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Get Help Securing Your SSDI Benefits in San Diego

Dr. Bill LaTour’s Disability Advocates of America helps San Diego residents navigate the SSDI process from start to finish by building strong cases, handling denials, and fighting for the benefits you need. Get experienced guidance, compassionate support, and a team that’s dedicated to your success. Your path to financial stability starts with a free case review.

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Your Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer in San Diego, CA

When you’re unable to work because of a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance can provide financial stability. Unfortunately, many San Diego residents encounter long delays, confusing forms, and frustrating denials that make the process feel impossible to navigate alone. That’s where Dr. Bill LaTour’s Disability Advocates of America comes in.

We help you understand your rights, gather strong medical evidence, and submit a complete and accurate SSDI application. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. Our Social Security disability benefits lawyer in San Diego is ready to help you get approved for SSDI benefits so you can focus on your recovery and your future.

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Getting Help Is Easy

Just give us a call or fill out our online form and we will come to you or meet with you over the phone. You don’t even have to leave your house!

You Are Not Alone

The Social Security system can be tough to navigate, but you’re not alone. Our team of disability advocates will fight for the benefits you may qualify for!

Support You Can Afford

There’s no cost to get started with your free case review! We also don’t have any upfront costs, and if we don’t win your case, you won’t owe us a thing.

Table of Contents

An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly payments to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer maintain gainful employment due to a serious disability.

SSDI Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSDI in San Diego, you must meet strict requirements set by the SSA. These criteria fall into 2 main categories: work and medical eligibility.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Earn enough work credits: You gain these by paying Social Security taxes through your job. Most applicants need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
  • Have a qualifying disability: Your condition must prevent you from doing the work you did before and from adjusting to other types of work.
  • Meet the duration requirement: The disability must last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death.
  • Provide medical documentation: You must show solid medical evidence from licensed healthcare providers that supports your claim.

Dr. Bill LaTour’s Disability Advocates of America helps applicants understand these requirements, gather the right evidence, and present a well-prepared case to maximize their chances of approval. Reach out today for a free case review.

What to Expect During the SSDI Application Process in San Diego

Knowing what to expect when applying for SSDI can help you feel more prepared. Here’s what the process typically entails:

  1. Gather Documentation: Collect your medical records, work history, and other supporting evidence that shows how your condition limits your ability to work.
  2. Submit Your Application: You can apply for SSDI benefits online, by phone, or at a local San Diego Social Security office.
  3. SSA Review: The SSA reviews your information and sends your file to Disability Determination Services (DDS), which evaluates your medical evidence.
  4. Receive a Decision: You’ll receive a letter explaining whether your claim has been approved or denied. Many applications are denied initially.
  5. Appeal (If Necessary): If your claim is denied, you can request an appeal. This process may include reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and further appeals if needed.

An SSDI attorney in San Diego can help guide you through each stage, making sure your forms are complete, your medical evidence is strong, and your rights are protected throughout the process.

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Common Challenges in the SSDI System

Applying for SSDI can be frustrating. Common issues include:

  • Denied claims due to missing documentation or technical errors.
  • Delays caused by backlogs at the SSA or local offices.
  • Complex appeals that require detailed legal arguments.
  • Misunderstandings about eligibility, work credits, or medical criteria.

If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. Most successful SSDI cases are approved on appeal, and having an experienced disability lawyer on your side can mean the difference between rejection and approval.

What to Do If You’re Facing a Denial

If your SSDI application is denied, you’re not alone—most initial claims are. The good news is that the SSA provides several opportunities to appeal a denial and present new evidence to strengthen your case.

The appeals process involves:

  1. Reconsideration: If your claim is denied, you can request a full review by someone who wasn’t involved in the original decision. You can submit additional medical records or new evidence at this stage.
  2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your claim is denied again, you can request a hearing. You’ll have the opportunity to explain your situation, provide testimony, and present supporting medical evidence.
  3. Appeals Council Review: If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review your case. They may affirm, reverse, or send your case back for another hearing.
  4. Federal Court Review: As a final option, you can file a lawsuit in federal court if you believe the SSA made an error in your case.

Navigating the appeals process can be challenging, but our disability advocates help individuals in San Diego prepare strong appeals by gathering detailed medical evidence, building persuasive arguments, and ensuring all deadlines are met. With the right guidance, many applicants are ultimately approved during the appeals stage.

The Advantages of Hiring a San Diego SSDI Attorney

Getting approved for SSDI can be tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Dr. Bill LaTour’s Disability Advocates of America, we take the stress out of the process and help you build the strongest possible case for benefits. Dr. Bill LaTour and his team help San Diego residents navigate the SSA system and get the results they deserve.

When you work with us, you get:

  • Personalized guidance through every stage of your SSDI claim, from application to appeal.
  • Help gathering strong evidence including medical records, work history, and expert documentation to support your claim.
  • Professional representation at hearings and throughout the appeals process.
  • Direct communication with the SSA so you don’t have to handle confusing paperwork or deadlines on your own.
  • Free case reviews to help you understand your eligibility and what to expect.

Let our SSDI attorney stand by your side and help you secure your disability benefits.

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SSDI FAQs

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid, while SSI is a need-based program for people with limited income and resources. SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have earned enough work credits, whereas SSI helps those who haven’t worked long enough to qualify for SSDI.

Your monthly SSDI payment depends on your lifetime earnings and how much you’ve paid into Social Security. The amount varies for each person, but most recipients receive enough to help cover essential living expenses.

The SSA calculates your SSDI benefit using your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and a specific formula that determines your primary insurance amount (PIA). In general, the higher your past earnings, the higher your monthly SSDI payment will be.

The SSDI process can take several months to over a year, depending on the SSA’s backlog and the complexity of your case. Having a disability lawyer on your side can help reduce delays by helping ensure your application is complete and properly supported.

The SSA’s “Blue Book” lists qualifying conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, neurological disorders, and mental health impairments. Even if your exact condition isn’t listed, you may qualify if it prevents you from working.

Yes, but your income must stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. Exceeding this amount may affect your eligibility.

You can appeal the decision. Most denials are overturned at the hearing level, especially with representation from an experienced SSDI attorney.

While you can apply on your own, working with a Social Security disability benefits lawyer can significantly improve your chances of approval. A lawyer can make sure your paperwork is correct, deadlines are met, and medical evidence is strong.

Let Our San Diego Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer Advocate For You

If you live in San Diego and can no longer work because of a disability, Dr. Bill LaTour’s Disability Advocates of America is here to guide you every step of the way. From your initial application to appeals and hearings, we make sure your case gets the attention it deserves. Our goal is to help you secure the disability benefits you’ve earned through years of hard work.

Reach out today for your free case review with an experienced Social Security disability benefits lawyer in San Diego. Let’s take the next step toward financial stability and peace of mind together.

Related Articles & Info

General Information

The Disability Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

Does Your Condition Qualify?

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