How to apply for social security disability in california

How Does Social Security Disability Work in California?

If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, Canlas Law Group, APLC, has the experience to help. Call our offices in Cerritos, California, to learn more.

Initial Application

Applicants file an initial application and provide supporting documents with the Social Security Administration. The applicant may be required to be evaluated by a Consultative Examiner hired by the Social Security Administration to determine whether you are “disabled” under the federal rules.

Reconsideration Level

If you are denied benefits on your initial application, you must request reconsideration of your case within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. The most common mistake made by applicants is failing to appeal. Additional medical evidence can be presented.

Hearing Level

If your claim is denied after reconsideration, you have 60 days to request a hearing which will be held in front of an administrative law judge who will listen to witnesses, review medical evidence, and decide your case.

Appeals Council Level

This step consists of filing a written appeal which will be considered by a special department of the Social Security Administration in Falls Church, Virginia. The appeals Council reviews their case to determine whether you were given a fair hearing. If you succeed, your case will likely be remanded back to the Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings.

Federal Court Level

If the Appeals Council denies your appeal and/or refuses to review your case, you have 60 days to file for review of your case in the Federal District Court. After reviewing the record from your hearing, the Federal judge can:

  1. Award disability benefits, or
  2. Deny disability benefits, or
  3. Send your case back for an additional hearing

Contact One Of Our Social Security Disability Attorneys For Further Guidance On Your Claim

The Social Security Disability Claims process is complex, and claiming disability benefits is frustrating. Call one of our Social Security Disability lawyers at 323-888-4325 for further guidance.

We handle claims for individuals in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County and those located all throughout Southern California.

SSI & SSDI Benefits Qualification Lawyers in California Handling Your Benefits With Care

It can be difficult to deal with a disability, especially if you are not sure if you qualify for benefits. The experienced attorneys at Roeschke Law can help you determine if you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. We will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the benefits you need.

While the qualifications to receive SSI & SSDI benefits can potentially keep people from getting the benefits they need, we can work hard to help you qualify and file for benefits. Call us today at (310) 906-2556 to learn more about your options.

What are the Work Credit Requirements for SSI & SSDI?

To qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits, you must have worked a certain number of years. You will receive work credits that are based on your earnings. The number of work credits you need to qualify for benefits will depend on your age and the date you became disabled.

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will generally need 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years ending with the year you became disabled.

For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need 40 work credits, with at least half earned in the ten years immediately before you became disabled. If you are younger than 24, you may qualify with fewer credits.

What are the Qualifying Disabilities for SSI & SSDI?

To receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has a specific definition of disability. To be considered disabled, you must be unable to do work that you did before and the SSA must determine that your medical condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

The SSA will consider your age, education, past work experience, and any other skills you may have in order to determine if you can do other types of work. If the SSA determines that you cannot do other types of work, then you will be considered disabled.

There are certain disabilities that automatically qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits. These disabilities are known as “compassionate allowances” and include conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and certain types of cancer.

Why Would a Disability Claim Be Denied?

There are many reasons why a disability claim can be denied. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Not meeting the SSA’s definition of “disability”
  • Earning too much money to qualify
  • Failing to provide enough medical evidence
  • Lack of recent treatment
  • Quitting a job or not looking for work
  • Drug or alcohol abuse

If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be long and complicated, but it’s worth it if you’re finally approved for benefits. Our law firm can work tirelessly to assess your specific situation, address your potential qualifications, and help you file for SSI or SSDI disability benefits.

How Does The SSI and SSDI Application Process Work?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine whether an individual is eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. This process is known as the sequential evaluation process.

The first step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant has worked long enough to be insured for Social Security purposes. If the answer is no, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.

If the answer to the first question is yes, then the second step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant has a “severe” disability. A “severe” disability is defined as one that prevents an individual from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity.” If an applicant is not found to have a severe disability, then he or she is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.

If an applicant is found to have a severe disability, the third step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant’s disability meets or equals the severity of a listed impairment. The SSA has a “Listing of Impairments” that outlines what impairments qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits. If an applicant’s impairment is not on the list, or if it is less severe than a listed impairment, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.

If an applicant’s impairment does meet or equal the severity of a listed impairment, then the fourth step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant can perform his or her past relevant work. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.

If an applicant cannot perform his or her past relevant work, then the fifth and final step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant can perform any other type of work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. If the answer is no, then the applicant is considered disabled and is eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not considered disabled and is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.

The SSDI program and the Social Security system can be hard to navigate for California residents. However, if you have paid social security taxes and meet the various requirements and qualifications, you can receive benefits for your permanent disability through SSDI and SSI. A lawyer with experience handling SSI & SSDI benefits qualifications in California can make a difference for you. Call (310) 906-2556 to reach Roeschke Law, LLC today and get started.

What qualifies for disability in California?

Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days. Have lost wages because of your disability. Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability begins. Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period.

What condition qualifies for Social Security disability?

To receive disability benefits, a person must meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act (Act). A person is disabled under the Act if they can't work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.

How much is Social Security disability in California?

Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) depends on your annual income. It is estimated as 60 to 70 percent of the wages you earned 5 to 18 months before your claim start date and up to the maximum WBA. Note: Your claim start date is the date your disability begins.

How long does it take to get disability in California?

Once we receive your completed claim application, we will determine your eligibility. You can expect this process to take up to 14 days. Note: Processing time may vary depending upon the claim. If your claim is incomplete or requires additional information, confirming eligibility can be delayed.