The third largest city in California and the tenth largest in the United States, San Jose is the heart of the Silicon Valley area. Silicon Valley is the most profitable high-tech and technology center in the country. This booming industry center has named San Jose as the capital of Silicon Valley, accommodating over 299,000 households.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that as of December 2010, approximately 1,148,135 in California receive Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI) benefits, and of that approximately 152,084 receive disability benefits in the San Jose city area. The basis of awarding Social Security Disability is based on the applicant’s inability to work due to a documented medical disability. This disability is expected to last at least twelve months or more and/or result in death. Contributions to the Social Security fund through FICA taxes can qualify an individual or a dependent of an individual for SSDI benefits. Insufficient work credits or work history can qualify an applicant for SSI has a lack of financial means and resources, as set forth by the SSA. A San Jose Disability attorney can help determine if you individual case meets the standard work credits required or financial thresholds needed to apply for benefits.
Apply for San Jose Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for San Jose Social Security Disability benefits can be done at a local field office or through an online application. Consulting a San Jose Disability lawyer at the earliest possible point is a necessity in order to have a strong case, worthy of an approval by the SSA. San Jose Disability attorneys can evaluate an applicant’s case through an organized checklist of medical and non-medical documentation necessary for the initial application process. The largest amount of information needed is an extensive collection of medical records documenting the disability(s) by certified medical practitioners. With his or her ability to analyze documentation of disability(s), a San Jose attorney can compare and asses possible rulings, based on the similar outcomes of previous case rulings. After the initial application is submitted, an approval or denial benefits will be submitted in approximately 80 – 120 days. Disability Determination Services (DDS), separate from SSA field office locations, may set up a face-to-face appointment or phone interview to further the questioning and review of the applicants disability. A San Jose attorney can prepare the applicant for potential questions, as well as instill confidence and ease before this important interview. In California, recent findings show approximately 40% of disability cases win at the initial application phase; however, only 13% win at the Request for Reconsideration stage. The four possible steps in the disability appeals process are Reconsideration, a Disability hearing, an Appeals Council Review, and a Federal District Court Case. If you disagree with the determination on your case, the appeal will proceed in the order listed. San Jose Disability Attorney can share valuable resources with an applicant, as well as help prepare for possible testimony before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the hearing stage. Problem-solving by professionals is a necessity to determine the source(s) of the denial, and a San Jose Disability attorney can uncover potential holes or insufficient medical documentation. Just as the diagnosis of disability requires a certified medical practitioner, an attorney is also a necessity for organizing, assessing, and filing all pertaining SSA forms and correlating documentation. It is statistically proven that approvals can increase if an attorney is hired from the initial application, and reconsideration approvals dramatically increase of with the advocacy of a San Jose Disability Attorney.
If an applicant is approved for disability benefits, the state of California also adds a state supplement in addition to the federal benefit rate. This combined benefit range from $845 to $1,086 per month, Differentiations of this monthly benefit amount are probable, and a San Jose Disability lawyer can estimate potential monthly earnings for applicants.
Listed below are the local Social Security Field Offices where a applicants can file a claim for disability benefits:
San Jose Social Security Disability
280 S First Street, 2nd Floor Room 244
San Jose, CA 95113
San Jose Social Security Disability
2500 Fontaine Road
San Jose, CA 95121
For a list of more local offices in the San Jose area, please visit ssa.gov.
San Jose Social Security Disability Resources
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is considered the health care safety net of San Jose. SCVMC offers health care to residents with no medical coverage or those that do not have the ability to pay. Below is a list of locations for SCVMC centers and contact information:
VHC Bascom
750 S. Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128
(888) 334-1000
VCH East Valley
1993 McKee Road
San Jose, CA 95116
(888) 334-1000
VCH Moorpark
2400 Moorpark Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128
(888) 334-1000
Your San Jose Disability Claim
Meeting medical and non-medical guidelines are not enough for a successful outcome of obtaining San Jose Social Security Disability benefits. Approval statistics dramatically increase if representation is secured during the application process. A San Jose Disability attorney will have mastered the Social Security laws and procedures, and will educate the applicant on his/her individual case during each phase. Social Security lawyers are trained to have a comprehensive outlook, and proactive approach filing all necessary SSA forms and documents. Preparation of requested Disability Determination interviews and testimony before an ALJ is also another component to the responsibility of San Jose legal representation. Applicants can be put at ease in this preparation, should testimony be required before the ALJ at the hearing stage. Please click here to contact a San Jose Disability lawyer or find out more on San Jose disability resources that can expedite your case.
