Many people in Los Angeles rely on the social security program after retiring from their jobs. The social security system can also provide you with compensation if you are disabled and unable to work in the state. You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in this situation.
It can be challenging to file for SSDI benefits on your own. You can get legal guidance during each step of the process by contacting the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group. Our social security disability lawyers in Los Angeles know what it takes to handle your claim.
You May Qualify for SSDI Benefits in California
You can only receive SSDI benefits in California if you meet certain standards set forth by the SSDI program. Generally, you may be able to obtain benefits through SSDI if you:
- Previously worked for a set period of time
- Paid into the SSDI program through your taxes
- Are now disabled and unable to take part in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
You will have to prove that you are disabled to qualify for SSDI benefits in the state of California. In many cases, you will need to provide information about:
- All doctors or medical professionals who have treated you
- Copies of all of your medical records
- All medications you are taking at the current time
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can help you ensure that you have all of the appropriate paperwork to file an SSDI claim. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are prepared to begin working on your claim now, so you can get the benefits you need quickly.
Injuries That Can Qualify You for SSDI Benefits
You may be able to qualify for SSDI benefits anytime you are injured in a way that prevents you from working for a year or more. There are many possible injuries that can lead to a long-term disability. Here at the Simmrin Law Group, we may be able to help if you experienced:
- Head, neck, or back injuries
- Cancer or complications from diabetes
- PTSD, depression, or panic attacks
Note that these are only examples of conditions that may prevent you from working in the state of California. If you have a medical condition that stops you from securing gainful employment, reach out to us today.
Criteria for Applying for Benefits
SSDI is regulated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has set forth specific conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for SSDI. These include:
- Income of less than $1,260 a month as of 2020
- Having a medical condition that is on the SSA’s qualifying list
- Having restrictions on your ability to carry out some basic tasks such as walking or lifting
- An inability to perform the duties of your previous job
- Being unable to secure gainful employment
Timeline for Applying for SSDI Benefits in California
You cannot immediately start receiving SSDI benefits after applying for them in California. In fact, it often takes a period of months to start getting the damages you need to cover your expenses after you experience a significant injury.
In fact, according to Disability Benefits 101, a program offered by the World Institute on Disability, most people have to wait at least one-to-two months for their application to go through. You may have to wait a year or more to get a decision for the Social Security program.
Working with a team of legal professionals can increase the odds that your claim will be handled quickly.
Compensation Offered by the SSDI Program
You may be wondering about the funds you will receive from the SSDI program in California. SSDI benefits are not the same for everyone. Instead, the Social Security program will base your compensation on the average amount you earned each year while you were working.
Note that the Social Security program may reduce the SSDI benefits you get if you are receiving income from another source or if you are also getting funds through the workers’ compensation program.
Additional Types of Compensation for a Disability in California
SSDI is not the only program that can provide you with compensation if you are disabled in the state of California. You may also be able to receive benefits through State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
The SDI program operates on the state level instead of through the federal government. You may receive compensation if you are disabled for up to a year through the SDI program. This may work for you if you are not disabled long enough to receive SSDI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You may use the SSI program if you have a low-income level and a serious disability. SSI differs from SSDI and SDI insurance because it does not require applicants to have previous work experience. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can help you decide which program you should use to get compensation after you are disabled.
Appealing a Rejected Application for SSDI
If your application for social security disability benefits was denied, you still have options to recover the compensation that you need. You can appeal the decision. If you haven’t hired a social security disability attorney at this point, now would be the time to do so. The appeals process can be complicated. Fortunately, an experienced attorney will know how to navigate it.
Reconsideration
The first step in appealing a decision is filing a request for reconsideration. Your attorney will file this request with the SSA. A claims examiner who did not play a part in the original denial of your claim will review the request and may overturn the decision.
Hearing
If the claims examiner does not overrule the initial denial, your attorney will request a judicial hearing. Your attorney will present additional information to the court to support your claim.
Appeals Council
If the judge still upholds the original decision, your attorney will request an appeal from the Social Security Appeals Council. The council may not accept the request, but if they do, they will make a final decision or send it on to a judge for an additional review.
Federal Court
If you still have no luck appealing the decision with the SSA, your attorney still has one card to play. They can file a federal lawsuit and attempt to win you a favorable judgment in federal court.
Contact a Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Make sure you get professional help if you are disabled in the state of California. The Simmrin Law Group can help you apply for SSDI. Our social security disability lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to handle any challenges you face while securing SSDI coverage. Find out how with a free case evaluation.
Take charge of your future by calling us or completing our online contact form.