Are you a California resident who is struggling to make ends meet because you’re disabled? You can apply for Social Security disability benefits to help make it easier to pay for things you need like housing, food, and utilities.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits in California can be challenging. It’s a long process, and there is a lot of paperwork that must be filled out correctly or your application will be denied. DBH can help you get through the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits in California by connecting you with a California Social Security disability lawyer at no cost to you.
Step 1: Complete the Free Disability Evaluation
The first step you should take to find a Social Security disability lawyer in California for free is to fill out DBH’s Free Disability Evaluation. It’s just a short evaluation form that is used to match you with a California Social Security attorney.
Enter Your Personal Information
To start the evaluation just fill in your name, your contact information, and your California address. The California lawyer that is matched with you will need that information to reach out to you.
Provide Details About Your Disability
The next part of the evaluation is where you should describe your disability in detail. Be sure to include details like what your diagnosis is, how long you’ve had this condition, and how exactly it limits your ability to work.
For example, if you have a condition that causes vertigo so severe you can’t stand up or walk without getting dizzy explain exactly how that impacts your ability to hold a job.
Provide Your Current Disability Status
Then you will need to fill out what your Social Security disability status is. That just means where you are at in the application process. If you haven’t applied yet and you want legal support before you apply to help you with the application, write that down. Or, if you have applied already and your application was denied so now you want help from a California disability lawyer to help you with the appeal let us know that.
Step 2: Get Matched with a Lawyer
When you’ve completed the evaluation with all the details of your specific circumstances DBH will start going through their network of California Social Security lawyers to find a match for you.
DBH's Screening Process
DBH maintains a long list of California Social Security disability attorneys who are ready to help you file an application for Social Security disability benefits. DBH will go through your evaluation form and match you with a California disability lawyer who has the experience needed to help you with your specific circumstances.
Expertise and Local Knowledge
Every person’s disability is different, and every Social Security disability application is different. A California disability attorney who has worked with California residents who are disabled will have the best knowledge and experience to help your claim for benefits approved.
Step 3: Initial Consultation with a Disability Lawyer
Once DBH has found an appropriate match for your case they will contact the California disability lawyer that is the best fit for your case and give them your contact information.
Contact
The disability lawyer in California chosen by DBH as the best match for your specific situation will reach out to you to set up a meeting, either in-person or virtually depending on your comfort level and circumstances.
Discussion
Your consultation with a California disability lawyer is free to you. There is no upfront charge for talking to a disability lawyer in California that DBH matches you with. During the consultation you can discuss all the specific details of your situation, the way that the lawyer would approach your application and your case, and the fee structure for Social Security disability legal help specific to California cases.
Step 4: Agreement and Ongoing Communication
If you’re comfortable with the California disability lawyer matched with you by DBH you can agree to the terms discussed with your attorney during the consultation and start the application or appeals process.
If you are working with a California disability attorney, that lawyer will be there to help you throughout the California Social Security benefits application process, including helping you with an appeal if your application is denied.
Agreement
The next step after a satisfactory consultation is to formalize your agreement with your California disability attorney and plan the next steps. After the agreement is formalized, you will officially be represented by a California disability attorney.
Ongoing Communication
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can take a long time. You will need to gather specific evidence like medical records and statements from your doctor and other medical professionals. You also could wait for months to get a decision.
Throughout this process, your disability attorney in California will maintain contact with you. You can reach out with any questions that you have at any point, and your attorney will check in with you to see how the application process is going.
If you receive any documents from the Social Security Administration like a request for documentation or updates about your application, be sure to let your California disability lawyer know about them.
Complete The Free Disability Evaluation
Now that you know what the process is, you can get started immediately. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation and DBH will get started connecting you to a California disability attorney that can help you file an application for Social Security disability benefits.
