Suffering a debilitating disability can put you out of work and cause financial hardship for you and the individuals who depend on you. You might wonder, what conditions automatically qualify you for disability in California? While there is no condition that automatically qualifies you for either SSDI or SSI, your Sacramento Social Security eligibility can be reviewed by an attorney who can help you file for these benefits to improve your chances of securing them.
One of the biggest obstacles faced by individuals seeking disability benefits is proving that they are eligible to receive this assistance. There are several steps in the process you will need to go through, as well as a wide range of documentation and paperwork you will need to provide.
Unfortunately, there is no one condition that will automatically help you secure disability benefits, but with the guidance of an attorney and an understanding of the legalities involved, your chances can increase.
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits in California
When seeking SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) in California, you will need to meet strict eligibility requirements. These include the following:
- You must be able to demonstrate that you are not currently working.
- You must be able to show that your impairment or condition is severe.
- You must be unable to perform the necessary duties of your job, such as lifting, sitting, standing, walking, or remembering information.
- You must be unable to perform duties of a new kind of employment.
- You must have suffered or be expected to suffer this disability for at least one year.
To determine these requirements, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will use a five-step process to make their decision regarding your disability eligibility. These steps include questions to address the following:
Your Current Work Status
If you are currently working at a level of substantial gainful activity (SGA), you will not be considered disabled. SGA is defined by the amount of money you bring in as income each month. If you earn more than a certain amount each month, you are considered to be working at the SGA level.
The Severity of Your Impairment
The SSA must determine that your mental or physical impairment is severe enough to warrant disability benefits. A severe impairment tends to be one that significantly limits your ability to perform the basic duties of your work.
Whether You Have a Qualifying Condition
The SSA provides everyone with a list of physical and mental conditions that qualify under their disability parameters. If you have one of these conditions or suffer a condition that is similar to one of the listed impairments in terms of severity, you can qualify for SSDI.
Your Ability to Perform Your Past Work
The SSA will determine whether or not you can continue performing your current employment duties despite your disability. If you can perform this work, the SSA will most likely deny your claim.
Your Ability to Perform Other Types of Work
If you are not able to perform your current employment duties due to your disability, the SSA will review your claim and determine whether you are able to adjust to another form of work. They will take the limitations of your disability into consideration when making this determination. If work is found for you, the SSA may deny your claim.
Disabilities Involved in SSDI Cases
SSDI benefits can cover several common health conditions and disabilities that people suffer from every day. The most common health conditions include:
- Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders
- Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, spine disorders, amputations, or chronic back pain
- Certain cancers
- Hearing loss, blindness, or speech disorders
- Chronic liver or heart failure
- Immune system disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV/AIDS
If you have any of these conditions or a condition you believe qualifies you for SSDI, reach out to our firm so that we can help you get started on your claim.
FAQs
Q: What Might Affect Your Disability Benefits Amount in California?
A: Even if you do become eligible for disability benefits in California, there are certain things that may affect your payment amounts. If you receive other forms of government assistance, your SSDI payments can decrease. Other forms of government assistance can include workers’ compensation payments, public disability benefits, or government pension plans.
Q: How Long Can It Take to Receive SSDI Benefits?
A: Receiving SSDI benefits can take anywhere from a few months to a year in some cases. The timeline to receive these benefits will vary depending on the factors of your case, such as whether you correctly filled out all paperwork and supplied the necessary documentation, the severity of your disability, and how quickly the individuals working on your case can move your claim through the system.
Q: Can I Appeal an SSDI Determination?
A: Yes, in California, it is your right to appeal an SSDI determination when it comes to disability benefits; however, there is a strict deadline for these appeals to take place. You may apply for an extension should this deadline be missed, but you must be able to show that you had a good cause to miss the original deadline. Having an attorney’s help through the appeal process can prove paramount to its success.
Q: How Much Are Most SSDI Payments in CA?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number for how much SSDI payments are in California, as each person’s case can have varying elements. The amount you receive will be based on your monthly income prior to becoming disabled and how much you contributed to the Social Security system before your disability occurred.
Contact a Trusted Disability Lawyer in California Today
If you are suffering from a disability in the state of California, it is vital that you contact an SSDI lawyer right away who can help you with your claim for disability benefits. At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we have been assisting clients for nearly 30 years and are ready to use that experience and our resources to help you. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more information regarding our services.
