If you have sustained a disabling illness or injury in California and can no longer perform the necessary duties of your job, you and your loved ones can suffer as you become unable to bring home a paycheck. You might find yourself wondering, how does SSDI work in California? SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is designed to help individuals who are no longer able to work because of a disability. The process, however, can seem daunting to many.
At Gade & Parekh, LLP, our SSDI attorneys are here to help you through the entire process. From the initial filing of an SSDI benefits claim to any appeals that may become necessary, we have nearly 30 years of experience helping clients get the benefits they need to recover from financial hardship due to a disability. Allow a Nevada County SSDI attorney to simplify this process for your benefit.
The Social Security Disability Insurance Process in California
Social Security Disability Insurance is a government program available to individuals who have suffered a disability and are no longer able to work. The process for gaining these benefits, however, can be quite complicated and time-consuming. It can be wise to seek these benefits with the assistance of an attorney. Many first-time applications are denied, and many individuals have to file an appeal to get the benefits they need.
The first step in filing your initial application for SSDI is to ensure you have gathered all of the necessary paperwork and information that you will need to provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The more information you have, the better your chances of having your claim progress through their system smoothly and efficiently. The information that should be included in all SSDI claims include:
- Your name
- Your place of birth
- The name of any current or former spouses
- The names and dates of birth for any children you have
- Your address and phone number
- Employment information, such as where you worked, your pay rate, your job title, your job duties, and the date your disability began to impact your ability to work.
- Education or training information, such as your level of education and any special job or vocational training you might have received.
- Medical information, such as a list of all medical conditions, dates of all medical examinations, treatments, and tests, and the names of all the medications you are currently taking.
- Any additional information, such as a copy of your birth certificate and a W-2 form
Once you have obtained all of this information, you will need to complete the official application in person at an SSA office, over the phone, online, or by mail. Online is often the quickest and most preferred method. The SSA will then review your application at the state level and issue you an initial determination regarding your disability status and whether you qualify to receive certain benefits.
Common Challenges Faced by Individuals Seeking SSDI in California
There are a handful of reasons why your application for SSDI benefits may be denied or take longer than usual, including the following:
- Your income. While receiving SSDI benefits, you are allowed to make a small income. If you begin earning more than the allowed amount, you could receive a denial of benefits.
- Failure to cooperate. If you do not take the steps needed to comply with the requests of the SSA while they review your application, your claim can be denied.
- Failing to cooperate with your physician. Your physician may require you to attend therapy and return to their office for follow-up appointments. If you do not follow through with these requirements, outside of having a valid excuse, you could face the denial of your benefits.
- Failing to prove an inability to work. It can be complicated to prove that you cannot work due to a disability, but this is required if you hope to secure SSDI benefits.
FAQs
Q: Can You Appeal an SSDI Decision in California?
A: Yes, you can appeal any decision made by the Social Security Administration regarding your SSDI benefits in the state of California. It is important to note that these are difficult legal matters and should be attempted with the assistance of an attorney. Having an attorney on your side can help ensure that the appeals process goes smoothly and in your favor.
Q: What Makes Someone Eligible for SSDI?
A: Someone can be eligible for SSDI if they worked a job that was covered by Social Security, contributed to the Social Security system, and suffer from a qualifying disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year. You must also be unable to do work that is substantial gainful activity.
Q: What Are Some Examples of a Good Cause in a Late Appeal Case?
A: In cases where you miss the deadline for filing an official appeal in an SSDI benefits case, you can qualify for an extension. In these situations, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a good cause for this extension. In order to qualify for a good cause, you must be able to show you were severely ill and unable to appeal by the deadline, suffered a death in the family that impeded your ability to file, or experienced some other circumstance outside of your control.
Q: What Conditions Qualify You for Disability in California?
A: There are several conditions that can qualify you for disability benefits in California. These can include asthma, PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, POTS, IBS, chronic liver or heart failure, cystic fibrous, certain forms of arthritis, cancers, COPD, or if you require the use of oxygen or, in some cases, have a colostomy bag.
Speak With a California SSDI Attorney Today
If you or a loved one believe you could qualify for benefits through SSDI, the attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, are here to help. Allow us to work with you at this time and help ensure the process for securing these benefits goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Trust us to help you file your initial application and any appeals that may become necessary. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
