People who rely on SSI often worry that saving money—for education, disability-related costs, or even a small emergency fund—could jeopardize their benefits due to strict resource limits. CalABLE accounts offer a powerful solution, allowing SSI recipients to save and invest for their future while protecting their eligibility for essential benefits. What Is a CalABLE Account?…
Continue reading…COLA Watch 2026: How the Next Cost-of-Living Adjustment Will Affect California Beneficiaries
Inflation and rising costs can erode the financial benefits of monthly payments from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For this reason, the Social Security Administration makes annual cost-of-living adjustments to disability benefits in order to mitigate the effects of inflation on the purchasing power of SSD benefits. What Is the…
Continue reading…SSI Resource Limits in 2025: What Counts and What Doesn’t?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial assistance to individuals who qualify due to severe disabilities. However, the program, which focuses on helping people with minimal income and assets, has strict financial eligibility criteria. They have set limits on the total amount of resources that an applicant may own. SSI Resource Limits in 2025:…
Continue reading…Appealing an SSI Financial‑Eligibility Denial: A Guide for Californians
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are designed to help people with limited income and assets. You must meet strict financial limits to qualify for these benefits. Specifically, individuals can have no more than $2,000, and couples can have no more than $3,000 in countable resources. Countable resources include things like cash, bank accounts, and income…
Continue reading…Common Reasons for Long-Term Disability Claim Denials and How to Fight Back
If you’ve developed a long-term disability, you may file a claim for financial benefits from the Social Security Administration’s disability programs – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, the majority of people who apply for SSD benefits will have their initial claims denied. Denials frequently occur for several common reasons….
Continue reading…Understanding the Differences Between State and Federal Insurance Laws in California
If you’re no longer able to work because of an injury, illness, or need for medical care, you may qualify for government disability insurance benefits. In California, residents may access state and federal disability insurance programs for financial assistance. Understanding the difference between state and federal insurance laws in California helps you determine which programs…
Continue reading…When Will My SSI Benefits Start After Approval?
You finally got that letter: approved for SSI. After everything it took to get here—doctors, paperwork, waiting—you probably hoped the hard part was over. And in some ways, it is. But now you’re asking the same thing a lot of people ask next: when will the checks actually start? The Social Security Disability attorneys who…
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If I Move to Another State, Will My Social Security Change?
If you move to another state, your Social Security retirement or disability (SSDI) benefits will not change because they are federal programs. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits could change due to state-level supplements and different eligibility criteria. Some states provide additional payments, while others do not. To avoid payment delays, you should update your…
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Financial Assistance Beyond SSDI: Exploring Alternative Disability Benefits
California residents facing disabilities often seek financial assistance to alleviate the economic challenges that can accompany impaired health. While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a well-known federal program, there are other disability benefits that may be available to California residents in need of support. Here, we will explore these alternatives and provide a comprehensive…
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SSA’s Representative Repayment Program
Are you or a loved one having a difficult time managing money and receiving Social Security payments? If this is the case, Social Security may find you or your loved one to be a candidate for the Representative Payment Program. We will talk more about this program and who it is for here. What Is…
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