Thursday, June 20, 2024

Why Get A Disability Representative to help you with your long term Social Security Disability application?

Why Get A Disability Representative to help you with your long term Social Security Disability application? SSI-SSDI?

Even though the government provides these benefits, they are not easy to obtain. You must go through a rigorous process in order to receive these benefits. First, you must determine if you are eligible for SSDI, SSI, or both. You then must file an initial Social Security Disability application, which should include sufficient background information and documentary evidence. One mistake and you can be denied. Our representatives will provide guidance through the whole process.


Types Of Benefits: SSDI

The government offers two main types of benefits to those who are disabled. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI). SSDI is a benefit that is earned by paying into the system through income tax contributions. If you have paid in for a sufficient number of quarters annually, you are eligible for this benefit regardless of your financial situation.


Call or text us at 310-445-3322

for a free consultation and get assistance every step of the way.


Types Of Benefits: SSI

The second type of disability benefit provided by the government is Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). SSI is available to those with few financial resources who are disabled and therefore unable to work. This program is means-tested, so even those who have never worked may be eligible. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for SSI.

California Disability Advocates, is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR) and a highly regarded advocate of the disabled. Our legal team has extensive experience guiding our clients through all levels of the disability claims process. When you consult with us, we will take the time to understand your concerns and work to make sure you obtain the disability benefits you deserve.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2024

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program

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In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program


The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes.



Who is it For:

Eligibility criteria for all IHSS applicants and recipients:

You must also be a California resident.

You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.

You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home").

You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form.

How the program works:

A county social worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the social worker will assess the types of services you need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician, or other licensed health care professional.

A completed Health Care Certification must be received by the county prior to authorization of services.

You will be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. If approved, you will be notified of the services and the number of hours per month which have been authorized for you.

If you are approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your individual provider) to perform the authorized services. You are considered your provider's employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual.

If your county has contracted IHSS providers, you may choose to have services provided by the contractor.

If your county has homemaker employees, you may receive services from a county homemaker.



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Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Can I Qualify for Disability For Mental Illness?

Can I Qualify for Disability For Mental Illness?

What Mental Illnesses Qualify for Disability?

Any mental illness that makes it impossible for you to be able to work full time you from can qualify for disability. The most common mental illnesses that can qualify for disability are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst many others.

The Blue Book is used by the Social Security Administration to establish guidelines for which conditions qualify a claimant for Social Security disability benefits.

 Section 12 of the Blue Book deals with mental disorders, detailing which types of mental disorders can qualify you for benefits, and under what circumstances. There are many mental health conditions that qualify for disability. There are nine categories of mental disorders covered in the Blue Book.


These include:

  • Affective disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Autism and related disorders
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Organic Mental Disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Schizophrenia, paranoia, and psychotic disorders
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Substance addiction


Each type of disorder is evaluated according to its own set of criteria. To qualify for benefits with that condition, you must be able to show that you meet the criteria or that the sum total of all of your disabling conditions is equivalent to the listed criteria or otherwise completely hinders you from engaging in any gainful activity.

Regardless of which type of mental health disability you are dealing with, you will need to be able to show that you are receiving and complying with treatment.

It is important that you continue to undergo treatment while you are in the process of claiming Social Security disability benefits. If you have a mental health condition and you think it will make it unable for you to work full time, then you may want to speak with a disability lawyer or disability advocate.



If you suffer from any of these medical conditions you should first of all seek medical attention as a doctor’s report is important for proving that your mental condition is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits.

 

As well as your doctor’s report you will need to gather further evidence proving that your mental health is likely to stop you from working for at least 12 months as well as looking in the SSA’s Blue Book that lists of conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

 

 There are several mental health conditions that can be found in the Blue Book’s list that include bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia.

 

If you can meet the medical requirements the SSA will consider that your mental health is a disability and may approve your claim for disability benefits.

For more information please call

310-445-3322

or visit our website at

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Monday, June 17, 2024

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program

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In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program


The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes.



Who is it For:

Eligibility criteria for all IHSS applicants and recipients:

You must also be a California resident.

You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.

You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home").

You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form.

How the program works:

A county social worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the social worker will assess the types of services you need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician, or other licensed health care professional.

A completed Health Care Certification must be received by the county prior to authorization of services.

You will be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. If approved, you will be notified of the services and the number of hours per month which have been authorized for you.

If you are approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your individual provider) to perform the authorized services. You are considered your provider's employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual.

If your county has contracted IHSS providers, you may choose to have services provided by the contractor.

If your county has homemaker employees, you may receive services from a county homemaker.



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Friday, June 14, 2024

Benefits for Children with Disabilities

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California Disability Advocates

Specializing in Social Security Disability Claims


Benefits for Children with Disabilities

A child under age 18 may have a disability, but we don't need to consider the child's disability when deciding if he or she qualifies for benefits as a dependent. The child's benefits normally stop at age 18 unless they are a full-time elementary or high school student until age 19 or have a qualifying disability.

Children who were receiving benefits as a minor child on a parent’s Social Security record may be eligible to continue receiving benefits on that parent’s record upon reaching age 18 if they have a qualifying disability.

Adults with a Disability that Began Before Age 22

An adult who has a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits if their parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. We consider this a "child's" benefit because it is paid on a parent's Social Security earnings record.

The Disabled Adult Child (DAC) — who may be an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchild — must be unmarried, age 18 or older, have a qualified disability that started before age 22, and meet the definition of disability for adults.

What if the child is already receiving SSI or disability benefits on their own record and turns 18?

A child already receiving SSI benefits or disability benefits on his or her own record should check to see if DAC benefits may be payable on a parent's earnings record when they reach age 18. Higher benefits might be payable and entitlement to Medicare may be possible.

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Thursday, June 13, 2024

Parts of Medicare

Parts A and B

You’ll sign up for Medicare through Social Security. You can sign up for Parts A and B, or Part A only.


Part A (hospital insurance)


Part A helps pay for inpatient care at:

  • Hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Hospice

It also covers some outpatient home health care.

Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse’s work.



Part B (medical insurance)


Part B helps cover:

  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Some preventive services


For more information please call

310-420-3505

or visit our website at

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