Many people have heard of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal benefit program for disabled workers. There is another program known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It supports disabled, blind, and elderly U.S. residents who are unable to work and have limited income and resources. If you’re looking to apply for benefits, there are several reasons to reach out to a Supplemental Security Income attorney.
Obtaining disability benefits can be difficult. In order to do so, a person must file an SSI claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The filing process is complicated, and many initial disability claims are denied. Working with a knowledgeable SSI lawyer who understands the SSA’s requirements will give you a better chance of receiving benefits.
Ortega Disability Group is an SSI disability law firm in Oakland, California. We have years of experience helping claimants navigate the Social Security System and secure the benefits they deserve. Best of all, when you choose Ortega Disability Group, you won’t owe anything until we win your case. Call (800) 322-1173 today to schedule your free case consultation!
What Is Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program that helps support blind, aged, and disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. Unlike with SSDI, an applicant doesn’t need to have any work history to qualify for SSI.
To be eligible for SSI, you must meet one of the following requirements:
• You are 65 or older.
• You are blind or partially blind.
• You have a disability that prevents you from working and performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). This condition must be expected to last at least one year.
If you’re wondering if you qualify for disability benefits, we invite you to contact our law firm. Our Oakland SSI attorneys will help you understand your options and your rights to financial support.
Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income Benefits
After filing a disability claim, the Social Security Administration will consider many factors, including an applicant’s income and assets, before making a determination.
Those applying for SSI with a disability must meet the SSA’s qualifying medical criteria. Applicants must provide substantial medical records and non-medical evidence to support their claim.
How the SSA Defines Disability
The SSA defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that prevents a person from engaging in SGA. This essentially means that a person’s medical condition (or combination of conditions) significantly limits their ability to work.
The SSA assesses medical eligibility based on the Blue Book, and its categories and subcategories of qualifying impairments.
Meeting the SSA’s Definition of Disabled When Applying for SSI
Claimants must have a medical condition listed in the Blue Book to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Blue Book does not represent every condition that exists. Applicants living with an unlisted condition or struggling with a combination of impairments can still apply under an ‘equal’ (medically equivalent) listing to receive SSI.
If the SSA decides a claimant doesn’t have a qualifying condition, they can apply for a Medical Vocational Allowance.
A Medical Vocational Allowance is granted to those who can’t work because of a medical condition that doesn’t meet the SSA’s strict medical criteria. Claimants typically qualify for this allowance because they’re unable to work due to a combination of their medical condition(s), age, education, and/or work experience.
If you’re applying for SSI, our attorneys can help gather necessary documentation to build your case. Working with our legal team can also help you understand the Blue Book listings and what medical evidence you’ll need to support your claim.
The Benefits of Hiring an SSI Lawyer in Oakland, California
Those who are looking to apply for SSI benefits will have to go through a long, tedious process involving paperwork, documentation, and research. Medical paperwork, such as hospital records and bills, will need to be collected and provided to the Social Security Administration. Choosing the correct files, as well as organizing and obtaining them, can be difficult for those who may not know precisely what the Social Security Administration wants or requires.
Deadlines are also an issue for many people attempting to file for SSI. If something important is not turned in by or before the deadline date, obtaining benefits can become even more difficult.
It is also important to note that it is fairly common for an initial claim to be denied. Without a lawyer by your side, this can be incredibly disheartening. The notion of applying for an appeal may make an applicant want to give up entirely.
What An SSI Attorney Can Do For You
Finding an SSI lawyer in Oakland who has years of experience working on SSI and SSDI claims is the best thing an applicant can do for themselves. With an attorney, you will not be responsible for filing the paperwork, making sure it gets turned in on time, or having to advocate for yourself at the Social Security Administration. Not only that, chances are your application will be considered more seriously if you have legal representation.
If your initial claim for SSI benefits is denied, having a lawyer at your side makes the appeal process much easier and more likely to succeed. An SSI attorney will know which records to file and provide to the Social Security Administration. They will also know what medical symptoms correlate to the legal definition of your disability, and therefore, what notes to include in your claim.
Finally, any potential snags you hit along the way may be anticipated by your attorney. If they aren’t, an experienced SSI lawyer will be able to navigate them and better your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. Having an attorney at your side will also help support your case should you need to request a hearing with an administrative law judge.
Contact Our SSI Attorneys Serving Oakland, CA
Most disability applicants do not receive benefits after their first attempt to file independently. Many claimants have to go through the appeals process after a denial of their SSDI or SSI application.
When you work with our qualified SSI attorneys in Oakland, California, we ensure that your application is filed correctly and includes all necessary documentation. This helps improve your chances of being approved for SSI and reduces back-and-forth communication with the SSA.
The team at Ortega Disability Group has years of experience helping clients secure SSI benefits. Whether you’re filing an initial application or an appeal, you can depend on our Social Security Disability lawyers in Oakland.
Call our law firm today at (800) 322-1173 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. When you need to speak with an attorney for SSI disability benefit representation, trust Ortega Disability Group!
