Northern California Social Security Disability Lawyers

Northern California is a vast region with a rich history. California’s northernmost 48 counties are included in the region of Northern California. San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose are the major cities that anchor Northern California. In addition to these important cities, Northern California also includes stunning natural beauty. The world-famous “Avenue of the Giants” redwood trees are located in Northern California. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy spending time in Lake Tahoe, Yosemite Valley, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

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Do You Have a Disability and Live in Northern California?

Thousands of residents of Northern California are living with disabilities that make it challenging to maintain gainful employment. The Social Security Administration provides two different benefits for those with disabilities that prevent them from working, namely Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you or your loved one have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for one or both of these types of benefit programs.

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The Benefits of Speaking to an SSDI Lawyer

Recipients of SSDI and SSI receive monthly cash benefits from the federal government. Securing SSDI or SSI benefits could help you and your family live a more financially secure and comfortable life. The sooner you discuss your case with an experienced Northern California SSDI lawyer, the better. At Disability Advocates Group, we have helped thousands of California residents obtain the SSDI and SSI benefits they deserve.

The Difference Between SSI and SSDI Benefits

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be entitled to SSDI or SSI benefits. Both of these types of benefits are offered by the Social Security Administration, and they both provide monthly cash benefits for those with disabilities who are unable to work. However, the eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI benefits are different. SSI benefits are awarded to applicants who have sufficient financial needs. Only applicants who are blind, deaf, or have another type of qualifying disability and who have limited financial resources in income will qualify for SSI benefits. If you’ve never worked before or only worked for a short timeframe, you can still obtain SSI benefits

On the contrary, applicants do not have to show that they have limited resources and income to qualify for SSDI benefits.  Applicants for SSDI benefits will need to show that they have enough work credits to qualify. Employees earn work credits when they pay a portion of their income into the SSDI or SSI system through their paychecks. As long as the applicant has contributed enough of their paychecks to the Social Security Administration, they will qualify for SSDI benefits. The claims examiner who reviews your application will carefully consider your detailed work history to determine whether you have enough work credits to qualify.

In addition to demonstrating that you have enough work credits, you’ll also need to prove that you have a qualifying medical disability. Your disability must be significant enough that it prevents you from engaging in a substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your application needs to include a statement from a doctor who has examined you. The doctor’s report must state that he or she expects your medical condition to last for at least a year or to end in your death.  

However, you will not need to prove that you are permanently disabled to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are unsure about which type of benefit you should seek, the lawyers at Disability Advocates Group are here to help. We will review your case and guide you in the right direction.

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Qualifying for SSDI Benefits in Northern California

When it comes to successfully applying for SSDI benefits, the information you include in your application is crucial. The claims examiner who will review your application will carefully consider your work history and the information you provided about your medical condition. The legal team at Disability Advocates Group understand what type of information examiners need to see in applications to approve them. 

 

We will help you obtain a complete medical evaluation and gather all of your relevant medical records that show how significantly your disability affects your ability to sustain employment. When you work with us, you will not need to go through the process alone. Our team will communicate with you every step of the way and guide you through the application process. When we work with clients, they feel a sense of relief, knowing that skilled professionals handle every aspect of their application and give them the best chance to obtain benefits.

Appealing your SSDI Claim Denial

Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration denies the vast majority of initial SSDI and SSI applications. If you received a claims denial letter, do not despair. You will have the opportunity to appeal the denial of your claim within 60 days of the date you received the letter. It’s essential that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible because if you don’t file an appeal within that time frame, you will lose the right to appeal your claim. At Disability Advocates Groups, we have successfully appealed many SSDI and SSI claims for our clients. We know how to navigate the SSDI and SSI systems effectively.

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Contact a Northern California SSDI Lawyer Today

We understand that the process of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits can be incredibly overwhelming. That’s why we use our legal skills and knowledge to advise our clients and walk them through the process step by step. We are familiar with all of the common reasons that the Social Security Administration denies benefits. Using this knowledge, we guide our clients through the process and ensure that their applications are accurate and complete. 

We will help you gather all of the information required in your application, giving you the best chance possible of approval. Should the Social Security Administration deny your initial application, we will assist you in appealing the decision. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can help you obtain SSDI and SSI benefits.