Social Security Disability • SSD, SSDI & SSI
San Jose Social Security Disability Applications, Made Less Overwhelming
When a physical or mental condition ends your ability to work in San Jose or elsewhere in Santa Clara County, our disability team prepares a complete application from day one. Denied before? We also take appeals.
Our Firm
Experienced Social Security Disability Application Team
Brian Goode
&
Justin Idiart
When you cannot work because of a health condition, the future can feel uncertain. You may be worried about income, medical care, and how long the Social Security process will take in San Jose and beyond.
The Social Security Disability programs, including SSDI and SSI, were created to provide support to people in your situation. Our job is to help you apply in a clear and complete way so Social Security can understand your story.
Idiart Law Group has been helping injured and disabled people for over 25 years. Our team has guided more than 15,000 clients and serves disability clients in San Jose, throughout California, and nationwide with a team-based approach and a focus on honest care, clear advice, and a smart plan for each case.
Our disability practice has achieved approvals for our clients at a rate above 80 percent, compared to a national average of about 36 percent for disability claims. While every case is different and results are never guaranteed, this experience helps us understand how to build stronger applications.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Questions About Applying for SSDI or SSI? We Can Help.
The Social Security Disability system is complex. Many people in San Jose are unsure how to start an application or what to include. Common questions are: “Do I qualify?”, “Which program should I apply for?”, and “What information does Social Security really need?”
Idiart Law Group helps you make sense of the process. Our disability team works with you to prepare your application, gather the right records, and meet Social Security’s rules and deadlines so you do not have to do it alone.
When we review your situation, we look at:
- Your current ability to work and earn a steady income
- The severity and impact of your medical or mental health conditions
- Your medical records, test results, and treatment history
- Your age, education, and past jobs
- Whether you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both
Our goal is to help you submit an application that clearly shows how your conditions limit your ability to work and why you may qualify for disability benefits.
Free Review of Your Disability Application
Of 259,330 Santa Clara County residents on Social Security in December 2024, 14,345 were disabled workers. Many more likely qualify but never apply, or stop after trying alone.
If you cannot work because of a health condition in San Jose or anywhere in California, you do not have to guess your way through the application. Talk with our disability team. We will listen to your story, review where things stand, and explain your options at no cost.
When you contact us, you can expect:
- Free, no obligation disability case review
- Help understanding what Social Security will look for in your application
- Guidance on what information and documents you will need
- A clear plan for the next steps in your case
Idiart Law Group works on a contingency fee basis for disability cases. There are No Fee Until We Win. For most SSD cases, attorney fees are capped at 25 percent of your past-due benefits and must be approved by Social Security under federal law. You do not pay an attorney fee if there is no recovery.
FREE SSD BENEFITS CONSULTATION
More than 8 Million Americans qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.
HOW IT WORKS
Applying for Disability Benefits With Idiart Law Group
Applying for Social Security Disability is not just filling out a form. It is about telling your full story in a way that fits Social Security’s rules. Here is how we guide you through the process if you live in San Jose or anywhere else we serve.
Step 1
Verify Eligibility
We learn about your health conditions, symptoms, and treatment. We also review your work history and income. Then we explain which programs you may qualify for, such as SSDI, SSI, or both, and what Social Security will expect to see in your San Jose disability application.
Step 2
Build the Evidence
We pull together your medical records, test results, and other key papers, with full contact details for every doctor, clinic and hospital. Then we help you show Social Security how your conditions narrow your days in San Jose.
Step 3
File Your Application
We handle the application forms and every extra questionnaire. A state agency then makes the first decision for Social Security, and we answer its requests and track deadlines so you can focus on your health in San Jose.
Step 4
Pursue the Claim
After your application is filed, we monitor your case and respond to Social Security’s requests. If your claim is denied, we review the decision with you, file the appeal if you choose to move forward, and prepare you for any hearing so you know what to expect whether you are in San Jose or elsewhere in our service area.
Step 1
Verify Eligibility
We learn about your health conditions, symptoms, and treatment. We also review your work history and income. Then we explain which programs you may qualify for, such as SSDI, SSI, or both, and what Social Security will expect to see in your San Jose disability application.
Step 2
Build the Evidence
We pull together your medical records, test results, and other key papers, with full contact details for every doctor, clinic and hospital. Then we help you show Social Security how your conditions narrow your days in San Jose.
Step 3
File Your Application
We handle the application forms and every extra questionnaire. A state agency then makes the first decision for Social Security, and we answer its requests and track deadlines so you can focus on your health in San Jose.
Step 4
Pursue the Claim
After your application is filed, we monitor your case and respond to Social Security’s requests. If your claim is denied, we review the decision with you, file the appeal if you choose to move forward, and prepare you for any hearing so you know what to expect whether you are in San Jose or elsewhere in our service area.
Ways We Can Help
Car Accident
If a careless driver hurt you or someone you love, we’re here to step in. Our team deals with the insurance company, gathers the evidence, and fights to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your life.
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Social Security Disability
When a health condition keeps you from working, getting SSD benefits shouldn’t be another battle. We guide you through applications and appeals, handle the paperwork and deadlines, and work to prove your disability so you’re not facing the system alone.
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Slip & Fall
Falls on unsafe floors, stairs, or walkways can cause serious injuries. We hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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We handle many types of cases, including:
- Personal Injury
- Car Accident
- Social Security Disability
- Catastrophic Injury
- Dog Bite
- Disability Application
- Disability Appeal
- Disability Hearing
- Pedestrian Accident
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home
- Slip & Fall
MEET OUR TEAM
Honest Care • Clear Advice • Smart Approach
Director of Social Security
Brian Goode
Personal Disability Attorney
Justin Idiart
Hearing Representative
Brandon Chapman
Hearing Representative
Breanne Hutchison
Hearing Representative
David Sanders
Customer Reviews
Trusted Attorneys for over 25 years
Social Security Disability in California, by the Numbers
See how many California claims Social Security approves and how long a hearing takes, from the agency's own figures.
See the California numbersSan Jose Disability Application Questions
Which pays more, SSDI or SSI?
It depends on the person. SSDI is based on your past earnings. SSI has a set maximum, and it goes down as your other income goes up. Some people qualify for both at the same time. The two payments do not simply add together. You can ask about both programs when you apply, and our disability team works out which one, or both, your San Jose application should request.
Does my spouse's paycheck affect a disability application?
For SSI, yes. Social Security says that if you live with a spouse, their income may affect your payment. SSI is based on financial need, not work credits. SSDI works differently. Social Security's page on who can get SSDI lists a disability and enough work history. It does not list a resource limit. Our disability team asks about your household before your San Jose application goes in, so the right program is requested.
Do I have to attend the medical exam Social Security schedules?
You should. Go to any exam Social Security schedules. Missing it without a good reason can lead to a denial (20 CFR 404.1518). These exams, called consultative examinations, are set up when the state agency deciding your claim finds the records are not enough. Keep your address and phone number up to date so the notice reaches you. Our disability team keeps track of the appointment with you and sends in your own records too.
Are claims from veterans handled any faster?
Some are. Social Security offers expedited processing for veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total VA disability compensation rating. It also does so for service members who became disabled on active duty on or after 10-01-2001. Other fast tracks exist too, such as Compassionate Allowances for certain severe conditions. If you served, tell our disability team at the start, and we point out your status on your San Jose application.
Does SSDI have a savings limit like SSI does?
Not one that Social Security lists. For SSDI, its rules name two things, a disability and enough work history, and no resource limit. SSI is different. For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple. Most personal belongings and household goods do not count, and neither does property you cannot use or sell. Our disability team goes over your accounts and property with you before the application is filed.
Idiart Law Group in San Jose
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- San Jose Social Security Disability
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