Disability benefits—SSDI and SSI—are intended to provide financial support to disabled individuals who cannot work. While these benefits are a necessity for some, it can be difficult to qualify for them. For this reason, we strongly advise you to seek the assistance of a qualified Clovis attorney.
In 2012, Fresno County was home to approximately 18,340 SSDI recipients and 34,207 SSI recipients. With the help of an attorney or advocate, you too can receive the financial assistance you need. This page will cover everything you need to know about hiring an attorney. If you have additional questions about the benefits available to you, contact the following Social Security field office:
640 West Locust Ave
Fresno, CA 93650
Telephone: 866-931-9041
This office is located behind Wal-Mart on Locust Avenue between Palm and Ingram Ave. The entrance to the office is on the west side of the building by the flagpole. This office also serves the following communities: Auberry, Bass Lake, Big Creek, Biola, Clovis, Friant, Kerman, North Fork, Oakhurst, O’Neals, Piedra, Fresno, Prather, Tollhouse, and Wishon.
Hiring a Clovis Disability Attorney or Advocate
Even though you are not required to have an attorney throughout most of the disability application process, having one can increase your chances of approval. Applying and qualifying for disability benefits can be extremely complicated. You will need to remain extremely organized and you will need to keep track of various dates, times, paperwork, and information. It can be very easy to make costly mistakes. A Clovis attorney can keep you on track and will handle the more complicated parts of your application.
It is important to note that Social Security Disability lawyers are not paid in the same way as other types of legal professionals. You will not be required to pay a large fee up front. In fact, you will only be required to pay your attorney or advocate if your claim is successful and you are awarded benefits. If you are approved for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deduct the attorney’s fee from the back pay that you are entitled to. Learn more about paying a Social Security Disability attorney, here.
A Clovis attorney or advocate will also handle claimants from these areas: Fresno, Sanger, Parlier, Selma, Kerman, Reedley, Madera, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Dinuba, Hanford, Lemoore, Chowchilla, Mendota, and Visalia.
To learn more about the lawyers in Clovis, CA, contact the following bar association:
Fresno County Bar Association
1221 Van Ness Ave, Suite 300
Fresno, California 93721-1720
Clovis Social Security Disability Appeal Hearings
Many applicants choose to forgo legal assistance during the initial application. If you have done so and were denied, we urge you to hire an attorney or advocate before entering the appeals phase of the application process.
During the Social Security Disability appeal, you will likely have to appear before a judge to give a first-hand account of your illness, your symptoms, and other personal details of your life. This can be extremely difficult and stressful. As with the initial application, the smallest mistake could lead to the denial of your claim.
An attorney or advocate will work hard to prepare you for your disability hearing ahead of time. He or she can keep you calm throughout and will make sure that the judge understands your limitations. Clovis appeal hearings are typically conducted in the Fresno Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). This Fresno office is located about 10 miles away from Clovis.
Congressional Inquiry
If you have already gone through the initial application and are waiting for your appeal hearing, it is likely that you are not working. The resulting financial instability can make it impossible to pay bills, buy food, or find shelter. If you find yourself in a state of emergency, speak to your lawyer about congressional inquiry.
Congressional inquiry occurs when a claimant speaks to his or her congressperson about intervening with ODAR on the claimant’s behalf. If the congressperson and the hearing office reach an agreement, your hearing may potentially be held sooner.
Your congressperson's office is:
264 Clovis Ave #206,
Clovis, CA 93612
Phone: (559) 323-5235
For more on disability benefits in California, see How To Qualify For Disability In California.
Complete the following form to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate for free:
