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California Social Security Disability Lawyer A Nationwide Firm Focused on Federal Employment and Social Security Disability Law

California Social Security Disability Lawyers

Experienced Representation for People Seeking SSD Benefits

When a medical condition disrupts your ability to work, you need clear guidance from a team that understands how the Social Security Disability (SSD) system functions, top to bottom. At Pines Federal, we bring more than 60 years of combined practice experience to every case, and our nationwide reputation has been built on representing people in need. If you live in California and need support with an SSD claim, we’re standing by.

What you can expect when you work with us:

  • Decades of focused SSD knowledge: We understand how claims are reviewed and what evidence matters most to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  • Straightforward communication: We explain requirements in plain language so you always know what your case needs next and why.
  • Thorough case development: We can analyze your medical records, work history, and functional limitations to identify strengths and address missing information.
  • Support through every stage: Whether you are filing for the first time or appealing a denial, we can keep your case organized.

Call (832) 462-7655 or contact us online now to speak with a California SSD claim attorney.

SSD Eligibility & Ineligibility

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program, so the eligibility standards are the same in California as they are in other states. To qualify, you must meet both medical and work-related requirements. Social Security evaluates whether your condition is severe, long-lasting, and limiting enough to prevent you from holding gainful employment. You must also have earned enough work credits from past employment that paid into Social Security.

You may meet SSDI eligibility requirements if:

  • Your condition is expected to last at least one year or be permanent.
  • Your symptoms prevent you from returning to your past work.
  • Your limitations make it difficult to adjust to other types of work.
  • You have sufficient work credits based on your age.
  • Your condition meets or equals a listed impairment.
  • Your functional abilities are significantly limited in ways that prevent full-time or gainful employment.

You may be considered ineligible if you are working above the substantial gainful activity threshold, if your condition is short-term, or if your work credits do not meet the necessary minimum. Many claimants are denied due to missing medical records, inconsistent treatment notes, or misunderstandings about their functional capacity, too. We can help you identify potential eligibility concerns early and present your evidence in a clear, well-supported manner.

SSDI Benefits in California

If you qualify for SSDI, you may receive financial and medical benefits that help stabilize your long-term situation. Although SSDI is a federal program, these benefits apply equally to eligible California residents.

SSDI benefits may include:

  • Dependent benefits for eligible children or spouses
  • Medicare coverage, typically available after a waiting period
  • Monthly disability payments based on your past earnings
  • Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) designed to keep pace with inflation
  • Retroactive benefits for qualifying months before your application date

How We Can Help With Your SSD Claim

Successfully filing an SSD claim requires careful documentation, consistency across medical records, and clear explanations of how your condition limits your ability to work. We support your case by helping you gather, organize, and present evidence in a way that aligns with the SSA’s requirements.

Our legal help when working on your SSD claim can include:

  • Reviewing your medical records for clarity
  • Identifying gaps or inconsistencies in your treatment history that could lead to a denial
  • Requesting additional statements or records from your healthcare providers
  • Explaining how your symptoms impact your ability to perform daily activities and maintain full-time employment
  • Evaluating your earnings record for work credit errors and helping correct inaccurate entries
  • Reviewing residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments to identify unsupported conclusions
  • Challenging flawed RFC findings by comparing them to your documented medical limitations
  • Preparing and filing SSD appeals, including reconsideration requests, administrative hearings, Appeals Council reviews, and federal court actions when appropriate
  • Clarifying the reasons for missed or incomplete medical treatment when justified by cost, side effects, transportation issues, or other barriers
  • Managing deadlines, documentation, and communication so your claim progresses smoothly and remains well-supported at every stage

Start Your California SSD Claim with Experienced Counsel

Pursuing SSD benefits is an important step toward stability after a medical condition stops you from working. To start your case with confidence, you should get knowledgeable guidance from Pines Federal and our California SSD lawyers. Whether you are filing your first application or preparing to appeal a denial, we can provide clear direction and experienced representation tailored to your needs.

Please contact us today to begin your Social Security Disability claim in California. You can use an online form or dial (832) 462-7655, whichever you prefer.

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    Our Testimonials

    Trusted By Federal Workers Nationwide

      “Even though I had an overwhelming abundance of anxiety about going through a legal proceeding, Mr. Pines’ humor and expert advice helped get me through the EEO process until it was successfully resolved. I always felt that the Pines Federal team had my best interests at heart and always treated me with kindness and dignity.”
      - Michelle S.
      “A change in leadership brought me the worst of luck with a suddenly very hostile work environment, but pure serendipity led me to Pines Federal. I am so lucky to have found Pines Federal which not only has considerable expertise in federal employee cases, but also has the compassion to recognize the emotional impact on their clients.”
      - Jennifer
      “I was issued a proposed removal letter at the VA where I work as a nurse, and I didn’t know what to do. I was confused and disoriented. Pines Federal were ready to defend me to the end. This law firm is the best federal government firm out there. I will be spreading the news to my friends and coworkers.”
      - Victor
      Our Case results

      Behind Every Case Is a Person Who Matters

      Big-Picture Advocacy in Federal Employment and Disability Law — Driven by Compassion, Defined by Results
      • Pines Firm Successfully Litigates Reinstatement for VA Canteen Employee with Full Back Pay

        Attorney Pines and AFGE 1633 were victorious in having the arbitrator find that a VA Canteen employee was wrongfully removed, and therefore should be put back to work and paid back pay for over a year and half of pay.

      • Wrongfully Terminated Veterans Administration Employee Gets Job Back & Full Back Pay

        In an exciting precedent-setting victory, The Law Office of Eric L. Pines, PLLC has successfully helped a Veterans Administration employee get her job back after being wrongfully terminated for using leave for the birth of her child and to care for her autistic and blind children.

      • Major Success in Front of the MSPB in an OPM Disability Case

        On July 19, 2023, Pines Federal achieved a big win in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in an OPM disability case.

      • Pines Federal’s Amanda Moreno Wins Reinstatement and Backpay in MSPB Case at DHS, USCBP

        The Appellant worked for Customs and Border Patrol for over 20 years when the Agency removed her for LWOP and alleged misconduct at work.

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