FILING FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS IN CALIFORNIA

HOW TO FILE FOR BENEFITS IN CALIFORNIA

Cannon Disability Law can help you file an application for Social Security benefits in California. Especially, if you have a mental illness or physical condition that prevents you from working for longer than 12 months.

There are two federal programs that can help you. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI benefits also come with Medicare benefits.

The second program is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Receiving monthly SSI benefits also means you will get Medicaid benefits. Learn more about Medicaid benefits here. Both SSDI and SSI programs are run by the Social Security Administration.

In order to win benefits you will need to have evidence that your medical condition prevents you from working. For example, you will need medical evidence from a treating doctor about your severe symptoms. Additionally, it cannot just be a one time exam. You need to have a doctor that you visit on a monthly basis who will support your claim.

If you have a mental illness, then you also need a counselor that you see at least twice a month and that will write a letter of support to the SSA.  Without medical evidence, you simply cannot win your benefits. Because you will not have evidence to prove your case.

OTHER CALIFORNIA BENEFITS

California also has a short term disability insurance program through the state. The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides short term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) wage replacement benefits to workers who need time off work.

You may be able to get benefits from the California SDI program, if you are unable to work due to non-work related illness or injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.

You may also be able to get PFL in order to:

• Care for a seriously ill family member.
• Bond with a new child.
• Participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment to a foreign country.

To file for benefits, submit online forms, or manage your profile, access your SDI Online account at the California State Disability Insurance program website.

Additionally, your employer may offer private short term disability insurance. Your employer may also offer maternity or paternity leave benefits and long term benefits.

Long-term disability benefits pay a portion of your salary if you can no longer work. Additionally, there are federal benefits, like FMLA, available through your employer. FMLA allows you to take time off from work if you are ill. It then allows you to return your job once you are better.

TWO TYPES OF PRIVATE BENEFITS 

There are two types of private disability insurance that you can buy: short term and long term. Short term usually replaces a portion of your salary from three to six months after the onset of your condition. Long term benefits normally begin six months after your disability begins. Long term benefits usually last a few years until you are able to return to work. However, benefits can also last until you retire.

Typically, private insurance limits mental health payments to a two year term. This is not true across the board. But most policies put a limit of two years on payment for mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety.  Therefore, if you have a combination of diseases, like a severe back condition and anxiety, you should make sure the insurance payments are based on your back condition. Because, if they base payments on your mental health condition, then there will be a time limit on the payout period.

Every insurance policy, whether it be short or long term benefits, is different. Each policy also has its own rules. If you read your policy, then you will know the time frame in which it offers benefits.

Disability insurance is not the same as Workers’ Compensation benefits. For example, in an SSD benefits case, injury or illness does not have to stem from a work event or accident. In fact, research by the U.S. Department of Education shows that the most common causes of long-term disability are heart disease and back injury. Next on the list are mental conditions.

THREE WAYS TO FILE FOR SSDI BENEFITS IN CALIFORNIA

There are three easy ways to apply or file your application for SSDI and SSI benefits in California.  Probably the easiest way to file an application is to file online. However, if you don’t have a computer or access to one, then you can still apply over the telephone or in person.  Benefits begin from the date you file your application, so the longer you wait to file, the more money you lose.

Here are three ways to file your application:

1. Online: You can apply online at Social Security’s website.
2. Telephone: You can apply over the telephone by calling the SSA’s toll free customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
3. In-person: You can apply in person at your local Social Security field office.

If you file an application online, then the SSA will send you a summary of your application in the mail. You need to sign that summary and mail it back to them. The SSA will require that you do this before they will being to process your application for benefits.

TRANSFER OF YOUR SSD CASE TO DDS

After you apply for benefits, your case will transfer to the office of Disability Determination Services (DDS). This is a state organization that reviews medical records to help the SSA make prompt decisions in claims. DDS can also assist with both SSI and SSDI claims in California.

Also, DDS can request more medical information if they do not have enough information to make a decision in your case. For example, they may send you to an exam with one of their doctors. Find out more here about consultative exams with a doctor.  The address and phone number of the DDS offices are listed below:

CALIFORNIA OFFICES OF DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES 

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 6118
Covina, CA 91722-6118
Telephone: 626-732-8100

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 28931
Fresno, CA 93729-9835
Telephone: 559-440-5000

Disability Evaluations Division
Sierra Branch
P.O. Box  28937
Fresno, California 93720
Telephone: 559-440-5200

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 54800
Los Angeles, California 90054-0800
Telephone: 213-736-7000

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 60999
Los Angeles, California 90060-0999
Telephone:  213-736-7500

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 24225
Oakland, California 94623-1225
Telephone: 510-622-3506

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 619020
Roseville, California 95678-9861
Telephone: 916-774-4100

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 997120
Sacramento, California 95899-7120
Telephone: 916-263-5000

Disability Determination Services
P.O. Box 85501
San Diego, California 92186-5501
Telephone: 619-278-4550

Disability Determination Service Division
P.O. Box 85326
San Diego, CA 92186-5326
Telephone: 619-278-4300

DDS EXAMINES YOUR CASE FOR SSDI ELIGIBLITY

After you file for benefits in California, a claims worker reviews your case. The claims worker looks at your medical records to see if you can be paid SSDI or SSI benefits. If you need to submit medical records, then you can submit them to DDS. You should also fill out SSA’s forms and submit them. For example, file out the Work History form.

The claims worker decides whether you meet SSA’s rules to win benefits at the first stage of your claim. They also make a decision at the second appeal level. Find out more about SSD benefits in certain California cities here.

The claims worker may decide there is not enough medical evidence to determine if you can get benefits. If that is the case, then DDS may send you to a Consultative Exam. A Consultative Exam is when you visit a doctor for a one time exam. It is also free for you. For tips on what to expect at the SSA doctor exam read here.

If the claims worker denies your case, then you will need to file a Request for a Hearing. We can do that for you. Also, your hearing request is due within 60 days of the date of the denial. It is important to file any appeal on time. For instance, you only have 60 days  to appeal SSA’s decision. You do not want to want to miss the 60 day time limit. If you do, you may need to start your application over.

If you need more information because you already lost your hearing, go here. You do have options. For example, you may be able to apply again. Likewise, you can file an appeal of the SSA’s decision to the Appeals Council or to the Federal Court.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS ELIGIBLE FOR SSD BENEFITS IN CALIFORNIA

Physical conditions can result in not being able to work for more than 12 months. If you cannot work due to any of the following physical conditions, then you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits in California.

• • Addison’s disease
  • Amputation
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • Anal Cancer
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Avascular Necrosis
  • Back Impairments and Spinal Injuries
  • Benign Brain Tumors
  • Black Lung Disease
  • Blindness
  • Bone Fractures – not healing after 12 months
  • Brain Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Burn Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
  • Chronic Liver Disease
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • COVID
  • Crohn’s Disease and Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Deafness
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Down syndrome
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  • Endocrine Disorders
  • Epilepsy and Seizures
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Female Genital Tract Cancers (Ovarian, Endometrium, Uterine, Vulvar)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hashimoto’s disease
  • Heart Attack and Coronary Artery Disease
  • Hemophilia
  • Hepatitis
  • Hip Replacement
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Huntington’s Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Knee Replacement
  • Leukemia
  • Liver Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Lupus
  • Malignant Melanoma
  • Marfan’s syndrome
  • Ménière’s disease
  • Migraines and Headache Disorders
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Narcolepsy
  • Neck Pain and Injury
  • Neurological Conditions
  • ​Obesity
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Pleural Cancer
  • Post-Polio Syndrome
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Recurrent Arrhythmias
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Scheuermann’s disease
  • Scoliosis
  • Short Bowel Syndrome
  • Shoulder Pain and Injury
  • Sickle Cell Disorder
  • Sjogren’s Syndrome
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Testicular Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Turner Syndrome
  • Varicose Veins and Deep Vein Thrombosis

It is also possible to win benefits due to a combination of physical conditions. If you have more than one physical condition, then you may win benefits under “equaling” SSA’s rules. Find out more about winning SSDI and SSI benefits with medical records here.

FILING FOR DISABILITY IN CALIFORNIA FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Our law firm can also help you win SSD or SSI benefits. Especially, if you have a mental condition that prevents you from working. For example, you may have one mental illness or a combination of mental conditions. Either way, we can help you with your case. Your mental conditions may meet a listing. Also, they could equal a listing. SSDI and SSI benefits are available for many mental health conditions including:

CANNON DISABILITY LAW – THE BEST SSD ATTORNEYS IN CALIFORNIA

At our law firm, we are experts in winning benefits. For example, in the last 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSD and SSI cases for our clients. If you need help filing for benefits, contact our office. We can also help you appeal a denial from the SSA.  Additionally, if you do not have medical evidence, then you can find a free or low cost California doctor here.

When you contact our office for help with your application, have some basic facts ready. For example, we will need to know your date of birth. Also, be ready with your wedding date and divorce date. We will also need to know the date you last worked. Also, we need to know the contact information for your doctors.

For instance, the application asks basic information about your family and your children. Likewise, you will need your work history. This means you need a list of all of the jobs in the last 15 years. Also, you will need to describe what job you did at each place of work. The SSA needs to know this information in order to process your application.

The SSA also asks a number of questions about work. The first question is whether or not you are currently working. If you need to know how the SSA defines “work,” then read here. Likewise, the second question is whether or not, despite your medical condition, you can return to one of your past jobs. Finally, the third question is whether or not, despite your medical condition, you can perform any other jobs in the national economy.

WORK WITH OUR LEGAL TEAM TO WIN YOUR SSDI CASE

Finally, our legal team cannot file an application for benefits in California without your help. That is why we say we are your legal team. Because, a team requires the best from all of the players. We may be experts at the law, but you are the expert about your life. Our team needs to know why you cannot work. We need to know when you stopped working. Likewise, you need to explain the symptoms of your illness to us.

First, you need to become our client. You can review the forms we need to you to sign here. If you need to know more information about what it costs to hire us, then please read our article, “Attorney Fees in Disability Cases.”

Once we receive these forms, we can represent you. We will help you file your application for benefits. But, please remember, you will need to sign your application. After we file your application, we will also collect your medical records. We will also need your help to do collect your records from your doctors. Likewise, we need records from your counselors or any mental health clinics. If you don’t give us the information about your doctors, then we can’t contact them for you.

WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN YOUR SSD BENEFITS 

You do not need to obtain SSD benefits in California on your own. Our law firm can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you file an appeal after every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your health and living your best life. For example, our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Request an appeal if you receive an initial denial from DDS
• Help you confirm your Consultative Exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Prepare you to be a good witness at your SSA hearing
• Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read more about the job expert
• Learn more about the medical expert here
• Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

If you file your application for SSD benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete the application. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back quickly.

FILING FOR SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS IN CALIFORNIA

Remember, if you are filing for SSDI and SSI benefits in California, then we can represent you. Additionally, if you are denied by the SSA at the initial level, we will file an appeal. Likewise, if your case receives a denial at the second phase of appeal, then we will request a hearing for you. Prior to your hearing, we will also prepare you to testify at your day in court.

One of the main reasons to hire an attorney is so that you have a professional with experience to help you at the hearing. Your attorney can explain what is going to happen at the hearing. Also, your attorney can prepare you so that you know how to answer the questions the judge will ask you at your hearing.

For example, we will review the judge’s questions. Next, we will help you know how to answer those questions. Additionally, find out more here about what questions the judge will ask at the hearing. Likewise, we will help you prepare your answers about your physical and mental conditions. Let us help you win your SSD and SSI case. If you need help filing for benefits in California, then contact Cannon Disability Law today.

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