If you are a resident of California who has become too sick or injured to perform the necessary duties of your employment, you may be eligible to receive benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, obtaining these benefits can be tricky, and having the guidance of a Davis, CA, SSDI attorney can prove helpful. They can assist you in various ways, including answering the question, how much does SSDI pay in California?
In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide certain benefits to individuals who qualify. If you believe that you or a loved one qualifies for these benefits, it can prove vital to understand how much you may be eligible to receive. If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness, rest assured you are not alone, and there are monetary options available to you so you can focus on rest and recovery rather than financial hardship.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a governmental program designed to provide monthly payments to individuals who suffer from a disability that impedes their ability to work. You may be eligible to receive disability insurance if you have a sufficient work history and suffer from a specific disability or blindness.
SSDI benefits can include monthly compensation and Medicare benefits. Some of the qualifying disabilities for SSDI can include the following:
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, depression, eating disorders, borderline personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorders, PTSD or other trauma-related conditions, personality or impulse-control disorders, developmental disorders, and disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum.
- Musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions, such as chronic back pain, severe sciatica, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. This is particularly in cases where the condition keeps you from being able to perform basic tasks, you struggle to walk on your own, or you struggle to pick up, hold, or lift items over a certain weight.
- Sense and speech disorders, such as blindness and deafness.
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, chronic pulmonary hypertension, emphysema, sleep apnea, and long covid. These might qualify you for disability if you have been recently hospitalized, require the use of oxygen, have had testing that demonstrates airflow obstruction or have recently experienced respiratory failure.
- Cardiovascular system conditions, like aneurysms, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. As a result of any of these conditions, the Social Security Administration will expect you to have at least one of the following issues due to the disease: central cyanosis, chronic heart failure, pulmonary vascular disease, or inadequate cardiac output.
- Digestive system disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease, in rare cases, and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, if you have a colostomy bag, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.
How SSDI Payments Are Calculated in California
When calculating the SSDI payments available to you, the severity of your disability will not affect the amount involved. Instead, the Social Security Administration will determine your payments based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability occurred. This amount will then be calculated using your covered earnings, which are the earnings taken out of your wages for Social Security.
The SSDI payments you can receive will be based solely on your average earnings over a certain period of time.
What Factors Can Impact Your SSDI Payments?
It is important to keep in mind that certain factors can impact the amount of SSDI benefits you are eligible for. These factors can include:
- Being on any current form of worker’s compensation
- Being on any public disability benefits
- Having a pension based on work that is not covered by Social Security, such as a government or foreign government pension
FAQs
Q: Can I Appeal an SSDI Denial in California?
A: Yes, you have the right to appeal an SSDI denial in California, but should only attempt to do so with the assistance of an experienced attorney. It is quite common for individuals to be denied on their first attempt at obtaining benefits, so if this happens to you, don’t panic. Instead, ensure you do not start a brand new claim, and look to retain the services of an attorney who can help you through the stages of the appeal process.
Q: What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
A: The main difference between SSDI and SSI lies in their eligibility requirements, purpose, and funding. SSDI is a program that individuals who have contributed to Social Security can benefit from when they become disabled and can no longer perform the necessary duties of their jobs. SSI, on the other hand, is a program for individuals with limited resources who have suffered a disability.
Q: Can I Continue Working While Receiving SSDI Benefits?
A: Yes, you can continue working while you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. There are certain rules that allow individuals receiving SSDI to continue working if they choose to do so. Likewise, through SSDI, you may be able to receive training, job search assistance, or even free vocational rehabilitation.
Q: How Much Does an SSDI Lawyer Charge in California?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number for how much an SSDI lawyer might charge for their services in the state of California. There are several variables involved that can influence your attorney’s final cost analysis. These variables include the complexity of your SSDI case and the experience of your attorney.
Speak With a Seasoned SSDI Lawyer Today
Filing a claim for SSDI can be tricky, and it is wise to do so only with the help of an experienced SSDI lawyer. For nearly 30 years, the team at Gade & Parekh, LLP, has been assisting clients with obtaining the benefits they need to recover and get back on their feet following an injury or illness. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more information about the services we offer for SSDI cases.
