Please note that Gade & Parekh, LLP remains open at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently accepting new clients and are actively assisting our current clients with all ongoing case needs. Although we are unable to meet with clients in person at this time, we are happy to conduct appointments by telephone or video conference for the safety of our clients and staff. We remain dedicated in providing caring and personalized legal representation.

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916-648-8600

Orangevale SSDI Lawyer

Practice Areas

Orangevale 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

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Areas Served

Orangevale SSDI Attorney

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits when you have experienced a non-work-related illness or injury can be a complicated and lengthy process. You have to follow a strict timeline and provide thorough medical documentation of your disability. The process can take some time to resolve before you receive any benefits. An Orangevale SSDI lawyer can help you navigate the process and expedite a decision.

Who makes the final decision on Social Security disability?

Hire an SSDI Lawyer

With over four decades of experience, Gade & Parekh, LLP, is dedicated to helping California residents navigate the complex SSDI benefit process. When you hire an SSDI lawyer, you want someone who understands SSDI laws and the importance of receiving these needed benefits. High medical costs and the inability to work can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Our team is ready to advocate for your interests.

SSDI Recipients in the United States

SSDI recipients are tracked by the Social Security Administration each year. As of December 2024, a total of 8,614,659 United States residents received some form of SSDI benefit. Of these recipients:

  • 83.9% were disabled workers
  • 13.8% were disabled adult children of workers
  • 2.3% were disabled widows or widowers

For SSDI benefit claims that are initially denied, a hearing may be scheduled to appeal the initial denial. Orangevale residents can schedule telephone, video, or in-person hearings with the Sacramento Office of Hearings Operations (OHO).

SSDI Steps to Determine Eligibility

When applying for SSDI benefits, you need to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. The Social Security Administration uses two tests to determine if someone is eligible for benefits. These two tests are:

  1. The Recent Work Test
  2. The Duration of Work Test

The Recent Work Test is used to determine if you have worked enough in the previous few years to be eligible for benefits. Workers under 24 must have 1.5 years of work history over the last 3 years. Workers aged 24 to 30 must have worked at least half of the time since turning 21. Workers aged 31 or over must have at least 5 years of work experience over the last 10 years.

The Duration of Work Test looks at the amount of work you have completed in your lifetime. Workers aged 43 or younger need a lifetime work history that matches their recent work history. The time required to work increases by half a year for every year a worker is older, up to the age of 60.

SSDI Steps to Determine If You Have a Disability

If you meet the work tests and are considered eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration also has to determine if your disability meets its criteria to be eligible for benefits. If the Social Security Administration determines that you do not meet one or more of the requirements of the following questions, then you are not eligible for SSDI benefits:

  • Are you working at a level of substantial gainful activity?
  • Is your condition severe?
  • Is your condition on the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments or equivalent?
  • Can you do the same work you did before?
  • Can you do any other type of work?

FAQs

Q: Does Social Security Disability Insurance Pay Lawyer Fees?

A: Technically, Social Security Disability Insurance does pay lawyer fees, but the payment is deducted from any back pay you are awarded when filing for SSDI benefits. SSDI lawyers generally charge a contingency fee for their services, which is paid only if compensation is awarded. If you are not awarded back pay, you do not owe any fee. The contingency fee is a one-time payment and is not taken from any additional payments awarded.

Q: What Is the Hardest Disability to Prove for SSDI Benefits?

A: The hardest disability to prove for SSDI benefits is those disabilities described as invisible disabilities. Invisible disabilities are difficult to prove because they are not readily apparent and may be hard to detect with standard testing methods.

Many chronic pain conditions, mental health disorders, and rare diseases fall in the category of invisible disabilities. Current tests are not sufficient to demonstrate that these conditions exist or are severe enough to limit someone’s ability to work.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI With a Lawyer?

A: The process to get SSDI benefits with a lawyer can be lengthy, depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Retaining a lawyer from the beginning can increase your odds of having your initial application approved. If your initial application is denied, attending a hearing and potentially appealing can lengthen the process. The amount of backlog in your area also influences how quickly your hearing can be scheduled.

Q: What Not to Say When Applying for SSDI Benefits?

A: When applying for SSDI benefits, there are some things you should avoid saying. Never minimize or exaggerate your symptoms or the effects your disability has on your day-to-day life. Minimizing can make your condition seem less severe, while exaggerating harms your credibility. You should also avoid any implications that you do not agree with your doctor or that you are not following the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

Q: When Can the Social Security Administration Expedite an SSDI Claim?

A: There are several programs run by the Social Security Administration that can expedite an SSDI claim if certain conditions are met. Applicants who are facing immediate eviction, foreclosure, or inability to afford medical treatment can apply for a dire need expediting.

The Terminal Illness program allows expediting for terminal cases. Compassionate Allowance allows expediting for severe medical conditions. Quick Disability Determination identifies cases likely to be approved. Active-duty military or veterans may qualify under the Military Casualty Wounded Warrior program.

Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP

Applying for SSDI benefits often leads to an initial denial. Whether you are applying for the first time or your initial application has been denied, our experienced team can help you complete your application or file an appeal. When you’ve paid into SSDI for years, you deserve to be covered when you’re no longer able to work. Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP, today to schedule your initial consultation.

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