California

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEYS IN CALIFORNIA

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If you live in California and you need to file a new Application for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you’ve been denied recently and want Attorney representation in your appeal, then THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP is here to help.

We’ve helped Disabled Californians win their disability claims going back as far as 1994! Our experienced staff and Attorneys have represented clients whose home zip codes are serviced by the California Local Offices of SSA listed below.

If your case is denied and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is required, we will represent you at your hearing. Our initial consultation is free and you never pay any fees or expenses unless we win your case!

CALL 800-909-SSLG TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY

or

CLICK HERE TO GET THE PROCESS STARTED

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California Social Security Disability Lawyers

We Help Clients in California Recover Social Security Disability Benefits

At Social Security Law Group, our California Social Security disability attorneys offer unrivaled service in Social Security disability law. For nearly three decades, we have helped disabled Americans secure disability benefits—more than 55,000 people in total. With our firm, you can rest easy knowing that your claim is being handled properly. To arrange a free, completely confidential consultation with a reliable California Social Security disability lawyer, please contact us today.

Social Security Disability Benefits in California

Social Security disability (SSD) benefits provide cash assistance to qualifying individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disability, illness, or other medical issue. If you are a California resident, you may be eligible to get SSD benefits through one of the following two federal disability programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal disability program funded through every employee’s payroll taxes. You must be “insured” to bring an SSDI claim—meaning you must have a long enough work history/work record based on your current age. If you need help with an SSDI claim, contact our California Social Security disability attorneys today.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an option for people who are not covered by SSDI. With an SSI claim, there is no work record requirement. Instead, benefits are available to disabled individuals who have little to no income and limited financial resources. If your SSI benefits were denied or you have questions about the application process, our California Social Security disability team can help.

An Overview of the Social Security Disability Appeals Process

According to official government data, approximately two-thirds of initial Social Security disability claims are denied. If you were denied SSD benefits in California, you are in good company. As frustrating as this experience is, you have the right to appeal. Do not give up on seeking the disability benefits owed to you without exploring every option for better results. There are four levels of review in the SSD appeals process:

    1. Reconsideration: Reconsideration is essentially the SSA’s chance to take a second look at your application. When you file a request for reconsideration, you will have an opportunity to include additional information and evidence that directly addresses the initial denial. In many SSD appeals in California, a successful result can be achieved in reconsideration.
    2. Administrative Law Hearing: Should the SSA rule against you a second time, you will have the right to appeal before an administrative judge. It is strongly recommended that you hire a California SSD appeals lawyer who can help you prepare for an administrative hearing.
    3. The Appeals Council: A Social Security disability Appeals Council is a three-member panel made up of administrative judges. You must attempt to get a hearing before the council, but they are not required to hear your case.
    4. Federal Lawsuit: The final level of appeal is always federal court. If you are considering appealing a Social Security disability denial to federal court in California, the legal team at Social Security Law Group can help.

You Do Not Have to Do It Alone: The Social Security Law Group Can Help

Many disabled people in California struggle to get access to the financial support that they rightfully deserve. At Social Security Law Group, we are here to make things right. Our firm is ready to get started on your case right away. When you get in touch with us, you will have an opportunity to speak to a California Social Security disability lawyer who will:

      • Listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your rights;
      • Handle all of the paperwork and gather the documentation you need; and
      • Take all necessary steps to help you and your family get the best outcome.

You can always afford the services of our top-rated California Social Security disability attorneys. We only get paid when we win your case. Further, as our fees are automatically withheld by the SSA when benefits are approved, you will never have to worry about paying out of your own pocket.

Get Help From Our California Social Security Disability Attorneys Today

At Social Security Law Group, our California Social Security disability lawyers are driven by excellence. If you have questions about the Social Security disability claims process or if you are struggling to recover benefits, we are ready to get started working on your behalf. Contact us today to get a free, no obligation review of your SSDI or SSI claim. We provide Social Security disability legal services throughout California, including in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, Long Beach, San Jose, San Francisco, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Oakland, Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Fresno.

FAQs Related to California Social Security Disability

How do I apply for disability in California?

You can apply for Social Security Disability in California online through the SSA’s website, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Applications are first reviewed by California’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). Because the process can be complex, many applicants work with a California Social Security disability attorney to ensure forms are filed correctly and medical records are submitted on time.

How much do disability attorneys charge in California?

California disability attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if your case is successful. Federal law caps attorney fees at 25% of your past-due benefits, up to $9,200 as of 2025. You never pay upfront, and your lawyer is only paid if you win your case.

How much is disability in California?

The amount of disability benefits in California depends on whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI. SSDI is based on your past earnings and work history, while SSI is a needs-based program. On average, SSDI benefits nationwide are about $1,500 per month in 2025. California SSI recipients may also qualify for additional state supplemental payments, which can increase the monthly amount.

Can you get Social Security retirement and disability at the same time?

No, you cannot receive both Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. If you are approved for SSDI and then reach full retirement age, your benefits will automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits. The amount you receive typically remains the same.

Do you pay taxes on Social Security Disability in California?

In California, Social Security Disability benefits are not taxed at the state level. However, the IRS may tax a portion of your SSDI benefits if your overall income is above a certain threshold. Many California disability recipients do not owe federal taxes, but it depends on your total household income.

How do you qualify for Social Security Disability in California?

To qualify for Social Security Disability in California, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You also need to have earned enough work credits through past employment. If you don’t meet the work credit requirement, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources.

What is SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)?

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to workers who have paid into the Social Security system and are no longer able to work due to a qualifying disability. Benefits are based on your prior earnings, and in California, SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare coverage after a waiting period.

How long does Social Security Disability last in California?

Once approved, Social Security Disability benefits in California can continue as long as you remain disabled and unable to work. The SSA will conduct periodic reviews of your case (every 3–7 years on average) to confirm your medical condition still qualifies. Benefits end if your health improves and you can return to work, or when you reach full retirement age, at which point SSDI converts to retirement benefits.

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