wait.

Often a "gray" case is gray because it lacks current objective evidence of functional capacity. I frequently refer these clients to State of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation for evaluation. What this does is help the client learn if there are still jobs s/he can perform, or learn, with the benefit of formal testing and evaluation, why s/he cannot work. The link is www.oregon.gov/DHS/VR/. Go to locations and contacts and call the branch that services your location.

Still, the wait is too long. After waiting a year for a hearing, I encourage my clients to contact their elected officials, not to ask for a pass to the head of the long line, but to express legitimate dissatisfaction with how our government serves disabled and deserving citizens. Eventually, the complaints must be addressed and the Social Security Administration must account to Congress.

Contact information for the Oregon delegation serving clients in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion and Yamhill Counties:

Senator Ron Wyden

1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 585
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-7525
wyden.senate.gov

Senator Gordon Smith

121 SW Salmon St.
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-3386
gsmith.senate.gov

Congresswoman Darlene Hooley

315 Mission St., SE
Salem, OR 97302
(503) 588-9100
house.gov/hooley

Congressman David Wu

620 SW Main St.
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-2901
house.gov/wu

Congressman Earl Blumenauer

729 NE Oregon
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 231-2300
house.gov/blumenauer