Lawyer of Firm Description

About Woodruff & Mathis — Social Security Disability Auburn Maine

Social Security Disability Auburn clients fighting for SSDI benefits after initial denials turn to Woodruff & Mathis at 218 Court Street. Attorney Samuel Mathis has built a specialized disability practice that serves clients across Androscoggin County and Maine. Assistant Cathy Lee provides client support that reviewers consistently describe as exceptional. The firm focuses on Social Security Disability Insurance claims, SSI applications, appeals, and administrative hearings where outcomes often determine whether disabled clients can continue affording basic needs. Clients searching for Maine disability representation find Sam Mathis’s dedication and preparation distinctive.

Sam Mathis handles SSDI cases for clients with severe medical conditions including short bowel syndrome, rare neurological disorders, and mental health conditions that SSA initially denies despite strong medical evidence. His preparation includes detailed case file development and hearing preparation that has produced favorable outcomes in cases denied twice before retention. Cathy Lee manages client communication and paperwork with an accessibility that matters for disabled clients navigating already-difficult processes.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe Sam Mathis as exceptional at SSDI case preparation, with Cathy Lee’s support making a measurable difference during stressful multi-year appeals. Clients with rare conditions describe the firm understanding medical complexity that SSA examiners had dismissed. A spouse describes Sam making family members feel seen and heard throughout a four-year denial saga that finally resolved in approval. Multiple reviewers describe Sam adjusting his schedule to accommodate urgent case needs, including canceling vacation time when critical deadlines arose.

Social Security Disability Auburn — Practice Areas & Services

SSDI initial applications
Reconsideration and appeals after denials
Administrative Law Judge hearing representation
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) applications
Appeals Council and federal court review
Representation for rare medical conditions
Free case evaluations

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are SSDI applications often denied?

SSA denies most initial applications — often around 70% — for various reasons including incomplete medical evidence, inconsistent treatment records, and residual functional capacity assessments. Most approvals come through appeal at the hearing level, where an Administrative Law Judge weighs all evidence. Experienced representation significantly improves approval odds.

How long does an SSDI case take in Maine?

Initial decisions typically come in 3 to 6 months. Reconsideration adds another 3 to 5 months. Hearings before Administrative Law Judges often have 12 to 18 month wait times. Total timelines of 24 to 36 months from application to hearing decision are common. Back pay accrues during this time if approved.

What should I bring to a Social Security Disability consultation?

Bring any denial letters, the list of your medical conditions and treating providers, and your work history for the past 15 years. Medical records, while helpful, are not required at consultation — your attorney can obtain them after retention. Being prepared helps the attorney assess your case quickly.

Quick Facts: Social Security Disability in Auburn, Maine

SSA Hearing Wait Times: Published quarterly by the Social Security Administration — SSA Hearing Wait Times
Attorney Fees: Federally capped at 25% of past-due benefits or a specific ceiling, whichever is less — Social Security Administration
Androscoggin County Superior Court: State civil matters heard at 2 Turner Street, Auburn — Maine Judicial Branch

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Woodruff & Mathis, located in Auburn, Maine, is highly regarded for their exceptional legal services in Social Security cases. Reviewers consistently praise Mr. Sam Mathis and his assistant Cathy Lee for their professionalism, dedication, and ability to make clients feel supported throughout the often stressful process of applying for disability benefits. Many clients report successful outcomes and express their gratitude for the thorough, compassionate care they received, making Woodruff & Mathis a top recommendation for anyone in need of legal assistance in this area.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Mr. Mathis was exceptional in handling my disability case. He was incredibly helpful, always on top of every detail, and made the process smooth and stress-free. His dedication and expertise gave me confidence every step of the way. Highly recommend!

Sam was very easy to work with, very friendly and knowledgeable.

Sam is a great Lawyer and Cathy and Bandit are great additions to the office. Mr. Mathis goes above and beyond when it comes to getting you ready for your case. I would reccomend him to all of my family and friends.

Mr Mathis was very thorough, attentive to my needs,considerate and did everything possible to help me

I wanted to take a moment to share my experience with Mr. Samual Mathis and his assistant, Cathy Lee, regarding their exceptional work in assisting me with my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application. Located at 218 Court Street in Auburn, Maine, Mr. Mathis and Cathy provided a level of professionalism and dedication that truly set them apart from others in their field. After my initial application for SSDI was denied, my wife took the initiative to research disability attorneys and discovered Mr. Mathis. We decided to move forward with him, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Throughout the process, Sam and Cathy worked tirelessly on my behalf, ensuring that all aspects of my case were handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. I am pleased to share that, thanks to their efforts, I have now been granted my SSDI benefits. I am immensely grateful for their commitment to helping me during this important time in my life. I strongly recommend Mr. Samual Mathis and Cathy Lee to anyone in need of SSDI representation. Their expertise and support made a significant difference in my case, and I am confident they can do the same for others. Sincerely, E. Brown

My brother needed to further understand what support is available to assist disabled workers. Sam Mathis took time to discuss the various options and to advise us on how to proceed. A great service for a trying time.

My wife had Mr Mathis for her disability case, he did an amazing job and put in the time and effort to make us feel comfortable and informed. I can’t praise them enough. Even his secretary was amazing she brought her puppy out to help calm my wife’s nerves before the call with the Judge. I recommend this firm with a 5 star rating and for us that says it all. Thank you for your preparation and hard work with our case!

Sammy Mathis was amazing!! Helped my mom with her case and provided communication the whole time!! Was professional and personable and always made her feel seen and heard!! Would give 5 starts 100 times if I could!!

Sam and Kathy are amazing. Its not just the result that was good, they were punctual, professional, and several times they went above and beyond the normal role of a law firm. Highly recommended.

Sam and Kathy were very friendly outgoing kind, people great to work with. They were easy to talk to and to get ahold of him. Sometimes I had to wait for them to call me back, but they always did great bunch of people, a great lawyer

Sam is the best dedicated lawyer in have ever had in my lifetime of needing a lawyer. He was supposed to go on vacation. The same time the rain ruined that vacation my request for needed him come up for him. After our first appointment which was that week, Sam agreed to take my case. He had just a very short few months to do a years worth of work. Sam helped me stay relaxed when it was time for my court date. I would refer him to anyone that wants a better chance of winning your case.

As a last ditch effort after four long years of denials from Social Security we took my wife’s disability claim to Sam Mathis and Cathy Lee . My wife suffers from mental issues and, although two phycologist found her unable to re-enter the work force, was turned down by SSDI. Sam and Cathy to the rescue! Cathy was remarkable at putting my wife at ease while Sam was professional throughout our entire ordeal. Thanks to Sam and Cathy we finally won. Highly recommended!

Sam is a great person to work with. He makes everything easy to understand, and you always feel that there is someone on your side.

I went to see Sam after a major surgery caused me to lose over 75% of my bowels I now have short bowel syndrome which is a very rare disease that not many people know about.

Sam Mathis made my case go so smoothly. I was impressed by his expertise. He handled my case with professionalism and compassion. I tried getting my disability twice on my own unsuccessfully. He took my case on second appeal. He explained everything in detail and returned every phone call. He eased my anxiety greatly. He called me when he got extremely good news. He won my case for me when I thought it would be impossible. I can’t thank him enough. Sam and Cathy were there when I needed them. I can’t thank them enough. I would recommend them. They were very down to earth and easy to talk to.