Marin County SSDI Lawyer
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Please note: We only handle disability claims and do not handle retirement issues
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Marin County SSDI​ Attorney
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program from the Social Security Administration (SSA) intended to help adults who can no longer work due to a disability. While its benefits can be life-changing, you might need to work with a Marin County SSDI lawyer to help you obtain them.Â
The attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, have over 50 combined years of experience helping clients argue their Social Security cases. We know why applications can often be denied and how to modify or supplement an application to help it move forward. We use that knowledge to make the process easier for you and your loved ones.Â
What Is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a government aid program for adults who have worked throughout their lives but can no longer work due to disability. With SSDI, disabled adults can receive monthly payments to help them cover necessary living expenses.Â
In 2025, over 665,000 people received SSDI awards. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI awards are based on how much you earned while working, not on your level of need.Â
Understanding SSDI Qualifications
Only adults who have previously worked, usually for at least 10 years, can qualify for SSDI. At least some of that work must have occurred within the 10 years prior to the beginning of your disability.Â
However, the amount needed to earn work credits and the exceptions to requirements can change from year to year. Qualifying conditions may also change. It can be difficult to understand whether or not you might qualify unless you hire an SSDI lawyer.Â
The SSA does not pay benefits for short-term temporary disabilities. To qualify, you must have been disabled for at least 12 months, or your disability must be expected to last for 12 or more months or result in death. Generally, you can keep receiving benefits as long as you’re unable to work due to disability.Â
Social Security Disability Benefits
The main benefit provided by SSDI is a monthly payment that helps you cover expenses such as shelter, food, gas, clothing, and other necessities. If you’re one of the 9.5% of people in Marin County who have a disability, these payments can make a huge difference.
SSDI can also include other benefits. After being on SSDI for long enough, you will automatically qualify for Medicare, helping you cover the costs of healthcare. Sometimes, the widows or children of SSDI recipients can also receive benefits to help them cover costs.
Qualifying for SSDI in California might mean that you also qualify for other aid programs, although this isn’t always the case. This could include:Â
- Medi-Cal (Medicaid) if you aren’t on Medicare
- CalFresh (food assistance)
- Help covering in-home care or home modifications
- Housing assistance programs
Applying for SSDI won’t automatically apply for all other types of aid. When you work with one of our attorneys, we can help you determine what you might be eligible for and how to pursue it.
Hire an SSDI Lawyer to Help You Get Your Benefits
SSDI is meant to help people in need, but it can be difficult to access that help. Initial denials can make you feel discouraged, while mountains of paperwork can be daunting. At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we’re here for you during the entire process, including your initial filing online or at the Social Security Administration field office at 99 Smith Ranch Road, Suite 102, in San Rafael.Â
In 2022, 42% of SSDI applications received technical denials from the SSA. These denials weren’t based on a medical consideration of the applicant’s disability, but on mistakes, missing information, and other technical issues. While it’s possible to appeal or even submit a new application, a denial like this will still cause delays in getting your benefits.Â
Our lawyers have extensive experience with Social Security cases, including SSDI applications and appeals. We can help you compile and review your application, reducing the risk of potentially damaging technical issues. Working with a lawyer can also help you understand your rights, consider appeal options, and explore other forms of support in addition to SSDI.
FAQs for Marin County SSDI Lawyers
Q: How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost in California?Â
A: The cost of a disability lawyer in California will depend on the lawyer’s fees and the complexity of your case. At our practice, we operate on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if we succeed with your case. This allows you to get legal help without worrying about losing money on a case that doesn’t succeed.Â
Q: Can You Get Disability for Depression?Â
A: Yes, depression is included in the qualifying criteria for SSDI. However, you must be able to prove that your depression prevents you from doing substantial work and that it is a long-term problem. You can do this by providing documentation from your care providers and statements about how your depression affects you as a disability.Â
Q: Should I Get a Lawyer to File for SSDI?Â
A: You can technically file for SSDI without a lawyer, but it is often recommended to work with one. Disability lawyers have a deep knowledge of SSDI laws and how they would apply to your case. An experienced lawyer can help you determine your qualifications, collect the right proof, and deal with any denials or other setbacks in the process.Â
Q: How Much Disability Will I Get if Approved?Â
A: The value of your SSDI benefits is based on the amount you earned as a worker prior to becoming disabled, or prior to your disability becoming severe enough to prevent you from working. The SSA employs incredibly complex calculations to determine your allowed earnings, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how much you might receive if approved.
Gade & Parekh, LLP, Your Trusted Marin County SSDI Attorneys
At our law firm, we can do much more than just help you apply for benefits. Our comprehensive Social Security services include:Â
- Applying for SSDI
- Filing appeals and challenging decisions
- Looking for flaws in the SSA’s logic
- Helping you apply for other programs, like SSI
- Being with you for the whole process
Whether you live in San Rafael, elsewhere in Marin County, or even in other locations in the Bay Area, we can use our experience and legal knowledge to support your case. We provide compassionate support to make the process easier for you while advocating for your rights and needs.
Don’t wait to get support that can change the trajectory of your SSDI process. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.