To qualify for Social Security disability in San Diego, you’ll need to show the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you’re unable to perform any job on a full-time basis due to illness or injury. You’ll also need to prove that this has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least a year. Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is relatively easy, and can be done at your local San Diego Social Security office, via phone, or online at the SSA's website.
Unfortunately, most of those who apply for benefits in San Diego have their applications denied. If this happens, you’ll be able to appeal the decision, and your claim could be approved later. However, this usually entails a long wait. In fact, you’re most likely to get approved following your disability hearing, which could happen two years or more after you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
San Diego Disability Health Resources
When you apply for Social Security in San Diego, an employee from the Department of Disability Determination (DDS) will review your file to determine if you’re eligible for disability benefits. The main thing that they’ll be looking for are medical records showing exactly how your disabling condition make you unable to work. So it’s very important to obtain regular medical treatment. If you’re having trouble finding or affording the healthcare you need, below are some San Diego healthcare resources.
North Park Family Health Center
3544 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 515-2424
Comprehensive Health Center
3177 Ocean View Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 231-3200
San Diego Family Care
4305 University Avenue, Ste. 150
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 280-2058
Diamond Neighborhoods Family Health Center
220 Euclid Avenue, #40
San Diego, CA 92114
(619) 515-2560
Operation Samhan
2743 Highland Avenue
San Diego, CA 91950
(619) 474-3919
Sharp Healthcare
8695 Spectrum Center Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
(800) 827-4277
Urgent Care & More
3434 Midway
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 225-6200
San Diego Mental Health Resources
Some who are applying for disability in San Diego may suffer from a psychiatric condition that contributes to their inability to work. If this is the case, it’s equally important to obtain mental health treatment so there are records documenting this. San Diego County mental health services provides a toll-free number which can be called to obtain referrals to mental health care professionals as well as serving as a mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline. This number is 1-800-479-3339.
San Diego Supplemental Benefits
Those who receive SSI benefits in San Diego may be eligible for an additional payment from the State of California (SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs-based disability benefit.) The amount depends on your living arrangements and could be anywhere from $20 per month to more than $1,000.
Those getting SSI are eligible for medical assistance through Medi-Cal. More information can be obtained online or by calling 1-800-541-5555.
Your San Diego Social Security Disability Claim
Most San Diego Social Security applicants face a long wait before their benefits are granted, and unfortunately, many will be denied throughout the appeals process. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a qualified San Diego Social Security disability attorney to assist you. A San Diego disability lawyer has knowledge of the SSA’s specific definition of disabled, and knows how to use your medical records to show that you meet this definition. If you end up having a disability hearing in San Diego, your San Diego Social Security attorney can help you prepare your testimony, cross-examine any expert witnesses that the SSA may hire to appear, and submit a written argument to the judge.
Many San Diego disability applicants are concerned about the cost of hiring a top San Diego Social Security Disability attorney. Fortunately, you’ll only have to pay your California disability lawyer if you’re granted benefits. There’s no upfront cost to hire one, and if your application isn’t approved, you won’t have to pay. If you’re granted benefits, their fee will be 25% of any lump sum payments you receive, if the SSA finds that you were disabled as of a past date. Their fee is capped at $6,000.
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 San Diego social security disability attorney.
