Dixon SSDI Attorney
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Please note: We only handle disability claims and do not handle retirement issues
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Dixon SSDI Lawyer
If you or your loved one is struggling to obtain approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you are not alone. Initial application denial rates for SSDI are high, and the process can be drawn out. Working with a Dixon SSDI attorney can help you strengthen your claim and avoid delays in receiving the benefits you may be entitled to.
At Gade & Parekh, LLP, our disability lawyers have a track record of success assisting clients in Dixon and throughout Northern California to obtain approval for SSDI claims. Whether you are struggling to understand the complex paperwork, provide solid medical evidence, or are unsure what to do after a denial, you can count on the assistance of our skilled legal team.
What To Expect From Your Dixon SSDI Attorney During the Claims Process
When you consult with one of our disability attorneys, you can learn more about eligibility requirements for SSDI. We help ensure that your SSDI application and evidence submitted paint an adequate picture of your eligibility and needs.
Those in California living with a disability earned nearly 25% less per year than those without a disability between 2016 and 2020. This can be attributed to multiple reasons, including the inherent difficulties that certain medical conditions can impose on their ability to work.
The SSDI program plays a critical role in filling this income gap for disabled workers. Applying for disability benefits is not so simple for many applicants. The process often keeps those who need this assistance the most from having access to benefits. Our passionate Dixon SSDI attorney at Gade & Parekh, LLP, can handle the tough parts of the SSDI claims process on your behalf.
The SSDI Claim Process in California Explained
While applying for SSDI benefits can seem like a tedious process, knowing what to expect can make it easier to prepare for and navigate each stage.
Applying for Benefits
You can apply for SSDI benefits online, over the phone, or by scheduling an appointment at your local Social Security office. The same application can be submitted to request SSDI and SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which is available to those suffering from a disability and who do not have enough work history covered by the SSA.
Initial Review
Once an SSDI application is received, a local SSA field office evaluates the claim to ensure the applicant meets the basic non-medical requirements to receive SSDI benefits. These include residency status, age, marital status, and work history. For those residing in Dixon, an application may be reviewed at the West Sacramento Field Office, for example.
Medical Evaluation
Once an applicant is deemed eligible for SSDI benefits based on non-medical criteria, the local field office forwards their application to State Disability Determination Services (DDS), which is tasked with evaluating the applicant’s medical evidence and issuing an initial determination on medical eligibility.
To be considered disabled per the SSA, a person must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a mental or physical disability that has lasted or is expected to last at least a year or is expected to result in death.
DDS staff, including medical professionals, review medical records and documentation provided by the applicant and witnesses. If the evidence is incomplete or unclear, DDS may request a consultative examination (CE), either with the applicant’s medical care team or an independent provider.
Decision Issued
After DDS makes its initial determination, the claim is returned to the local SSA field office. If a claim is approved, the field office calculates the benefit amount and begins issuing payments. Disability benefits cannot be issued earlier than the sixth full month after the established onset date (EOD) of the applicant’s disability.
There were 8.7 million SSDI beneficiaries in 2023 across the United States. Most beneficiaries are eligible to receive Medicare insurance after a waiting period. In certain cases, dependents and widows may also be entitled to SSDI benefits.
If an applicant receives a denial, they have 60 days to request an appeal.
Being aware of what happens after you submit your SSDI application helps set expectations for what you need to submit or have available, and it helps you manage your finances until you are able to receive a decision from the SSA.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most an SSDI Lawyer Can Charge in California?
A: The most an SSDI lawyer can charge in California or any other state is $9,200. This is the maximum dollar amount authorized by the Social Security Administration, effective November 30, 2024. During an initial consultation, a disability lawyer can provide more details about their representation fee. Once a client agrees to proceed, they and their representative must enter into a Fee Agreement via the SSA.
Q: What Documents Do I Need to Apply for SSDI?
A: To apply for SSDI, you need several documents. You must first complete an adult disability report with detailed information about your work history and your medical condition. You are also asked to provide medical evidence, such as a list of prescription medications, doctor’s notes, and lab results. The SSA may also ask for income records such as a W-2 or recent tax returns.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Receive a Disability Approval Letter?
A: As of 2025, the average processing time across the U.S. for SSDI applications was 232 days, which has increased by 112 days in the past six years. In California, the average processing time is 185 days. Failure to submit adequate evidence or delays in responding to SSA requests may increase the time it takes for a claim to be processed.
Q: What Is the Maximum Back Pay for SSDI?
A: The maximum back pay for SSDI benefits is 12 months prior to the application date. Whether or not an applicant is entitled to receive back pay depends on when the SSA determines their disability began. In most cases, there is a five-month waiting period after the established onset date (EOD) of the disability before a claimant is entitled to monthly payments.
Contact a Skilled Dixon SSDI Attorney About Your Claim
The partners at Gade & Parekh, LLP have over three decades of combined practice successfully guiding clients in their disability cases. We can save you the hassle of dealing with administrative red tape and set you up for success by ensuring you provide as much evidence as possible in support of your claim.
Our main office is located in Sacramento, only 23 miles away from Dixon. Schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys today and receive guidance on your SSDI application.
