Attorney Patrick Kelly has decades of experience helping Berkeley residents secure Social Security benefits. Our firm can help you determine whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits and handle the complex legal processes so you can focus on your health. Both benefit programs offer financial support to individuals who cannot work because of a disability.
Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability in Berkeley, CA?
The Social Security Administration, or SSA, has a strict definition of disability. In order to determine if an individual is considered to be disabled, the SSA uses a thorough step-by-step process with 5 questions. The 5 questions you will need to answer are as follows:
- Are you currently working? (Your work activity must not equal Substantial Gainful Activity)
- Is your condition considered “severe?”
- Is your condition found in the comprehensive list of qualifying impairments?
- Can you do the work you did before becoming disabled?
- Can you perform any other type of work?
The Social Security Administration has special qualifications for individuals who meet uncommon circumstances, such as:
- People with low vision or who are blind
- Children with disabilities
- People who do not have a qualifying condition, but are still unable to work due to one or multiple disabilities
Attorney Patrick Kelly will review your case to determine if you meet any of these special situations. He will also determine if you qualify for SSI or SSDI, and how best to go about filing an appeal.
Who Qualifies for SSDI in Berkeley, CA?
SSDI requires claimants to have paid into the Social Security program via payroll taxes. You must have worked long enough to have earned enough work credits to be eligible for benefits. You must also have a qualifying condition that prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits in Berkeley, CA?
To qualify for SSI in Berkeley, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Have limited income and financial resources
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen
- Reside in the United States
California also provides a state supplement to SSI payments, which means you may receive a higher monthly benefit amount than recipients in other states.
Trusted Disability Appeals Lawyer in Berkeley
If your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim was denied, you don’t have to face the appeals process alone. A skilled disability appeals lawyer in Berkeley, CA, can make a significant difference in your case by guiding you through each step of the review and appeals process. Because many initial applications are denied, having an attorney with experience handling appeals can increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.
At Patrick J. Kelly Law Office, we understand the complex rules and deadlines of Social Security appeals, from reconsideration requests to hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We work to prepare your case effectively and clearly demonstrate your limitations to the SSA.
With decades of experience helping clients in Berkeley and across California, our dedicated disability appeals lawyer can help relieve your stress and maximize your chances of success
How Do I File for Disability Benefits?
There are several ways you can file for disability. These options include:
- In person at a Social Security office
- By Mail
- By Telephone
- Online
Although it is your right to pursue disability benefits on your own, your chances of successfully obtaining them increase when you have a skilled Social Security lawyer advocating for you.
Local Social Security attorney, Patrick Kelly, will fight for your benefits through the appeals process and at every scheduled disability hearing. Our goal is to obtain Social Security benefits for every disabled American who is entitled to them.
Contact Our Berkeley SSDI Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Navigating the complex Social Security Disability process can be overwhelming. Attorney Patrick Kelly can reduce some of this unnecessary stress by handling your case after a denial. With more than 40 years of knowledge, skill, and compassion, our SSD attorney is ready to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Don’t take your chances when it comes to your disability benefits. Call (510) 769-4895 or fill out our online form to request your free consultation today.
