Kenton Koszdin Law Office

Applying for SSDI Benefits in California

Applying for disability in California frequently raises some challenging issues. If you are seeking disability benefits from either of the two programs available, SSI and SSDI, let the Law Office of Kenton Koszdin fight to get you the full payout you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and information on how to file for disability in California.

Get Your Free Case Review
Tap to Call
Directions

What Should Your Application for SSD Benefits Include?

When you need federal disability benefits, you must file an application for disability with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Every section of the application must be filled out correctly, and this includes supplying the SSA with all of the documents they need.
The following information must accompany your application for disability benefits:

  • Legal name and mailing address
  • Social Security number
  • Birth certificate
  • Doctor’s contact information
  • Prescription information
  • Work history

Your application must also include information about how your condition is affecting your life. Most importantly, you will need to provide evidence, such as medical records, that your condition qualifies for disability and that your condition is of such severity that you are unable to work.

Getting the application right the first time means getting your benefits faster. With help from a disability lawyer from our office, you can rest assured that you will have a mistake-free application from the beginning.

What Should Your Application for SSD Benefits Include?

Trust is important.
  • Partner 5
  • Partner 4
  • Partner 3
  • Partner 2
  • Partner 1

How to Apply for Social Security Disability in California

Fortunately, there are various ways to get your application to the SSA, so you can choose how you wish to interact with the agency during the process. If you need help understanding the forms or filling them out, an attorney from our office can help make sure the filing gets done right the first time.
The three ways to file a disability claim in CA:

  • File online using an SSA for federal or SDI online account for state disability
  • File over the telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
  • Apply for disability in person at your local Social Security office

In every case, the fastest way to have your claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance processed is by filling out your application online.
After you apply online, the SSA will send you a hard copy in the mail for verification and signature. Your claim process will be on hold until you return your file to the SSA by mail.

How Is Your Disability Claim Evaluated?

Your claim will be evaluated to determine its eligibility for either SSDI or supplemental SSI.
To successfully apply for SSDI in California, you must have worked enough to earn 40 credits within the last ten years before the date of your injury. And you must be suffering from a non-work related illness.
If you do not qualify for SSDI, you may be eligible for SSI, which requires you to have limited finances and assets.
Once it can be determined which program you potentially qualify for, your claim will then be further evaluated by the Disability Determination Services (DDS).

What Happens When Your Application Gets Transferred to Disability Determination Services?

Disability Determination Services are government agencies that make the initial determination about the eligibility of your SSI or SSDI application in California. Their job is to review the medical information you have presented and either approve or deny your claim.
These agencies may also request that you send them more information to aid in their medical certification of your disability or ask that you attend a consultative examination.
A consultative examination is a medical appointment where medical examiners and doctors test your functionality by conducting a variety of different exams, including:

  • Physical exams and the assessment of vitals
  • Psychiatric and psychological examinations
  • Blood work
  • X-rays and imaging, such as MRI, PET, and CAT scans

Generally speaking, consultative examinations are required when evidence to support a claim is lacking. They may also be ordered if your physician has spent too little time treating you.

Hire a Professional Attorney to Make Sure Your SSD Application Doesn’t Get Denied

Most disability claims are denied, at least initially. However, those applicants who choose to hire an attorney can expect vastly higher odds of getting approval with a shorter processing time.
We believe in dignity for our clients and always make sure that every aspect of your application is complete and ready for review. We will also fight for your approval if you have received a denial or lost benefits and need to file for a hearing to appeal the decision.

Featured Highlights on Disability Qualification in California

Simple Share Buttons