When a disability prevents you from working and earning a living, the Oakland disability lawyer you choose to handle your claim for benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs can make a difference in the outcome. Sackett and Associates has been fighting to help people get disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for more than 40 years.
What determines eligibility for disability benefits?
The SSA administers the SSDI and SSI programs that pay disability benefits, but they have different eligibility requirements. To qualify for SSI, you must be blind or disabled and have limited income and resources. Resources are assets that you own and can convert to cash to pay or exchange for food and shelter.
The SSDI program also requires that you are disabled, but it does not have the strict income and resource limits of the SSI program. Instead, SSDI requires that you have a record of working for a long enough duration at jobs or through self-employment and paying Social Security taxes on the income.
When you first speak with an experienced SSD lawyer from our office, we go over your claim to determine whether you are eligible for either of the disability programs. This includes reviewing your medical information to see if you meet the criteria used by Social Security to determine if an applicant for benefits is disabled.
Disability according to Social Security rules
Federal regulations define “disability” as being unable to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Proving that you have a qualifying disability is difficult.
Our Oakland SSDI lawyer has the experience and familiarity with Social Security procedures to ensure that your application for disability benefits is accurate and complete to avoid unnecessary delays caused by examiners requesting additional or updated information. We also make a point of ensuring that applications are supported by medical evidence, including diagnostic and laboratory test results, imaging, and clinical examination findings.
Challenging unfavorable outcomes through the appeal process
Too many people make the mistake of giving up if their application for disability benefits is denied. Remember most applicants for disability benefits receive a denial letter.
Instead of giving up, contact our Oakland SSI lawyer to challenge the initial determination through the appeal process. There are four levels to the appeal process:
Reconsideration
Hearing with an Administrative Law judge
Appeals Council review
Federal Court review
An outstanding disability lawyer from Sackett and Associates ensures that your right to appeal is preserved by meeting filing deadlines. Thereafter, we ensure that updated medical records and other evidence are obtained and presented in support of the appeal.
Find out the difference we can make for you
If you want an Oakland disability benefits lawyer who is committed to fighting for the benefits that you deserve, contact Sackett and Associates. Let us show you the difference that we can make in the outcome of your claim.
