Disability Attorneys of Ventura County
Social Security Disability benefits provide crucial financial support for people in Ventura County who are unable to work due to a disability. To qualify for disability benefits, applicants must prove that they have a medical condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The disability application and appeal process can be complex and confusing for many claimants. An experienced disability lawyer can provide invaluable help through every step.
In Ventura County, disability lawyers assist clients with submitting accurate applications that clearly document their conditions, limitations, and inability to work. Gathering medical records, getting doctors’ statements, and completing Social Security’s detailed forms require expertise that attorneys provide. If an application is denied, attorneys request reconsideration and marshal evidence for approval. Only about 30% of applications are approved initially, but lawyers boost approval odds at later appeal stages.
Speak to a Ventura County Disability Attorney
Disability Advocates Group has a proven track record of successfully obtaining disability benefits for clients in Ventura County and throughout California. Our legal team will help you navigate the challenging process of applying for benefits. When you schedule a complimentary consultation with Disability Advocates Group, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your application, from ensuring your application is complete and accurate to appealing your claim when necessary.
Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
If you have an injury or medical condition that prevents you from working, it’s important that you understand your rights. The best way to understand whether you’re entitled to benefits is to speak with a skilled disability attorney. The Social Security Administration administers two benefit plans for disabled residents in Ventura County and throughout the country.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) both provide eligible claimants with monthly cash disability payments. However, the SSDI and SSI benefits programs have different requirements for eligibility. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether you’re eligible for one or both types of benefits.
Applying for SSDI Benefits in Ventura County
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available for applicants who cannot work due to a disability and have enough work credits to be eligible. When applying, you’ll need to prove that you have a medical disability expected to last over 12 months or result in death. When determining which disabilities are eligible, claims examiners refer to a book of regulations called the Blue Book.
This manual contains numerous qualifying medical conditions categorized by different bodily systems. If the medical condition you’ve been diagnosed with isn’t specifically listed in the Blue Book, you may still be eligible for benefits. However, you’ll need to provide evidence that your medical condition is as limiting and serious as similar conditions listed in the Blue Book.
Additionally, you’ll need to prove that your medical condition or disability prevents you from being able to work in your current industry or in any other industry. You’ll also need to show you have enough work credits from paying into the Social Security system through your employer to be eligible. Meeting all the eligibility requirements can be challenging, and Disability Advocates Group can help you gather the medical documentation you’ll need to prove you are eligible.
Applying for SSI Benefits in Ventura County
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is intended to benefit individuals with extremely low incomes. Qualifying for SSI benefits is largely income-based. You’ll need to show that your income and assets are below a specific limit. Currently, the monthly maximum income amounts are $914 for an otherwise eligible individual and $1,371 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. Many people are unable to qualify for SSI benefits because their monthly income is too high. In addition to meeting the income requirements, an applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
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- Be age 65 or older
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- Be totally or partially blind
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- Have a qualifying medical condition
Qualifying Medical Conditions for SSI Benefits
A qualifying medical condition must meet the federal government’s definition of a disability. You will need to submit proof that your medical condition is expected to last one year or result in your death. Applicants who qualify for SSI benefits in California are eligible for additional supplemental income through a state program. When applying, you must complete a thorough application that includes evidence proving you meet the eligibility requirements. The Disability Advocates Group attorneys have helped many clients obtain SSI benefits. If you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible for benefits, we can help you understand your options.
Appealing the Denial of an SSI and SSDI Claim
The Social Security Administration denies most first-time SSDI and SSI applications. If you’ve received a letter denying your SSDI or SSI claim, it’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You only have 60 days after you receive the notice of the denial of the claim to request an appeal. The letter must state the reason your claim was denied. The SSA denies most claims because of a lack of information, errors, or missing information. Denials can also occur when a person fails to prove that his or her disability or medical condition prevents the applicant from working.
If you don’t submit your request for reconsideration before the 60-day deadline, you will lose the right to pursue benefits. The first step in appealing the denial of SSDI or DDI benefits is to ask for a reconsideration of your claim. The SSA also denies many requests for reconsideration. In these cases, applicants have the right to request a disability hearing before an administrative law judge.
Disability Hearings in Ventura County
During a disability benefits hearing, your attorney will present testimony and other evidence showing how your disability or medical condition makes it impossible to work. Yoru attorney should present evidence that you cannot work at your previous job or at another similar job. Vocational experts usually provide testimony about your ability to work in other industries. Your attorney will be able to ask the vocational experts questions during the hearing and advocate for your right to benefits. The administrative law judge will also ask you questions.
Contact a Skilled Ventura County SSDI Attorney
If you or your loved one has a disability or medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to SSI or SSDI benefits. Contact the experienced Ventura disability attorneys at Disability Advocates Group to discuss your legal options. We are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.
6477 Telephone Rd #1
Ventura, CA 93003
Telephone: 800-772-1213
