Being diagnosed with a disability at any point in your life can be upsetting, especially if it causes you to stay out of the workforce. However, a disability diagnosis as a senior can be particularly overwhelming. You may be forced to adjust your daily life, which can impact routines you have had for years, even decades. You may not be totally aware of the disability benefits for seniors in Sacramento. It’s imperative that you understand what’s available to you.
Disability Benefits for Seniors in Sacramento
There are multiple ways to apply for disability benefits through the SSA. Arguably, the easiest method is to apply online through the SSA website. You can also apply for benefits over the phone or visit your local SSA office to speak with an agent in person. In Sacramento, there are currently three SSA offices you can go to. There’s one on Massie Circle, one on Arden Way, and another on Folsom Boulevard. You should make an appointment first.
It’s understandable to feel conflicted about applying for disability benefits. It’s important that you realize there is absolutely no shame in receiving government benefits. Millions of Americans do it every day. In 2023, there were approximately 7.4 million people nationwide receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. That same year, there were 4,935,826 retired workers in California receiving some type of SSA assistance. You are not alone in this.
It’s important to understand the full scope of your options as a senior living with a disability in California. There are multiple programs, many of which come from the Social Security Administration, at your disposal, provided you qualify for those programs. You should hire an SSI benefits lawyer to help you figure out which government program, state and federal alike, you may qualify for.
Supplemental Security Income
Any senior aged 65 or older with limited income and resources available to them may qualify for SSI benefits through the SSA. You will need to meet a certain economic threshold, as these benefits are based almost entirely on financial need and the presence of a debilitating medical condition. You may want to consult with an SSI benefits lawyer to see if your situation qualifies for SSI.
Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI benefits are intended for individuals dealing with severe, long-term disabilities and medical conditions that keep them from holding gainful employment of any kind. These benefits are often the result of credits earned by paying into Social Security over a period of many years, which is why your work history is such a vital document when it comes to applying for SSDI benefits.
California State Disability Insurance
SDI benefits available through the state’s Employment Development Department provide short-term financial relief for non-work-related injuries or illnesses. You may be eligible for SDI benefits if you are overseeing the care of a family member who is ill, welcoming a new child to the home and using bonding time to do so, or grappling with a family member’s deployment.
In-Home Supportive Services
IHSS benefits come from a program that provides in-home assistance to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals as an alternative to nursing home care, giving the recipients the opportunity to remain in their own homes. To qualify, you must be a California resident, have a Medi-Cali eligibility determination, live in a home of your own choosing, and submit the required Health Care Certification form.
Hire an SSI Benefits Lawyer
It can be hard to navigate the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) benefit options without the help of a Sacramento SSI benefits attorney. Your disability case may be difficult to deal with alone if you don’t understand how the state’s disability laws work.
Gade & Parekh, LLP can bring decades of combined experience to your case, providing you with focus, knowledge, and determination. We can help you get the benefits that you deserve by helping with your application and appeal.
FAQs
Q: How Does a Senior Qualify for Disability in California?
A: A senior qualifies for disability benefits in California by proving that they have a debilitating medical condition that prevents them from working for at least a year or will eventually lead to death. They may also qualify for other disability benefit programs, like SSI, by meeting work history and income limit requirements. If you are unsure of whether you qualify for disability, you should bring your case to an SSDI or SSI lawyer and check.
Q: How Often Is My Medical Condition Reviewed by the SSA?
A: The frequency at which the SSA reviews your medical condition depends on the condition itself and your level of affliction. If recovery is expected, they’ll check in every six to 18 months. If your condition is expected to improve eventually, they’ll check in every three years. If your condition is never expected to improve, they’ll check in approximately every seven years. Your first benefit notice will tell you when to expect your first medical review.
Q: Can the SSA Help Me Return to Work?
A: It is possible for the SSA to help you get back to work. There are several programs available through the SSA that can help you return to work without immediately losing your benefits. One such program is the Ticket to Work Program, which provides secure career services, employment training, and more to disability beneficiaries aged 18 to 64. However, after 65, you’re expected to transition to retirement benefits and won’t qualify for this program.
Q: Why Should I Hire an SSI Lawyer?
A: There are many reasons why you should hire an SSI lawyer. Above all, you want to make sure your SSI or SSDI application is entirely correct and has all the right information that the SSA needs from you. If you leave anything out or make any mistakes, they may just deny your application outright. A good lawyer can monitor your application, help you fill it out, and give you the strongest chance at getting it approved.
California SSI Benefits Lawyer
It’s always a welcome idea to surround yourself with support during tough times, and that includes hiring a benefits lawyer to oversee your application at a time when you may be struggling with a disability or medical condition. At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we can provide you with experienced and dedicated legal counsel. Contact us to speak to someone who can help.