Florin SSI Benefits Lawyer
Practice Areas
Florin Practice Areas
Let’s Talk About Your Case.
Please note: We only handle disability claims and do not handle retirement issues
Contact us for a free consultation
Fields marked with an * are required
Areas Served
Florin SSI Benefits Attorney
For help applying for or appealing denied SSI benefits in Florin, an experienced Florin SSI benefits lawyer at Gade & Parekh, LLP can assist you. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of many types of disability income benefits, but it can be challenging to be approved for this benefit.
Our firm can assist clients with SSI claims by filling out their applications, obtaining their medical records, and communicating with the Social Security Administration on their behalf. If your SSI claim has been denied, we can also help you with your appeal and represent you at your hearing.
Gade & Parekh, LLP, understands how important these benefits are for your financial and emotional well-being and is dedicated to helping Florin residents receive the SSI benefits they need.
Hire an SSI Benefits Lawyer
The Florin SSI benefits attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, have represented SSI and SSDI clients for decades. We offer free initial consultations, and if we take your case, our representation includes everything from the initial filing through all hearings and appeals. There will be no cost to you unless you win, as permitted by the Social Security Administration.
Our extensive experience with the SSA procedures, medical documentation, and federal case law allows us to know exactly what evidence is needed to establish a successful claim, and we can deliver trusted and effective advocacy.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefits program for disabled individuals, blind people, and those over age 65 with limited income and resources. The program provides monthly payments to help recipients afford food, clothing, and shelter. Eligibility for SSI benefits is determined by financial need and asset limitations, not work history, as with SSDI. Applications are reviewed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure applicants meet strict income and asset limits.
In California, state law grants an additional supplement on top of federal SSI benefits for eligible residents. The monthly benefit amount paid to recipients is higher with the state supplement included. In 2024, over 1.1 million Californians received SSI benefits each month, demonstrating how the program supports those with economic and physical disadvantages across the state.
Common Reasons SSI Claims Are Denied
Denials are common for first-time SSI applicants. Many people who meet the SSI eligibility requirements are initially denied based on avoidable errors or omissions. The SSA will deny a claim if the medical documentation does not definitively indicate that a person’s disability will keep them from working substantially. If an individual’s income or resources are over the established limits, the claim will be denied.
Claims may also be denied if an applicant does not reply to SSA requests or attend medical examinations. An individual’s claim may also be denied if there is conflicting information among forms, medical records, and testimony. Applicants and those appealing a denied claim should understand these reasons before beginning the process.
As long as all of the paperwork, medical documentation, and details about eligibility are filled out and up to date, a person can increase the likelihood of being approved.
Appealing a Denied SSI Claim
If you have been denied SSI, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of your case. In fact, many claimants who were initially denied benefits end up getting them during the appeals process. There are several opportunities to gather new medical evidence, clarify details about your condition, and strengthen your case.
Appeals are broken up into several stages: reconsideration, an administrative hearing in front of a judge, review by the Appeals Council, and, if necessary, a federal court case. In Florin, appeals are handled through the Sacramento Social Security office for an initial appeal, which conducts local hearings and reviews. If you are careful and complete all deadlines and documents at each stage, the appeals process can make a world of difference in your case.
FAQs
Q: What’s the Difference Between SSI and SSDI Benefits?
A: The main difference between SSI and SSDI is in their eligibility requirements. SSI is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with limited resources, while SSDI is an earned program based on a person’s work history and contributions to Social Security. Knowing which program applies to you can help ensure that you receive the right benefits and financial support for your disability or financial situation.
Q: Can Children or Teens Qualify for SSI Benefits?
A: Children may be eligible for SSI if they meet the Social Security Administration’s medical and financial requirements. A “child” means a person under the age of 18, or under 22 if they are a full-time student and unmarried.
A child needs to experience severe functional limitations because of their physical or mental condition, which must last a minimum of 12 months or lead to death. The SSA will also “deem” part of a parent’s income and resources when determining eligibility.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get an SSI Decision?
A: There is no set time frame for an SSI decision. Most California-based SSI applicants will receive their initial decision between 6 and 8 months after submission. The exact time frame depends on factors such as how quickly medical providers send records and the complexity of the case. The process can take longer if additional evidence is required or if an appeal is filed. Applicants can avoid unnecessary delays by staying organized and responding quickly to requests.
Q: What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSI Benefits?
A: Qualifying medical conditions for SSI are those that prevent an individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity, and have a functional severity, with a medically-determined prognosis of at least 12 months, or resulting in death.
The Social Security Administration will consider a variety of conditions, including heart disease, severe depression, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and neurological disorders, among many others. Both medical documentation and functional proof of disability impact on daily activities or work capabilities are required for all conditions.
Contact a Florin SSI Benefits Lawyer
If you’re facing challenges getting approved for Supplemental Security Income, Gade & Parekh, LLP can provide the trusted guidance you need. Our experienced disability attorneys are committed to helping you secure the benefits you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to learn how to hire an SSI benefits lawyer in Florin.