Marin County SSI Benefits Lawyer

Practice Areas

Marin County Practice Areas

Our Attorneys

Elizabeth L. Gade Phone: (916) 648-8600

Roopen Parekh Phone: (916) 648-8600

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

Marin County SSI Benefits Attorney

Programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) exist to help individuals who can’t work enough to support themselves due to disability or other limiting factors. However, obtaining these benefits can be difficult. Our Marin County SSI benefits lawyers are here to walk you through the process and help you achieve your goals.

We understand that the lengthy process and governmental red tape can pose a barrier to individuals who need support. Being disabled and unable to work is already difficult enough. At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we provide caring personal support to help you push through these barriers and get the help you need.

SSI Versus SSDI

Many people confuse Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While you might qualify for both, they serve different purposes and have different requirements. Here are some key differences:

Qualifications: SSI is need-based, while SSDI is based on age and work history, among other factors.
Other benefits: SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medi-Cal (Medicaid in California), while SSDI recipients can receive Medicare.
Who’s included: SSDI benefits can extend to your children, but only the disabled individual can receive SSI.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs both programs. In California, 1.24 million people rely on SSI benefits to support themselves. Some of these people may also receive SSDI benefits.

Applying for SSI

To apply for SSI benefits, you must fill out an application and provide proof of your financial resources, expenses, and your medical conditions. Applications can be submitted online, but the nearest SSA Field Office is in San Rafael, California, at 99 Smith Ranch Road.

The quality of your initial application can greatly affect the future of your case. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can cause initial denials that may require you to appeal or even start the process over.

It can be a good idea to review your application with a Marin County SSI benefits attorney before submitting it. This helps you catch any mistakes and understand exactly what you need to provide to prove your situation.

SSI Benefits in Marin County

Marin County has a population of around 262,000 people, as of the 2020 census. While not everyone applies for SSI benefits, many people will, meaning the system can get backed up and delayed.

If you’re able to receive SSI benefits in Marin County, you could get help paying for:

Rent/housing
Food
Household necessities
Needed repairs
Medical care

Your benefits may be able to help with other required expenses as well. To remain on SSI benefits, your income and assets must remain below the allowed limits for the program. A lawyer from Gade & Parekh, LLP, can help you understand what these limits are and how you can keep your benefits.

Many applications get denied at first, but you have the right to appeal. If your application has been denied and you want to appeal, hire an SSI benefits lawyer as soon as you can. There are often time limits for these appeals, and not reacting quickly enough might mean you have to start the process over from the beginning.

When to Hire an SSI Benefits Lawyer

It is often recommended that you work with a lawyer before you submit your initial application for SSI benefits. This can help you catch mistakes that might result in a denial or further delay. However, you can hire a lawyer at any stage in your SSI benefits case.

Having to navigate life with a disability, being unable to work, and struggling to support yourself is already hard enough. Instead of making it harder on yourself, you can work with an attorney who can help advocate for the benefits you need. We help you with every step of your case, including:

Understanding qualifications and requirements
Submitting an initial application
Appealing SSA decisions
Representing you in hearings for your case

You don’t have to work for your benefits alone. With the help of an experienced and skilled disability lawyer, you can benefit from a deeper understanding of the relevant laws and stress less about your case.

FAQs for Marin County SSI Benefits Lawyers

Q: Is Alzheimer’s Considered a Disability for Social Security?

A: Yes, Alzheimer’s disease can be considered a qualifying disability for Social Security benefits. To qualify for SSI, you will have to prove additional need based on your current financial situation and ability to work. Certain adults who struggle to understand and complete SSI paperwork can have someone else help them, and anyone can choose to work with a lawyer.

Q: How to Get a Lawyer for SSI?

A: To get a lawyer for your SSI case, you will need to meet with a lawyer, discuss your case, and hire their services. Our legal team offers consultations so you can be sure that you want to work with us before fully committing to having us as your lawyers. Family and loved ones can also help you find a lawyer.

Q: How Long Does SSI Take With a Lawyer?

A: Even with a lawyer, the SSI process can have an unpredictable length. Some people get a decision in weeks, while others may be waiting months or longer. With that said, working with a lawyer can help reduce mistakes and make it easier for you to get an approval or to respond quickly to denials or requests for more information.

Q: Can You Get SSI if You’ve Never Worked?

A: Yes, since SSI is a needs-based program, you can get it even if you’ve never worked. This is especially helpful for children and for adults with disabilities that prevent them from working. You must still prove that your financial resources do not exceed the allowed limits and that your disability prevents you from supporting yourself through work.

SSI Benefit Lawyers You Can Trust

At Gade & Parekh, LLP, we don’t get paid unless we succeed with your case. We are dedicated to helping you receive the benefits you need, whether that’s through double-checking an application, filing appeals, or taking other routes.

Our team has over 50 combined years of experience in disability law. We’re passionate about helping people like you who can fall through the cracks; in Marin County, only 34.1% of eligible adults age 65 and older receive SSI benefits.

Whatever your SSI needs, talk to our team to find out what support we can offer you. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.