Downtown Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyer
If a medical condition prevents you from working, our Downtown Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyers can help you pursue the benefits available to you. Disability Advocates Group represents Downtown LA claimants seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including people whose claims have been denied. We also handle long-term disability insurance claims, including claims governed by ERISA.
We develop the medical and employment evidence needed to show how your condition affects your ability to work and keep your case on track at every stage. We focus on presenting a clear, well-supported case that addresses the issues Social Security or an insurance company will consider when deciding your claim.
Why Choose Disability Advocates Group?
Our team takes a thorough, individualized approach to disability claims, identifying potential issues early and preparing each case with an appeal in mind when necessary.
Clients turn to Disability Advocates Group for:
- Decades of experience handling disability claims
- Evidence-based application and appeal preparation
- Representation at Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings
- Clear updates about your claim and next steps
- Free consultations with no obligation
- No attorney fee unless your Social Security disability claim is successful
What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI provides benefits to people who have worked and earned sufficient Social Security credits. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources and does not require the same work history.
Both programs generally require a medical condition that prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. We help determine which program may apply and develop the medical and work evidence supporting your claim.
Do You Handle Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims?
Yes. Our Los Angeles long-term disability lawyers assist with LTD insurance claims, including employer-sponsored plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
LTD insurance generally replaces part of your income when you meet the policy’s definition of disability. Insurers may deny or terminate benefits because they dispute your medical restrictions, believe an exclusion applies, or contend that you can still work.
Legal representation can be particularly valuable after an ERISA LTD denial. The administrative appeal is an important opportunity to strengthen the medical and vocational record, and your ability to introduce additional evidence later in federal court may be limited.
How Does the Social Security Disability Appeals Process Work?
An initial denial does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for benefits. The Social Security disability appeals process generally has four levels:
- Reconsideration: Someone who did not participate in the initial decision reviews your claim again.
- ALJ hearing: An Administrative Law Judge reviews the evidence and may hear testimony from you and vocational or medical professionals.
- Appeals Council: The Council decides whether to review the judge’s decision, looking for legal error or findings the evidence does not support.
- Federal court: After completing administrative appeals, you may be able to file suit in federal district court.
You generally have 60 days after receiving a denial to request the next level of review. Keep the notice, note when you received it, continue medical treatment, and contact us before the deadline. As Los Angeles disability appeal attorneys, we can address issues raised in the denial, develop additional evidence when appropriate, and prepare you for a hearing.
Which Social Security Offices Serve Downtown Los Angeles?
Depending on their address, Downtown LA residents may be served by one of several nearby SSA field offices:
- Los Angeles Downtown: 1401 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
- University Village: 1122 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 201, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Wilshire Center: 4000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010
Claims reaching the hearing level may be handled by the Los Angeles Downtown Office of Hearings Operations at 888 S. Figueroa St., Suite 800. Published figures have put the hearing wait at roughly nine months and overall processing at about 350 days, although SSA workloads can change these timelines.
Downtown LA’s high housing and living costs can make the loss of employment income particularly difficult. The area employs people in professional services, hospitality, construction, retail, government, and the Fashion District. Back and joint disorders, chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, and mental health conditions can limit both physical and office-based work. When these limitations prevent you from maintaining substantial employment, disability benefits may provide an important source of income.
Talk to a Downtown Los Angeles Disability Lawyer
You do not have to wait for a denial to get help with a disability claim. Disability Advocates Group can help you prepare an SSDI or SSI application, challenge a denied claim, prepare for an ALJ hearing, or address a long-term disability insurance dispute.
Contact Disability Advocates Group today for a free consultation about your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive SSDI and long-term disability benefits at the same time?
Potentially. You may qualify for both, although your LTD policy may allow the insurer to offset its payments based on the SSDI benefits you receive.
Will working part time automatically disqualify me from SSDI?
Not necessarily. SSA considers your earnings and work activity when determining whether you are performing substantial gainful activity.
Do I have to attend my disability hearing in person?
No. Depending on the circumstances, SSA hearings may be held in person, by telephone, by online video, or by agency video.
At a disability hearing, we:
- Present updated medical evidence
- Question vocational experts
- Demonstrate your inability to perform substantial gainful activity
- Advocate directly before the Administrative Law Judge
Approval rates increase substantially at the hearing stage when applicants are represented by experienced disability attorneys.
Learn MoreHear What Our Happy Clients Have to Say
“I am very grateful with the positive results regarding my case, “DAG” from Encino California. The staff involving Rosa Anzures-Case Manager, also Mark Shirman-Supervisor, and Michelle Jordana Shvarts-Attorney, whom are very instrumental as a team. All my inquiries were handled on a timely manner, and all my questions were addressed professionally. Especially during a time when I was stressful and overwhelmed. I highly recommend “DAG” for your services.” – Lalo R.
Contact Our Downtown Los Angeles Disability Attorney Today
Applying for disability benefits is not easy, and mistakes can delay your financial support for months or even years. Disability Advocates Group focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability law. Whether you are filing your first application or appealing a denial, we are prepared to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and protect your right to benefits.
606 South Olive Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Telephone: 888) 488-0517
Fax: (213) 894-2595
Office Hours: 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Crenshaw, Los Angeles (Downtown), University Village, Watts
