Riverside Social Security Disability Attorney
The team at Disability Advocates Group has been helping members of the Riverside community obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for many years. Some of the larger cities in Riverside County include the city of Riverside as well as Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, and Corona. Riverside County is home to over 2.4 million people. Many of these people suffer from various disabilities. Over 7% of the city of Riverside is disabled. Nearly 50,000 people living in Riverside county are currently receiving SSI or SSDI benefits.
Understanding the Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits
The federal Social Security Administration provides two different benefit programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The federal government administers the programs along with the state of California. The SSI and SSDI disability programs both provide monthly cash benefits for disabled Riverside residents. The eligibility requirements are different for the two programs, however.
SSI Benefits in Riverside
SSI provides those who qualify with a monthly income benefit. SSI disability benefits are only available based on need. Applicants must have a limited income and less than $2,000 in assets for individuals and $3,000 for couples. The state of California provides an additional supplementary payment on top of monthly federal benefits. Riverside residents who qualify for SSI will automatically be eligible and become enrolled in Medicaid health care benefits through the state of California.
SSDI Benefits in Riverside
SSDI recipients must be younger than 65, have earned enough work credits, and have a qualifying disability or medical condition. When eligible Riverside residents receive SSDI for two years or more, they will become eligible for Medicare. The Social Security Administration approves more SSDI benefits than SSI benefits.
Applying for Social Security Disability in Riverside
The first step in applying for SSI or SSDI benefits is to determine whether or not you qualify for benefits. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify, our qualified Riverside Social Security disability attorney can evaluate your case and help you decide whether or not you are eligible. Applicants for SSI must have a low income and less than $2,000 in assets. For SSDI, the applicant must prove that he or she has a qualifying medical disability or disease.
Applicants for SSI and SSDI can apply online or in-person at a Riverside Social Security Administration office. Every year, millions of people apply for SSDI and SSI, and many of them receive claim denials on their first application attempt. Submitting an accurate and thorough application will help you increase your chances of approval.
SSI and SSDI Disability Hearings in Riverside
SSI and SSDI benefits are awarded to disabled individuals after a successful hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). It is important to remember that hearings do NOT take place at the offices of the Social Security Administration (SSA). In Riverside County, all disability hearings take place at the local Office of Hearings Operations (OHO):
3rd Floor
22690 Cactus Avenue
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Telephone: (866) 737-4503
Fax: (951) 867-3779
eFile Fax: (877) 312-9771
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
During the hearing, medical records are often reviewed with experts, and the details of each case are discussed. Having the appropriate medical records available is critical to success at a hearing. These records need to be obtained from any healthcare clinics and hospitals where treatment was received. Fortunately, Disability Advocates Group obtains all medical records on behalf of our clients at no charge. We make sure that our clients are prepared for their hearings with all the necessary information and supporting evidence.
Of course, not all people applying for SSI or SSDI will win at their hearing. In fact, in Riverside, only 44% of people applying for SSI or SSDI win at the hearing. Over half of those people applying for benefits don’t receive them. For many, having an experienced attorney at their side at an SSI or SSDI hearing is the difference between successfully earning benefits at the hearing versus needing to start the appeal process.
SSI and SSDI Appeals in Riverside
The Social Security Administration denies most first-time applications for SSI and SSDI. If you receive notice that they have denied your claim, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Disability Advocates Group, we can help you submit a compelling appeal of your claim. Time is of the essence when it comes to appealing your SSDI or SSI denial. You must submit your notice to appeal soon after you receive notice of the denial.
The Benefits of Hiring a Social
Security Disablity Lawyer in Riverside
At Disability Advocates Group, our experienced SSDI and SSI team understand what it takes to submit a high-quality application and well-written appeal. By hiring an attorney, you will increase your chances of approval. When you hire Disability Advocates Group, you can rest assured that your claim is in experienced hands. Contact our Riverside SSDI and SSI lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation to get the process started.
