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.

San Rafael SSI Benefits Lawyer

Practice Areas

San Rafael 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

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Skilled SSI Benefits Attorney in San Rafael, CA

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial support for individuals who cannot work or earn full income because of a disabling condition. SSI benefits are secured through the Social Security Administration (SSA), and you may be able to obtain multiple types of SSA benefits at once. A San Rafael SSI benefits lawyer can help you determine if you qualify for SSI and give you the support you need to get deserved benefits.

Hire an SSI Benefits Lawyer You Can Rely On

Gade & Parekh, LLP, has nearly 50 collective years of legal experience handling disability benefits cases and helping injured and disabled workers protect their rights. We know how daunting it can be to apply for benefits with the SSA, especially when you’re already dealing with medical care costs and treatment challenges. Whether you have already filed for SSI benefits before or not, our firm can help you.

Our goal is to lower the uncertainty of the SSA application process and advocate for the SSI benefits that you deserve. We help you understand your eligibility, craft an application, and follow the requirements for any appeal.

SSI Eligibility in San Rafael

There were over 1.1 million recipients of SSI benefits in California as of December 2024. You may be eligible for SSI benefits as an adult or a child if all of the following are true:

You have little to no income.
You have few to no resources.
You are blind, have a disability, or are 65 years of age or older.

In San Rafael, 10.2% of the population was disabled, and 20.4% of the population was 65 or older. When you hire an SSI benefits lawyer in California, they can assess these requirements and determine if you might qualify for SSI benefits. An attorney can also review your other options for financial support, like SSDI.

What Are SSI Income Limits?

Income limits for SSI generally require that an individual does not earn over a set amount each month.

Your income is calculated by looking at your wages, other Social Security benefits, disability benefits, pensions, and unemployment payments. Income may also include food and housing gifts from others.

There are certain payments that are not considered part of your income, like:

Supplement payments alongside SSI from California
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Specific expenses for individuals who are blind or disabled
Housing Choice Voucher Tenants, or Section 8 housing vouchers
Property tax refunds
Rent rebates

There is a set amount of monthly income outlined by the SSA, but California has a higher monthly income limit, allowing more people to secure benefits.

What Are SSI Resource Limits?

To get SSI benefits, there are also limits to the amount of resources you can own. This includes second vehicles, finances in bank accounts, and cash. As of mid-2026, your resources should not be more than between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on whether you are applying as an individual, a couple, or whether you are applying for a child.

Not all your assets will count as part of your resources. This SSA does not include the following in your resources:

One vehicle in each household
The home you live in
The land your home is on
Most personal belongings
Most household goods
Property you cannot use or sell

SSA Disability or Age Requirements

You either must be 65 years old or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. A qualifying disability is a physical or mental medical impairment which does one of the following for an adult:

Prevents you from completing substantial gainful activity
Has lasted or is anticipated to last for at least 12 months or will lead to death

A qualifying disability for a child does one of the following:

Significantly hinders daily activity
Has lasted or will last at least 12 months or will result in death

The SSA also outlines what qualifies as blindness.

FAQs

How Can I Get a Lawyer for SSI?

You can get a lawyer for SSI by reaching out to the SSI benefits lawyers at Gade & Parekh, LLP. We offer support for individuals who are trying to secure SSI benefits, whether you are filing an initial application or need help with an appeal. We can also help you deal directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA) field office in San Rafael, located in Suite 200 of 99 Smith Ranch Road.

What Is the Hardest Disability to Get Approved For?

When applying for SSA benefits, the hardest disability to get approved for includes any disability where the daily impact is subjective. This includes chronic pain, mental health disorders, headache disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more. When a disability does not have clear and complete objective documentation, it can be harder to secure benefits. There are still ways to prove your disability, however, and you could still secure benefits.

How Much Does a Disabled Person Get From SSI in California?

The amount you get from SSI in California is based on your income, the income of your family members, and other specifics about your living situation. In 2026, the maximum SSI amount per month is $994 for individuals. This increases to $1,491 for couples. Your SSI payments can also be affected by any work you do and any other benefits you receive.

In California, you could receive additional Social Security supplemental payments for food and shelter costs.

How Much Do Social Security SSI Disability Lawyers Take?

A Social Security SSI disability benefits lawyer must follow the fee restrictions placed by the SSA. These restrictions cap fees at either 25% or $9,200, whichever amount is lower, as of mid-2026. This is the amount of a final award that an attorney can take as attorney’s fees. If an attorney is unsuccessful in securing benefits, you won’t owe them attorney’s fees. These limits are intended to help individuals in already difficult financial situations get needed legal support.

Experienced San Rafael SSI Benefits Attorney at Gade & Parekh, LLP

SSI has stricter income and resource requirements compared to other Social Security benefits, but fewer work history requirements. If you have become disabled and are unable to work, our firm can help you assess your options for financial support. Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP today.