The city of Downey is the 53rd largest in the great state of California. It had a population of 111,772 as of 2010 and is located in the county of Los Angeles, the largest metropolitan area in California. One of the first McDonald's restaurants was established in Downey, and it is currently the oldest surviving McDonald's. The Apollo Space Program was started in Downey, of which the city is understandably proud. Many thousands of tourists visit the Columbia Memorial Space Center every year to experience various educational exhibits and programs for kids and parents. Downey is also the birthplace of the lovely and famous Miranda Cosgrove, who plays Carly on the popular Nickelodeon show iCarly.
If you are living in the Downey area and suffering from long-term or severe disabilities, then you might be thinking about applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Many people in Downey end up having to leave their work every year due to some disabling condition. For many of them, Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income become the only income they receive to pay for their daily necessities. Too often, however, people are hesitant to apply for the benefits they might receive because they'd don't even know where to begin.
Applying for SSD benefits can be a very confusing process. To be qualified for disability benefits, people in Downey need to prove that they are suffering from a long-term disability, meaning 12 months or more. They must establish that the disability prevents them from being able to perform their work. You will need to provide written medical confirmation that your condition meets the criteria of disabling which has been established by the SSA.
If the SSA agrees that you are disabled and you are approved to receive benefits, your benefits will usually begin six months after the beginning of your disability. You may be able to receive back pay from the Social Security Administration if you have already been disabled for six months or more when you receive approval for your benefits.
Applying for Downey Social Security Disability Benefits
Sadly, it is often not easy to get the SSD benefits you are entitled to, and it can be quite a lengthy and complex process. You have to fill out many forms in the application process and they must be filled out completely correctly if you have any hope of being approved for your SSD benefits when you first apply for them. The Social Security office in the Downey area where you will be presenting your information is located at 12440 Imperial Highway, Suite 170, in the city of Norwalk.
In order to properly fill out your claims forms, you will need to supply the SSA with evidence to prove the extent of your medical condition. This process can be difficult, especially if you find you don't have access to affordable healthcare and don't have insurance. One good solution is to seek a low-cost or free medical clinic where you can be seen. Here is a list of some of the low cost medical clinics in the Downey area which might be able to help:
JWCH Institute, Inc.
Wesley Health Centers - Norwalk
12360 Firestone Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(866) 733-5924
Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
11015 Bloomfield Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 906-2686
Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Allen House Residential Services
10425 S. Painter Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 906-2685
The Children's Clinic Family Health Center
1060 East 70th St.
Long Beach, CA 90805
(562) 531-7284
Your Downey Social Security Disability Case
Before you file your initial claim to receive disability benefits, it is often helpful to obtain the help of a Downey Social Security Attorney. An attorney can help you fill out your claim forms properly to give you the best chance of being approved on your initial application process.
You can sit down with a Downey Social Security Disability lawyer to discuss your case. He or she will look over your case and help you determine whether or not you would be likely to receive benefits from the SSA. A lawyer will spot any weaknesses in your case, and he or she can help you address them prior to turning in your initial application. This can greatly enhance your chances of getting your case approved the first time.
If you are unsuccessful in your initial filing, you may have to pursue an appeal. This can be a lengthy and stressful process that no one wants to go through. That is why it is advisable to retain the services of a Downey Social Security attorney. He or she can help you have a greater chance of having your initial application approved.
If you do find that your initial application is rejected and you need to appeal, your Downey Social Security Attorney can help you through the process step-by-step, greatly increasing your chances of receiving a favorable outcome to your appeal.