Are you in need of an expert social security disability lawyer? The attorneys at Casa De La Justicia can help you get the social security disability insurance (SSDI) payments you’re entitled to. We handle the entire process, from the first application to the hearing.
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What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that helps individuals and certain family members if the person is unable to work for an extended period. This program is administered by the Department of Social Security Administration (SSA), and they have strict eligibility requirements. SSDI payments vary from year to year according to Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and are based on the person’s average lifetime earnings. You may also be eligible for Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI).
You are eligible for SSDI if you meet all these requirements:
- You are disabled and think you will not be able to work for a year or more.
- You have recently worked and paid taxes (for at least five of the past 10 years).
- You have the necessary social security work credits, based on your annual wages or self-employment income.
- Your medical condition meets the SSA’s definition of a disability.
- Your current income does not exceed the current threshold.
The social security disability attorneys at Casa De La Justicia will help you navigate what can be a complex process to get these monthly payments. All paperwork must be submitted in the allotted time frame, and applications can take a long time to be reviewed by government representatives.
In many cases, the social security office denies the first SSDI application. This is common, but any necessary appeals and additional information gathering is taken care of by our social security lawyers. Los Angeles-based Casa De La Justicia can simplify the process, so it goes more smoothly and quickly for you.
Winning begins with a Call!
A social security disability lawyer from the Casa De La Justicia takes care of all the details. They will:
- Complete the SSDI application
- Gather all necessary documents
- Submit and file forms with the SSA
- Keep track of and comply with all deadlines
The SSDI Process
The process consists of 3 steps:
1. Application
In this first step, you report your medical limitations, symptoms, medical history and work history. The SSA considers this information to determine if you are disabled and if your condition prevents you from working for the next 12 months. The SSA takes 3 to 6 months to review your application. Unfortunately, about two-thirds of initial applications are denied. But don’t worry—we know what to do next.
2. Reconsideration
If you were not approved, you are given another chance. In this step, the SSA is asked to review your application again, in case an error was made, and additional information is provided as required by SSA. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months.
The SSA may then approve your monthly disability payments. If your case is denied, our office requests a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
3. The Administrative Law Judge Hearing
In this final step, you go before a judge who works for the SSA. At the hearing, we present evidence and prove your claim. The judge examines the evidence and determines if you qualify for disability benefits. They will then approve or deny your claim. The likelihood of being approved at this point for monthly disability payments is greatly increased if you are represented by a social security disability attorney.
Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for the SSA to schedule this hearing. A California state disability attorney from the Casa De La Justicia will help you through the entire process—without you having to pay a penny. The process is confidential, and our team is fluent in English and Spanish.
The Application
An experienced attorney from the House of Justice can help you fill out all the required paperwork and forms required by the SSDI Application that are listed below
To apply for benefits, you first need to submit information regarding your education, medical condition, medical treatments for those conditions, and your work history for the past 15 years. This information must be included on the following forms:
- SSA-16 Disability Insurance Benefits Application (SSDI only)
- SSA-8000-BK Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI only)
- SSA-3368-BK Disability Report for Adults
- SSA-827 Authorization to release information to the Social Security Administration
For those who need help with their application, another important document is Form SSA-1696, Claimant’s Appointment of a Representative.
Once you have started the process, the SSA will ask you to complete other forms for qualification.
- SSA-3369-BK Work History Report
- SSA-3373-BK Mobility Report (Adult)
Our disability attorneys at Casa De La Justicia will help you fill out these forms online.
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Complete List of Impairments
The following section explains the medical criteria that are applied to evaluate impairments in adults over 18 years of age and may be applied in the evaluation of children under 18 years of age if the condition has similar effects in children and adults.
There are many medical situations that could be approved for disability payments:
Cancer
Pain that makes it impossible to stand or sit for more than 15 minutes
Diabetes requiring dialysis
Arthritis
Others that prevent you from working
Frequently Asked SSDI Questions
When should I hire a Social Security disability lawyer?
Hire a social security disability attorney when you first become disabled if you have not reached retirement age and are under 65 years of age. To receive benefits, you must have been working and paying taxes for five of the past 10 years. If you wait too long, you may no longer be eligible.
Do you need a lawyer to file for Social Security disability?
You don’t need a lawyer to file an application for SSDI; however, it is highly recommended. There are many confusing requirements. You might be denied at first, and a social security lawyer can support you through the Administrative Law Judge Hearing (ALJ) hearing.
How can I increase my chances of getting disability?
You can’t “increase your chances” of getting disability—you must simply meet the requirements. However, you can increase your chances of receiving payments sooner by hiring a disability attorney who can help you navigate the complex process.
Do I have to be older to qualify for SSDI?
This is a common misconception. Anyone aged 18 to 64 who becomes disabled may qualify for SSDI. When the person reaches full retirement age, their disability benefit is converted to a retirement benefit, and they continue to receive the same monthly payment.
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