Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyer

Compassionate Support, Proven Experience & Outstanding Results

Workers who suffer a permanent disability in a workplace accident or because of a work-related illness may qualify for Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after they have been unable to return to work for one year due to their disability.

It is important, however, not to wait the full year off the job before applying. You will want your benefits available immediately upon qualifying, and that means getting the paperwork in place right away.

Eligibility Criteria for SSDI in California

Workers who contributed to SSDI via payroll deductions or direct self-employment contributions over the last decade may qualify for benefits with a documented disability. California claims require precise medical and work history records to navigate the interaction between state regulations and federal guidelines. Ensuring this evidence is detailed and accurate is essential for a successful application.

Eligibility depends on work credits, employment dates, and the disability onset date. For those with mixed W-2 and self-employment histories, accurate earnings records are vital to confirm coverage. Furthermore, applicants must account for how California workers' compensation or private insurance may offset SSDI payments to avoid reporting errors, claim delays, or overpayment issues.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration publishes a general guideline for qualifying disabilities.

The qualifying types of injuries and medical conditions are numerous, but include:

• Mental disabilities: Conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders that significantly interfere with your ability to concentrate, interact with others, or handle work pressures.
• Physical disabilities: Impairments like severe spine disorders, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, and neurological disorders that limit lifting, walking, standing, or fine motor skills.
• Emotional disabilities: Trauma-related conditions or other emotional impairments that affect your reliability, ability to handle stress, or capacity to maintain attendance and performance at work.

While a California disability diagnosis often suggests eligibility for Federal SSDI, many initial claims are denied due to clerical errors. If you are navigating a denied worker's compensation claim, you must document how your condition aligns with the SSA’s Blue Book. Many applicants qualify based on a combination of issues, such as chronic pain and depression, that make sustained work impossible.

Success depends on presenting a comprehensive disability story backed by medical evidence. For those receiving workers' compensation benefits, ensuring medical reports are synchronized with Social Security filings is vital. If your injury involved third-party liability, such as a negligent driver or faulty equipment, coordinating these legal threads is essential. Effective preparation involves organizing treatment notes to demonstrate exactly how your symptoms limit daily activities.

How Our Los Angeles SSDI Lawyers Can Assist You

Since 1991, the Law Office of Ronald P. Ehrman in Los Angeles has helped thousands of families secure Federal SSDI and California workers' compensation benefits. The firm provides a structured approach from the start, gathering detailed medical and work histories to build a strong foundation for every claim. By providing clear checklists and mapping out specific plans for applications or appeals, they ensure clients understand exactly how to meet Social Security’s requirements while reducing avoidable delays.

For those facing pending or denied claims, the firm identifies evidentiary gaps and gathers necessary clarifications from medical providers. They specialize in hearing preparation, coaching clients on how to effectively communicate their limitations to administrative law judges.

The SSDI Application Process In Los Angeles

The SSDI claim process begins with gathering work history, earnings, and medical records for the Social Security Administration. In Los Angeles, local field offices process these applications before disability examiners evaluate your records and, if necessary, schedule a consultative examination.

When assisting with an application, we focus on documenting specific daily limitations rather than just providing diagnoses. Because vague answers regarding tasks like cooking or concentrating can lead to denials, we ensure your abilities are described realistically and supported by medical treatment notes. We also account for local challenges, such as Los Angeles transportation issues and clinic wait times, to ensure your file remains consistent and deadlines are met.

SSDI Appeals And Hearings In Southern California

Many claims are denied initially, and appealing is a standard part of the SSDI process. This typically begins with a request for reconsideration and may proceed to a hearing before an administrative law judge at a Southern California hearing office. Thorough preparation for each stage is essential to present a strong case and avoid procedural errors that could delay your benefits in a region with high caseloads.

During an appeal, we build a persuasive record by obtaining updated medical imaging, specialist opinions, and witness statements to address why a prior decision was incorrect. We highlight overlooked evidence and fill gaps in your file before it reaches a decision-maker, a strategic necessity in Los Angeles where hearing calendars are full. At the hearing, we prepare you for testimony and questioning, ensuring you can clearly communicate your limitations while we manage the legal and procedural requirements.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Under federal law, the amount of money we can charge is set at a percentage of the amount of benefits you are owed, dating back to the date you qualify for payments. No matter how much you are owed, the amount we collect will come directly from the Social Security Administration, and you will never write out a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if My SSDI Application Is Denied?

If your SSDI application is denied, it is important to act swiftly. The first step is to review the denial letter thoroughly to understand the reason for the denial. Common reasons include insufficient medical evidence, unclear personal information, or the SSDI limit criteria not being met. In Los Angeles, you can request a reconsideration, and if denied again, you have the right to appeal the decision in an administrative hearing. Our firm assists clients in crafting an effective appeal by identifying and addressing the weaknesses in the initial application, increasing the likelihood of success.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for a Decision on My SSDI Appeal?

The appeal process timeframe can vary, especially with the high volume of claims processed in Los Angeles. On average, expect to wait several months for a hearing date. However, the preparation phase is a critical period where gathering additional evidence, further medical documentation, and building a persuasive case can be pivotal. Our attorneys focus on streamlining this process and maintaining communication with the SSA to ensure timely updates and adherence to deadlines, facilitating a smoother appeal experience.

Can I Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?

Working while receiving SSDI benefits is possible under specific conditions. Known as the Trial Work Period (TWP), beneficiaries are allowed to test their ability to work without losing their SSDI benefits. During these periods, you can work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) while still receiving benefits. It is essential to report earnings accurately to the SSA during this period to avoid any potential overpayments or miscommunications. Our firm is committed to advising clients on how to handle work endeavors responsibly while managing their SSDI status.

Contact us by calling (213) 455-5808 to speak with our Los Angeles social security disability attorney about your situation. ​​​​​You will not be charged any fees unless you receive benefits.