If you are injured or diagnosed with a condition that impairs your ability to work, one of the first places it will be suggested that you turn is Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most Americans have heard of it but many do not realize exactly what it is until we are faced with a need for it. If you need and El Dorado disability lawyer, Gold Country has helped guide thousands of individuals from across California through the process of applying for and receiving SSDI benefits.
What is SSDI?
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It was established in 1956 by president Eisenhower. It is actually an amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935 which previously did not include insurance for those with disabilities. The program pays monthly stipends to those who qualify to help cover lost income. The amount given is determined on a case-by-case basis and is generally determined based on the amount of Social Security benefits accumulated before a person stops working.
What is SSI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. If you haven’t paid enough “quarters” into Social Security to qualify for regular SS benefits (including retirement!) then SSI provides a safety net for people who are disabled and cannot work AND have very low resources to support themselves.
How do I apply for SSDI?
The first step in getting Social Security Disability benefits actually should happen before even submitting your application: determining if you are eligible. There are many regulations put in place to help ensure that the program is not abused. This means that recipients must meet very specific benchmarks in order to be considered eligible. The two main requirements are that you have 1) worked long enough and recently enough in a job included under Social Security and 2) have a condition that meets their definition of a ‘disability’. An El Dorado disability lawyer can be especially useful in this step as the conditions to qualify fluctuate yearly and can be purposefully convoluted. Our lawyers have years of California-specific experience and will be able to ascertain if you have a good chance of approval. YOU CAN APPLY ON LINE on the Social Security website.
Once you have resolved to move onto your application, there are a few options for submitting. While there are in-person and over-the-phone processes, the most common avenue for proposals is online. You will be asked to compile an extensive list of medical, financial, and personal documents to be looked over by a state official called a Disability Examiner who works under the Disability Determination Services.
Due to the huge influx of requests, Examiners will be looking for very specific wording within the application in order to approve an individual. Gold Country Worker’s Comp Center knows exactly the information that California Disability Examiners will be searching for. We will make sure that you have everything in place and worded as cleanly as possible in order to make your application appealing, thorough, and straightforward.
How do I apply for SSI?
To apply, you have to submit a written application. You can do this by setting an appointment at the closest SS office, or on the phone with a SS representative.
Can I reapply if my claim has been denied for SSDI or SSI?
Yes! This is called a Reconsideration Filling and is perfectly valid, but they do have a notoriously high denial rate. An El Dorado Disability Lawyer will greatly improve your chances of an accepted Reconsideration. This is because we are able to quickly pinpoint the mistakes in your documents that most likely lead to your refusal the first time around. Oftentimes, the medical documents provided do not clearly or adequately communicate the severity or nature of a person’s condition. This is especially true if your doctor is unaware of your intent to file for disability or if you are using outdated documents. The problem may also simply be a mistake on the part of your Examiner. No matter the reason, Gold Country can help you determine if you have a solid case for reconsideration and help restructure your application.
Gold Country Workers Comp Center knows that disability benefits are the right of every qualifying American. We work tirelessly to provide each of our clients with the best chance of obtaining the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and see if you could be receiving assistance.
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