Diana Chaikin

Diana Chaikin

Attorney · Seattle University School of Law

Diana Chaikin is a legal editor specializing in disability law at Nolo. She started writing articles as a freelancer in 2021 and joined the staff in 2022. Diana has worked as a solo practitioner based out of Seattle representing claimants before administrative law judges in Social Security disability hearings.

Education. Diana received a B.A. in Political Science from New York University and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, where she served as article editor on the Seattle Journal for Social Justice. During law school, Diana interned at the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska and Corbis Corporation. She also wrote an article on the Visual Artists Rights Act and how it pertains to outsider artists.

Disability experience. Fresh out of law school, Diana worked as Attorney Advisor for the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings Operations (formerly Office of Disability Adjudication and Review). While there, she worked for several administrative appeals judges to ensure disability decisions met the administration’s standard for quality. She then decided to work on the other side of the bench, successfully representing disability claimants for over 10 years before coming to Nolo.

Goals and interests. Diana finds satisfaction in making complex areas of the law seem intuitive to nonlawyers. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), and is on the board of the Washington Lawyers for the Arts.

Articles by Diana Chaikin

How Long After a Disability Hearing Will I Get an ALJ Decision?
In a survey we did of readers who had been to an appeal hearing, the average wait time for a decision was...
Social Security Disability Benefits for Thyroid Disorders
If you have complications from your thryoid diseases that prevent you from working, you might qualify for SSDI benefits.
How to Appeal a Long-Term Disability Denial
All LTD policies provide for at least one, and often two, levels of administrative appeals, and it is through the appeals process that many workers eventually receive their benefits.
Receiving Property or Income After Applying for Disability
Having assets does not need to affect your eligibility for benefits under SSI or SSDI.
Can I Bring My Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal to Work as an Accommodation?
Some employers may be required to allow certain service dogs or emotional support animals at work.
How Obamacare Affects Social Security and People With Disabilities
One way that Obama's health care reform will help make health insurance accessible to more people is by eliminating preexisting condition exclusions.
How Much Does It Cost to Appeal a Disability Case to Federal Court?
If you appeal a disability denial to federal court, you may be able to get your attorney fees paid by the government.
Can I Get Disability Benefits if Agoraphobia Keeps Me From Leaving My House?
Agoraphobia can be disabling if it prevents you from working.
How Combining Exertional and Non-Exertional Limitations Can Help You Get Disability
If you have strength-related limitations as well as non-strength-related limitations, you have a better chance of getting Social Security disability.
What Happens If You Are Unable to Work for Medical Reasons?
You may qualify for Social Security disability if you can't work any full-time job on a regular basis.
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