The 8th largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California, coastal-city San Diego boasts an impressive population of 1,307,402 (2010 census). In 2008 there were 465,000 households in San Diego city, of that, families made up 58% of the households in San Diego city. This figure includes both married-couple families (42 %) and other families (15%). The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that as of December 2010, approximately 1,148,135 in California receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; of that, approximately 16,554 are recipients are in the San Diego area.
The SSA decides eligibility for disability payments under laws governing the documented disability, payments into the Social Security trust fund through FICA taxes, and current level of income. SSDI applicants need to have paid FICA taxes and can no longer engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to the nature of the disability. SSI provides payments to those who have limited income and financial resources. This disability should be expected to last at least twelve months or more and/or result in death and needs to be documented by a qualified medical practitioner.
Apply for San Diego Social Security Disability Benefits
Filing an initial application can be complicated for an applicant without knowledge of San Diego Disability Resources. A San Diego Disability attorney, specializing in Social Security benefits, can help an applicant define the disability as it may be defined by the SSA, secure sufficient medical coverage, and evaluate the possible outcomes of the individual case.
Evaluating all criteria can be confusing for the applicant. A San Diego Disability lawyer can not only give an objective opinion, but also help build a viable case for the application process. After the initial application has been filed, the SSA uses an extensive evaluation procedure, requesting medical and non-medical evidence to assess the disability. Professional medical providers must produce medical records in order to prove a disability. Examples of licensed medical providers are registered general medical practitioners (doctors), chiropractors, licensed osteopaths, and licensed or certified psychologists. The San Diego Disability attorney will evaluate the existing medical records to find timely, accurate, and sufficient coverage from all certified providers who have treated or currently treating the applicant. After submitting an initial application, an SSA field office evaluates the non-medical eligibility requirements, and then sends the file to the state agency called Disability Determination Services, who are responsible for rendering a decision. If a denial is handed down from the initial application, a San Diego Disability lawyer is pivotal to assist with an appeal during the Reconsideration phase over the next 60 days. Decisions during the application phase suggest 38% are awarded benefits. If benefits are denied after the initial application, only 13% of the cases are approved at the Reconsideration appeal phase. After a denial during the Reconsideration appeal, three more appeals are possible in the disability appeals process: Hearing, an Appeals Council Review, and lastly, a District Court Case. All hearings will be seen before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ has the power to overturn a decision rendered by the SSA or uphold the current decision made by the Disability Determination officer. The ALJ must make a new objective decision, and the presence of a San Diego Disability attorney can help render a positive decision presenting an intense case overview.
Listed below are the local SSA field offices where applications can be filed or information can be obtained related to Social Security resources:
San Diego Social Security Disability
1333 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Social Security Disability
846 Arnele Avenue
El Cojon, CA 92020
San Diego Social Security Disability
8505 Aero Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
For a list of more offices, please visit ssa.gov.
San Diego Social Security Disability Resources
Medical care resulting in a successful collection of necessary records can be costly and unattainable for some applicants. Family Health Centers of San Diego provide an array of primary and specialty medical services to little or no cost to those who qualify. For more information about Family Health Centers of San Diego, please contact the clinics listed below directly.
Logan Heights Family Health Center
1809 National Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
619-515-2300
Downtown Family Health Center
1145 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
619-515-2525
Diamond Neighborhoods Family Health Center
220 Euclid Avenue, Suite 40
San Diego, CA 92114
619-515-2560
Your San Diego Disability Claim
There are a number important steps to an individual’s claim that can affect a decision by the SSA. Acceptable, accurate, and sufficient medical records are one of the more important aspects to an individual’s case. A Social Security lawyer can be vital in getting those documents in order. An initial consultation with a San Diego Disability attorney is free; please click here for more information.
