If you live in Los Angeles and are unable to work you may consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits. To be approved for these you’ll need to show that you can’t perform essentially any job due to an illness or injury, and that it is expected to last a year or more.
To file your application for Social Security Disability benefits, you can visit your local Social Security office, call the Social Security Administration, or apply online. Unfortunately, over 70% of Los Angeles residents’ applications are denied on the first go-around. If this happens, you can file an appeal, called a Request for Reconsideration. Around 10% of claims are approved here. Statistically, you’re most likely to be granted benefits at the next stage in the process – the administrative law judge hearing. Here you’ll get the chance to state your case in front of a judge at a local Social Security office. In Los Angeles, around 60% of these hearings result in the claimant being awarded benefits.
Los Angeles Disability Health Resources
The Social Security Administration (SSA) employee who decides whether or not your application is approved (who works out of a Disability Determination Services office) will base their decision in large part on your medical records. Thus, it’s very important to obtain regular treatment for the disabling conditions that cause you to be unable to work. Even if your claim is first denied due to a lack of medical records, you can still obtain treatment and submit records at any stage in the process.
Disabled Los Angeles workers may have trouble affording medical treatment. There are options for free or reduced-cost healthcare in Los Angeles, a few of which are listed below.
Allied Medical Clinic
3240 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 270
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 507-7530
Beverly Health Center
Seniel Ostrow Building
8405 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-1990
Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic
3324 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-2400
UMMA Community Clinic
711 West Florence Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 789-5610
Superior Medical Clinic
11600 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 751-0907
Brentview Medical Clinic
11611 San Vincente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 820-0013
Royal Comprehensive Healthcare
245 South Fetterly
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 780-2373
Los Angeles Mental Health Resources
If a psychiatric condition contributes to your inability to work, it’s important that you receive the appropriate mental health treatment. If you need help obtaining services such as counseling, you can call the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health at 1-800-854-7771.
Los Angeles State Supplemental Benefits
If you’re approved for Supplemental Security Income, which are the needs-based side of Social Security Disability, you could also be eligible for a supplemental payment from the state of California. This could range from $120 to $407, depending on your current living arrangements.
If you’re receiving SSI benefits in Los Angeles, you could also be eligible for healthcare assistance through the state’s Medi-Cal program. For more information, call 1-877-597-4777 or visit a local Department of Public Social Service office.
Your Los Angeles Social Security Disability Claim
The unfortunate truth is that many Los Angeles residents who are truly disabled end up having their claim for Social Security Disability benefits denied. The ensuing appeals process can take up to two years or more. However, there is one thing you can do to reduce the chances that you’ll endure this, and that is to hire a Los Angeles Social Security Disability attorney. Regardless of where you are in the process, a knowledgeable Los Angeles disability lawyer can take steps to ensure that the SSA is properly evaluating your medical records. They may also be able to highlight the most relevant portions to show how you are unable to work.
Los Angeles Social Security attorneys aren’t paid unless you receive benefits. There are no upfront cost to hire one, and if you never receive benefits, you will not have to pay them. If you are granted benefits, they’ll receive a fee equal to 25% of your back benefits.
If you are interested in obtaining an evaluation of your Social Security Disability case, click the "Free Disability Evaluation" link at the top of the page for your free case evaluation or to get more information about hiring a Los Angeles social security attorney.
