Social Security Disability Attorneys

Meet Social Security Disability Attorney Roger D. Drake

At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our Social Security Disability claim team is led in part by Attorney Roger D. Drake, a highly experienced lawyer who has focused his practice on SSDI and SSI claims for more than 15 years. He knows that an SSD case result can decide the financial future and comfort of the client, so he never backs down from a challenge. Currently, Attorney Roger Drake is admitted to practice in California and Nevada Courts, including certain appellate and district courts. If your SSD case needs to be appealed to a federal court, you don’t have to worry about finding a new law firm to represent you – Roger can still stand by your side and lead the way!

Some of the top awards and accolades Attorney Roger Drake has earned include:

• Super Lawyers® (2016 – 2020, 2022 – 2023)
• Rising Stars℠ (2009 – 2015)
• Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Legal Help with SSDI & SSI Claims, Denials & Hearings

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can help you stay financially afloat if you’re unable to work. Getting the benefits from these important government programs isn’t guaranteed or straightforward, though. Many people struggle to get the SSDI/SSI benefits they need, and others don’t even know where to begin.

To get your Social Security Disability claim started correctly and without unnecessary delays, come to Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen. Our SSD team can help you understand your options, prepare a claim, appeal a denial, attend hearings, and much more. Our goal will be to get you the benefits that you need to live without financial worry after a health condition prevents you from working.

Dial (702) 505-8115 to request a free consultation with our SSD claim or appeal lawyers.

SSDI Compared to SSI Benefits

When you can’t work or earn a gainful income due to a health condition, you might have your choice between filing for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The two government benefits programs are similar but distinctly different. As your chosen team of SSD attorneys, we can help you figure out which program you should use and why.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): A federal program that offers benefits based on the specifics of your disability and any ‘work credits’ you earned prior to it. Essentially, you must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria for disability and have made SSDI tax contributions either firsthand or through a paying spouse or parent.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A government program that can have different changes and details based on the claimant’s state. To qualify for SSI benefits, you must typically have limited income and be older than 65 or have a qualifying disability. SSI eligibility is not dependent on SSDI contributions, though.

Qualifying Applicants in California

To be considered disabled and eligible for SSDI or SSI in California, you must be able to perform any type of “substantial work” due to a disabling or unsafe physical or mental health condition, which can include pregnancy, childbirth, and surgery complications. The condition in question must be expected to last at least one year or terminal (likely to cause death). SSDI eligibility is based on your SSDI contributions and SSI eligibility is based on your income. In California, you can also apply for State Supplemental Payments (SSP) if you are eligible for SSI; although, SSI eligibility does not guarantee SSP eligibility.

Qualifying Applicants in Nevada

To qualify for SSDI in Nevada, you must be 66 years old or younger, be unable to work due to a disabling health condition, and have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes. Your eligibility can decrease if you have not worked in 5 of the last 10 years, though.

To qualify for SSI in Nevada, you must make less than $900 per month (amount can change each year based on inflation) and have minimal personal assets of financial worth. Single claimants usually must own personal assets valued under $2,000 and married claimants must own personal assets valued under $3,000. In either situation, Nevada requires SSI applicants to own very little personal property, which means no automobiles or real estate in most cases.

Arrange a Free Consultation Today

Many different steps and details can go into an SSDI or SSI claim, especially if your claim was initially denied and you need to file an appeal. Don’t go into the legalities on your own. Let Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen and Attorney Roger Drake help you figure out everything you need to get the most benefits from the government after a disability or health condition stops you from working.

We are here to help you with every part of your case, such as:

• Evaluating your disability and determining your eligibility.
• Filing for the right benefits: SSDI or SSI.
• Responding to any government requests for more information.
• Appealing your case if it is denied for any reason.
• Representing you in court if necessary.
• Acting on your behalf during administrative hearings and meetings.

Leave everything about your Social Security case up to our attorneys, so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family. We’re here to support you however we can.

Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and our legal services.