Fresno Social Security Disability Lawyers Working for You

Obtaining the benefits you need

Social Security disability includes both federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Supplementary Payment (SSP) income. Every day, numerous Californians choose a qualified attorney to assist them in the complicated Social Security application process. They feel relieved, knowing that their matter is attended to with care and competence. That same feeling can be yours when you partner with Perez, Williams, Medina & Rodriguez, LLP.

What are SSD benefits?

An SSD attorney is like a workers’ compensation attorney in some respects. If you worked and paid taxes, and you have to stop working because of a disability, you may be eligible for government SSD benefits. The cash benefits are among the highest in the country because of California’s State Supplementary Payment. In rare instances, you may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services through the California Department of Rehabilitation, if you want to return to work or your cash benefits have been terminated in Fresno.

To qualify for cash benefits, you must have paid enough Social Security taxes to be eligible. You must also meet the Social Security definition of “disabled”:

  • You cannot perform the work that you did before.
  • You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
  • Your disability lasted or is expected to last at least one year or is a terminal condition.

What is the application process for SSD benefits?

The legal team at Perez, Williams, Medina, & Rodrigue, LLP can help you file your application in person, by telephone or online. Your application goes to the Disability Determination Service Division for initial review. Only about one-third of applicants in the Central Valley are approved for benefits at this stage. You may need to appeal your request at the reconsideration stage; most applications are rejected at this stage, as well. We can then request an administrative law hearing, which is similar to a trial. A majority of applications are approved following an administrative hearing, especially if you have an attorney preparing your case and advocating for you. The average wait between the reconsideration and administrative hearing is just under a year, which is slightly below the national average.

How much money can I receive?

Because of the generous state supplement, your benefits may be higher in California. The actual amount is calculated based on a formula that compares your covered earnings — the Social Security taxes you have paid — with the nature and extent of your disability. As a result, you may receive anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to a maximum of $2,533 per month.

Contact an experienced SSD attorney in Fresno or Visalia, CA to obtain maximum benefits

At Perez, Williams, Medina, & Rodriguez, LLP, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experienced. We are aggressive in court, but we are also compassionate and responsive to your needs. Contact us by calling 559-445-0123 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.