Please note that Gade & Parekh, LLP remains open at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently accepting new clients and are actively assisting our current clients with all ongoing case needs. Although we are unable to meet with clients in person at this time, we are happy to conduct appointments by telephone or video conference for the safety of our clients and staff. We remain dedicated in providing caring and personalized legal representation.

Linda SSDI Attorney

Linda Practice Areas

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Please note: We only handle disability claims and do not handle retirement issues

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Linda SSDI Lawyer

Whether your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits claim is successful or not depends on various factors, including your ability to submit strong evidence and to accurately complete the required paperwork. Having the support of a Linda SSDI attorney can give you the assurance that your claim is submitted in the most accurate and timely manner possible.

Serving clients across Yuba, Nevada, Yolo, and Sacramento counties, Gade & Parekh, LLP offers each client tailored legal representation from a trusted disability lawyer who has decades of practice managing SSDI and SSI cases all across Northern California. We strive to ease the burden of dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for our clients so they can focus on attending to their daily needs. 

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

Receive Comprehensive Support From Our Linda SSDI Attorney

A Linda SSDI attorney from Gade & Parekh, LLP, can be a vital resource as you navigate the oftentimes daunting process of applying for SSDI benefits. Each one of our clients receives personalized representation from a dedicated legal team with in-depth local knowledge and a strong grasp of the evidence that matters most in your case.

Located just 30 minutes south of Yuba County, our Sacramento-based disability lawyer works closely with SSDI applicants so they can avoid critical errors and increase their chances of success in their cases. We may also be able to help you obtain survivor and dependent benefits as family members of a disabled worker.

Who Qualifies for SSDI Benefits in California?

A total of 1,729,523 people applied for disability in 2022, and there were approximately $12.7 billion in SSDI benefits paid out in 2023. However, there are a significant number of applicants who are denied disability benefits and cannot enjoy this financial support because the SSA determines they do not meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI.

Before applying for SSDI benefits in California, it is important to determine whether you are eligible for these benefits. Eligibility is based on two main criteria – work history and medical disability. Eligibility criteria are the same across all states since SSDI is a federal program. 

Work History Requirements

Most applicants who have 40 work credits may be eligible for SSDI benefits if they have a disability. Work credits are obtained through employment covered by the SSA. Additionally, 20 of the 40 credits must have been earned over the 10 years prior to applying for SSDI benefits.

Those who have not met the 40 work credit requirement at the time of their application are deemed non-medically eligible if they pass the recent work and duration work test. The years of work history required to pass these tests vary depending on age.

Disability Status

The second main eligibility criterion for receiving SSDI benefits is to have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. When evaluating medical evidence, the SSA asks five questions to determine if an applicant has a qualifying disability:

  • Is the applicant working?
  • Is the applicant’s condition severe?
  • Is the applicant’s condition on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions?
  • Can the applicant do the work they did previously despite their condition?
  • Can the applicant do any other type of work while having the condition?

Each application is unique. However, there are some conditions that may be more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits during initial evaluation, for example, those who suffer from ALS, acute leukemia, or pancreatic cancer. The more medical evidence an applicant provides, the more likely their claim is to be approved.

Beyond meeting the SSA’s definition of disability and having sufficient work credits, eligibility is also based on the applicant’s current work activity. Applicants must not earn more than $1,620 per month (for non-blind individuals as of 2025) except for those eligible for the Trial Work Period incentive.

Applicants are also required to be U.S. citizens or lawful residents to receive benefits from the SSA if they meet the major criteria. SSDI benefits are not available for those who are at full retirement age.

Between 2013 and 2022, only 19-21% of initial SSDI claims were approved. In many cases, applicants are denied because they fail to provide sufficient evidence to prove their eligibility for disability benefits. Organizing a folder with complete medical and non-medical documentation prior to submitting an SSDI application can help improve your chances of approval.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Build a Strong Disability Case?

A: To build a strong disability case, an applicant should understand all SSDI eligibility requirements and be ready to submit detailed evidence proving they meet the criteria. This can include, but is not limited to, medical records that show the applicant’s condition and treatment history, as well as W-2 records. Having a dedicated disability attorney guide you from the start of the process can make the difference between a strong case and a case that is denied.

Q: What Do Disability Judges Look For?

A: When evaluating a claim for medical eligibility, disability judges look at any medical evidence submitted with the claim or obtained through the applicant’s medical providers. These medical records can help them understand the applicant’s limitations regarding performing work-related activities. Judges may also take into account an applicant’s previous work history.

Q: How Can I Increase My Chances of Receiving SSDI Benefits?

A: To increase your chances of receiving SSDI benefits, it is recommended that you work with a knowledgeable disability lawyer in the Linda area who has a track record of success with SSDI claims. An attorney can let you know what evidence you should submit with your application to prove your eligibility. They can also help ensure that you comply with SSA requests promptly.

Q: What Can Increase Your Likelihood of Being Approved for Disability?

A: If an applicant meets the non-medical criteria for SSDI eligibility, a documented history of seeking care for their disability can increase their likelihood of being approved. Documentation from work demonstrating prior requests for accommodation due to disability may also help. Certain medical conditions also increase the likelihood that an applicant receives SSDI benefits.

Discuss Your Case With a Knowledgeable Linda SSDI Attorney Today

Let a skilled Linda SSDI attorney from Gade & Parekh, LLP, provide the support and clarity you need when you apply for SSDI benefits. We are proud of our proven track record of helping residents of Linda and across Northern California secure the disability benefits they are entitled to, even after an initial denial. Contact our office today to discuss your case.

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