San Jose
San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and the financial center of Silicon Valley. With over 1 million residents, San Jose is the third most populous city in California, next to Los Angeles and San Diego. San Jose is located next to the San Francisco Bay in the Santa Clara Valley and is the main city surrounding the Santa Clara metropolitan area. Silicon Valley is home to a large high-tech industry, and San Jose has earned the nickname of the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” Many renowned technology companies are located in San Jose, including Paypal, Zoom, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Cisco Systems.
The Benefits of Hiring a San Jose Social Security Disability Lawyer
Many people in San Jose and the surrounding areas have been diagnosed with a medical condition or disability and cannot work. Being unable to work due to a disability can be incredibly challenging for you and your loved ones. The Social Security Administration offers two different monthly cash benefits programs available for individuals who cannot work due to disabilities, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
At Disability Advocates Group, we have helped many clients in San Jose obtain the Social Security benefits they deserve. Applying for benefits is a tedious process that requires you to complete an accurate application. You will also need to submit all of the necessary paperwork and evidence to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from working. When you work with the legal team at Disability Advocates Group, you will rest easier knowing that we are representing your interests throughout the entire process.
San Jose Disability Hearing and Appeal Lawyers
When you apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, you will need to include your detailed work history and information about your medical condition. The SSA denies most first-time applications, so if they have denied your application, don’t dismay. Most applicants need to appeal the initial decision. If the SSA denies your SSDI or SSI application, you have 60 days to file your appeal from the date you received your denial. First, you’ll need to file a request for reconsideration, during which a third party who isn’t familiar with your case will review your entire application. If the third-party examiner denies your application again, you will be able to request a hearing conducted by an administrative law judge.
During the administrative hearing, you will be able to present your case to the administrative judge. You’ll need to show that your medical condition or disability prevents you from working in your former job or any other type of job. Disability hearings are similar to typical trials in some ways, but they are much less intense. Many disability hearings occur through telephone or video conferencing. During the hearing, the administrative law judge will ask you questions about your work history and how your medical condition or disability impacts your daily life and ability to work. There will also be a vocational expert at the hearing who will shed light on your ability to work in your industry. The administrative judge will also ask the vocational expert questions.
Having a lawyer on your side during the administrative hearing will help you significantly. Your lawyer will know which questions to ask you and the witnesses at the hearing in a way that shows your inability to work due to your disability and present evidence in your favor. At Disability Advocates Group, many of our clients are wary of going to a hearing, and we can help them by preparing them and helping them understand what to expect at the hearing.
The Difference Between SSDI and SSI Benefits
The eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI benefits are different. SSI benefits are intended for applicants with very low-income levels who are blind or disabled. If your income level is too high, you will not be able to obtain SSI benefits, but you may obtain SSDI benefits.
SSDI benefits are available for applicants with a qualifying disability or medical condition who have enough work credits. Workers earn credits when they pay into the Social Security system through their paychecks. Monthly SSDI rates are also generally higher than SSI benefits. In some cases, applicants can obtain SSDI and SSI benefits.
Contact a San Jose SSDI Lawyer Today
Obtaining disability benefits in San Jose can be challenging, but the legal team at Disability Advocates Group is here to help. The best way to protect your right to obtain benefits is to speak to an experienced Social Security lawyer. Whether you still need to file your application or you need legal representation to appeal a denial of your case, we can help. The sooner you contact our legal office, the sooner we can review your case and work on your case.
San Jose, CA 95123
Telephone:1-800-772-1213