SSD and SSI Attorney
Ortega Disability Group
Our Practice is Your Solution. Our Mission is Your Success.
Omar Ortega, Attorney
As a young person and a new lawyer in New York in the 1990s, Omar planned to be the friendly neighborhood attorney with a storefront office located in the center of town - the type of small law office with a sign in the window that might even share space with an accountant or private detective.
He pictured himself as the jack-of-all-trades type who locals knew to consult for any of their legal problems, be it a will, a contract, a lease, or a lawsuit. It was not until after gaining experience as an attorney that he realized that he preferred practice in one area of the law rather than the assortment of the generalist. And that one area he chose to master, the specialty where he could focus all his efforts and gain the expert’s edge, is Disability Law.
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Difference between
SSD and SSI
Social Security Disability is a benefit available for individuals who are unable to work and who have paid into the Social Security trust fund while they were employed. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for Social Security benefits, our team will go over your case with you and explain the qualifications so you can make the most informed decision.
When an employee contributes a portion of their salary to the Social Security trust fund their employer contributes an equal amount to allow the employee to become eligible for retirement benefits when they reach retirement age. However, these employees also become eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if their employment is cut short due to a disability prior to the attainment of their full retirement age.
Social Security Disability benefits are based on the amount each individual paid in Social Security taxes while employed. The taxes paid to Social Security are based on the amount earned. So, those individuals who earn more while employed typically get paid more in monthly benefits than those who earn less.
The SSI program provides benefits made payable to disabled adults and children who have limited or no source of income. These individuals usually don’t have a stable source of income and haven’t paid into the Social Security program over time. People who are over the age of 65 may also qualify for SSI benefits. In some cases, individuals may be able to receive both SSI and SSD benefits at the same time. Speaking to one of our SSI attorneys helps you get the answers you need.
Read MoreIs a representative
necessary?
The Social Security Administration does not require applicants to be represented. However, as in all complicated matters, it is best to have someone that is knowledgeable on the subject advocate on your behalf. We recommend you talk to our Social Security disability lawyer in Orange, Oakland and Alameda, CA, to determine if filing is your best course of action. We never collect any fees unless we get a settlement in your case, allowing you to talk to us without worrying about how you will pay for it. We want you to feel confident as you pursue your case.
Many people are denied not because they are not disabled and don’t qualify for SSDI benefits, but because they don’t know how to prove their disability. We fight for you because you should not have to go through it alone. Individuals who are applying for disability benefits can’t afford to take any chances and need a strong SSDI lawyer on their team. This is why our SSI attorney and SSD attorney is ready to help you with your appeals. We’ll go over your case and find the errors that led to your denial and correct them, allowing you to move forward with an appeal that has an excellent chance of being successful. We want you to get the Social Security benefits you deserve.
Read MoreToo many people think about applying and just can’t get through the process. Others start the process and are denied or encounter resistance from the agency and give up. We won’t let that happen to our clients. Our Orange and Oakland, California clients are our top priority.
Furthermore, the ability to afford a representative should not prevent any claimant from obtaining assistance. Our fee structure is simple. We don’t charge a fee unless you win your claim.
Contact our disability law firm serving Orange, Oakland and Alameda, CA, so you can start working on your case today. We’re standing by to provide you with the guidance and support you need as you seek the benefits you deserve.
Asked Questions
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What is the difference between Social Security Disability (SSD) vs Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
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Both programs require you to prove you are unable to work due to a medical disability. However, not everyone who is unable to work will be eligible for either of the two benefits. In addition to proving your inability to work, you must also prove other eligibility requirements. For SSD benefits, your SSDI attorney must have worked for a sufficient time period in order to be eligible. Your condition also must have become disabling within a set period of time after you stopped working.
Eligibility for SSI benefits requires an individual have very little or no income and very little assets. Your spouse’s income or assets will also be counted for eligibility purposes. -
How much will I receive if I am awarded Social Security benefits?
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Your entitlement amount for Social Security benefits varies based on several different factors. For SSD benefits, it is based on the amount of Social Security disability taxes you have paid while you or the wage earner were employed. For Supplemental Security Income benefits, your entitlement varies based on your household income and assets.
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How long does it take to obtain a decision?
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There are no set deadlines for the Social Security Administration to make a decision. Those that are fortunate to have their cases approved at the initial application phase will obtain a decision in as little as 5-6 months. However, applicants who are not fortunate enough to have their initial claims granted often find that their cases take over a year or more to obtain a final decision in their claims.
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Why do I need an advocate?
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It is not required that you obtain an advocate. Many people who apply for Social Security disability benefits are denied initially. An advocate does not guarantee success. However, it does allow a claimant who may not be familiar with Social Security’s regulations and procedures to have someone with years of experience advocating on their behalf. People who are disabled and are unable to work cannot afford to take chances with their claims.
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Do I have to wait until my hearing to hire an advocate?
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The earlier you obtain an advocate the better. You do not have to wait until the hearing to obtain an advocate.
Contact us today! Call us Today 800.322.1173. See the gallery of our office.
473 E. Carnegie Drive
Suite #20
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
350 10th Avenue
Suite #1000
San Diego, CA 92101
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
1100 Town and Country Rd
Suite 1228
Orange, CA 92868
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
505 14th Street
Suite 900
Oakland, CA 94612
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
All Mail: 30042 Mission Blvd #121-239 Hayward, CA 94544
Questions? Write to Us!
Social Security Disability
and SSI Attorney in Orange, CA
We are a group of experienced lawyers based in Orange, Alameda and Oakland, California, who are committed to assisting disabled individuals obtain Social Security Disability benefits. We limit our practice to what we do best, Social Security benefits.
We understand how difficult and confusing the process may seem; therefore, we match our clients with a Social Security disability lawyer who is well-experienced and versed in Social Security law. You won’t have to worry about a thing. Our SSI attorney and SSD attorney will explain the entire process to you and answer any questions you may have along the way. Our disability law firm in Orange, Oakland and Alameda, CA, will offer the support you need to get through the process quickly and efficiently.
Read MoreNo one should have to go through this process alone. Our goal is not only to help you obtain the benefits that you deserve but to be available to answer your questions throughout the process. We have handled thousands of claims of all types from the initial application stage all the way to Federal Court.
We pride ourselves on customer service. At Ortega Disability Group, you will be assigned a personal caseworker to guide you through what, at times, can be a complex process. You will also have the ability to communicate with a licensed attorney. We are available in person, by phone, or via email to assist you.