How to Appeal When Your California Claim for Disability Benefits is Denied

If you applied for, but were disqualified from receiving Disability Insurance Benefits in California, you have the right to appeal that decision. When you receive the disqualification notice from the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, the Appeal Form, DE 1000A will be included. Here is how to file an appeal when your California claim for disability benefits is denied.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Claim for Disability
• Appeal Form, DE 1000A
• Appeal Letter
• Medical Records

1. Complete the Appeal Form and include a detailed explanation of why you believe your claim should not have been denied. In other words, explain why you qualify for disability benefits. If the form is lost or misplaced, you may also send SDI a detailed appeal letter, again explaining your eligibility for disability benefits. In this letter, be sure to include your social security number, address, and print and sign your name.

2. Additionally, include any updated copies of your medical records with your DE 1000A Form (or appeal letter). This will ensure that the SDI examiner has the most current information on which to base his/her decision, and hopefully approve your claim for disability benefits. If your claim is approved, SDI will start issuing payments on the claim.

3. Please note that the SDI will issue benefit payments to you, only if you have not reached the payout limit.

4. If SDI once again denies your claim, they will notify the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board Local Office of Appeals, and you will be sent the location of and telephone number for that office. The Office of Appeals will notify you of a hearing date and time (Notice of Hearing,) at which point you will have the opportunity to present your case to an Administrative Law Judge. At the hearing, the judge will listen to both arguments and make a determination based on facts presented by you, and by an SDI representative.

5. If you receive a Notice of Hearing and cannot attend, call the Office of Appeals that is handling your hearing and reschedule. If you fail to appear, your appeal will be dismissed and you will not receive any disability insurance benefits. For additional information, you can call SDI at 1-800-480-3287. Good Luck!

Resources

• California Disability Appeals
• How to File a Claim for Disability Benefits in California

[godfather25]

on 10/19/2009 These are great tips.

[justinhi]

on 10/16/2009 Great article.5*