If you are unable to work due to a medical condition, applying for Social Security disability benefits can feel like an uphill battle. The process is complex, with most applications resulting in the claim being denied. Some choose to give up, but you have the option to continue the fight for disability benefits through an appeal process.
At The Keener Law Firm, a compassionate California disability lawyer guides you through every step of the disability benefits process. From the initial application to appeals and hearings, we ensure that you have an experienced and dedicated representative for support and guidance.
We understand how overwhelming this journey can be. That’s why our team of experienced disability professionals takes the burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on your health while we fight for the benefits you deserve. When you need a California disability benefits lawyer, turn to The Keener Law Firm.
More than 60% of applications for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs do not get approved during the initial review process. Common reasons for this include:
Our SSDI lawyer in California knows the requirements for SSDI and SSI and what it takes to meet them. We know the application process and how to identify and avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to a denial of claim. We build strong, well-documented claims that give you the best chance of success.
If your claim for disability benefits has been denied, contact The Keener Law to have our Social Security disability appeal lawyer review your case. A multilevel appeal process could be the path to turning a denial of a claim into approval of benefits.
We don’t just file paperwork and leave you on your own. We fight for you at every step of the process to obtain disability benefits to ease financial pressures when you cannot work because of a disabling medical condition.
The advantages a dedicated representative from The Keener Law Firm provides to you and your claim include:
Above all, the disability professionals at Keener Law are there with you at every step in the process, with advice you can trust and count on, and skilled legal representation when you need it the most.
The Social Security Administration offers two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs pay disability benefits to people with disabilities or who are legally blind, but they have different non-medical requirements to be approved to receive them.
The SSDI program pays benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but can no longer work due to a disability. The work history must be long enough to meet the program’s requirements.
The amount of the monthly benefit payments that you receive through SSDI depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more money you earn while working, the greater the amount of your monthly SSDI benefit payment.
SSDI recipients qualify for Medicare coverage, but there is a 24-month waiting period before coverage begins. Medicare waives the waiting period for certain medical conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
SSI does not have a work requirement, as does SSDI. It is a needs-based program that provides monthly benefits to help individuals with limited incomes and resources pay for food, shelter, and clothing. The program pays benefits to disabled adults and children, as well as seniors over 65 with limited income and resources. The Keener Law Firm explains the programs and assists you with the application process.
If you receive a denial notice, you have only 60 days to appeal. The appeal process includes:
Approval rates significantly improve at the hearing level. Administrative law judges approve about half of the cases they hear. Our attorneys know how to present persuasive cases to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
A disability hearing lawyer CA from Keener Law gathers evidence, including current medical records, for presentation at the hearing in support of your claim. Your representative also spends time helping you prepare for your opportunity to speak at the hearing in support of your claim.
Other benefits of representation by an experienced California disability hearing lawyer include:
If you do not receive a favorable outcome at a disability hearing, your SSDI lawyer will take the steps necessary to continue the appeal process.
The Keener Law Firm understands that people with disabilities who are unable to work may struggle if asked to pay upfront legal fees. We work on a contingency fee basis.
You do not pay a legal fee unless you win your case. Our fee gets paid from the back pay awarded when you win. Our fee arrangements comply with Social Security Administration regulations.
Whether you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, or appealing a denial of claim, The Keener Law Firm is ready to help. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation to secure the benefits you need.
Don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. Keener Law represents clients throughout California and nationwide.
The Social Security Administration reports that it takes about 6 to 8 months to receive notification of the results of the initial application review. If the SSA must contact you to request addition information or your healthcare providers do not respond promptly to requests for medical records, the process takes longer.
If you receive an unfavorable outcome from the initial review, you may appeal. Appeals take longer. Your disability lawyer can review your case and give you an estimate of how long each step in the process takes based on the specific circumstances of your claim.
A diagnosis from a medical professional must be supported by medical evidence, including an examination, lab tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other documentation. One of the first things your California disability lawyer does is check to determine whether your medical records support the diagnosis. If they do not, your doctors may need to run the necessary tests to determine whether the diagnosis is correct.
The California disability benefits program pays for short-term disabilities. Social Security disability benefits are for disabling medical conditions expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You need to meet the federal requirements for SSDI and SSI, which differ from the state requirements. Keener Law disability lawyers review your claim to determine that you satisfy the requirements for the federal programs.