Woodland Social Security Disability Lawyer
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Woodland Social Security Disability Attorney
Life can be tough when you live with a serious disability. If you can no longer work and provide for yourself and your family, the only option is to seek Social Security disability benefits. The process, however, is seldom easy. If you are looking for a Woodland Social Security disability lawyer who understands the unique challenges you face, contact Gade & Parekh, LLP.
Understanding Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability (SSD) is a monthly government program that provides income for individuals who are unable to work due to a severe physical or mental impairment. It is available as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The former is based on work history and the Social Security taxes paid into the system, and the latter is based on financial need.
The disability must last or be expected to last at least one year or result in death, and both medical and non-medical eligibility requirements must be met.
What to Expect in the California Disability Process
When you file a claim for SSDI or SSI, the DDSD (Disability Determination Service Division) is responsible for the initial decision. Claims examiners review Social Security disability cases, collect medical evidence, and consult doctors to determine if you meet the requirements. If you are denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration.
The next step is to appear before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is frequently the most crucial step. This is when the odds start moving in your direction. Disability hearings have higher approval ratings than any other level of the process. However, the disability hearings process may take a while. Having a Woodland Social Security disability attorney can use their knowledge of Social Security disability laws to prevent further delays in the process.
Social Security Benefits in California
Over four million people in California are living with a disability. About two million people in the state have ambulatory disabilities, and about 1.5 million have independent living difficulties.
Nationally, SSI benefits are determined and often increase every year to account for inflation and changes in the cost of living. Some states, including California, offer state-level supplements. The national SSI benefits, as of January 2025, are as follows:
- $967 for individuals
- $1,450 per couple
In California, this rate can be higher, depending on your living situation and circumstances. For example, if you live independently but are considered legally blind, your payment as an individual can be up to $1,291.32. Blind couples living independently could receive benefits of up to $2,283.35.
How to Know If You Qualify
Qualifying for Social Security disability is based on medical and non-medical requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements include having a severe condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months or leads to death. The SSA will look at your medical records, test results, and doctors’ statements to help make this determination.
To receive SSDI benefits, you must have worked enough years and recently enough to accumulate sufficient work credits, whereas SSI eligibility depends on an assessment of financial need through your income and resources. The rules can be complex, so many people find it helpful to hire a Social Security disability lawyer to understand their options.
Why Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer at Gade & Parekh, LLP?
Legal stress serves as an unnecessary burden for people managing a disability while dealing with financial uncertainties. Gade & Parekh, LLP, is a law firm based in Northern California, and we focus exclusively on Social Security disability. We have successfully guided many clients through the maze of the Social Security disability system.
Our firm handles everything from initial applications to hearings before an administrative law judge. We can work with your doctors, obtain all medical evidence, and represent you at all levels.
If your case is scheduled for a hearing, the U.S. Social Security Office of Hearings Operations in Sacramento, California, is the local federal building, a short distance from the Yolo County Superior Court, located in Woodland, CA. We know the judges and the system, and we can guide you and advocate on your behalf throughout your case.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability With a Lawyer?
A: The timeline to get Social Security disability with a lawyer varies, depending on your circumstances and the load of the disability office. However, you can likely expect the process to take a few months. A lawyer does not necessarily guarantee that your process will be faster, but they can prevent delays in the process.
Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to Get Disability in California?
A: You are not legally required to have a lawyer to get disability in California, but having one can increase your chances of approval. A qualified Woodland Social Security disability attorney knows the medical and legal criteria, avoids typical errors, and can dramatically increase the likelihood of a favorable result for you.
Q: Is It Better to Have a Lawyer When Filing for Disability?
A: Yes, it is better to have a lawyer when filing for disability. You are allowed to file without representation, but a lawyer knows the law and can make sure all your requirements are met in a timely fashion. A lawyer can also represent you in front of a judge if necessary. Essentially, a lawyer can do a lot of the work that you do not have to, especially in areas of the law you may not be familiar with or are confused about.
Q: What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability in California?
A: The conditions that automatically qualify a person for disability in California are in a “Blue Book” of ailments. This book is kept up to date by the Social Security Administration. These include:
- Severe mental health issues
- Neurological illnesses (such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy)
- Heart failure
- Chronic respiratory disorders
- Some types of cancer
If your illness keeps you from working for a minimum of 12 months, you can still be eligible, even if it isn’t on the list.
Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP, Today
You do not have to face the Social Security disability process alone. Gade & Parekh, LLP, can counsel you through the legal process. Contact us today for a consultation.