Social Security Disability Attorney
Over a decade of insider experience and an expert in Social Security disability appeals.
Practicing Social Security Law for 14 years.
Operating out of the San Francisco, Bay Area, but handling cases across California, Francesco offers broad experience in Social Security disability appeals.
Francesco spent a majority of his legal career working as an Assistant Regional Counsel in the Office of General Counsel for the Social Security Administration and litigating cases in the Federal Courts as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. Francesco was also the lead of legal opinions and trust review for Region IX. After years of working as legal counsel for the government, Francesco has a unique knowledge of how the Social Security system works and knows the best methods for pursuing benefits for his clients.
If an Administrative Law Judge at the Social Security Administration denied your application for Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income, Francesco can assist you in appealing the agency’s decision to the Federal District Courts.
Contact Us
1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
francesco@benavidesdisabilitylaw.com
(925) 222-7071
FAQs
How much do I have to pay?
You do not pay Francesco any fees unless your case is successful and you receive an award of disability benefits. If your case is successful and you receive an award of benefits, Francesco may receive up to 25% of your past-due benefits.
What are past-due benefits?
When the Social Security Administration finds that you are disabled, they will issue you a notice of award. The notice will advise you as to whether you are entitled to future benefits, the amount of those benefits, and any benefits you are due from the past. The agency may owe you benefits from the time your disability began to the time they grant your application for benefits. These benefits are your past-due benefits, and are sometimes referred to as your retroactive award.
Should I appeal my denial?
In most cases, you have nothing to lose and much to gain from appealing the agency’s denial of your disability claim. Generally, during the period in which an application for benefits is pending, the applicant’s past-due award of benefits is growing. Typically, the longer you are in the appeals process, the greater amount of lump-sum benefits you will receive if the agency ultimately finds you disabled. If you abandon your appeal, you lose your shot at these past-due benefits.
Additionally, if the Appeals Council denies your request for review of an Administrative Law Judge’s unfavorable or partially favorable decision, you can file a new application for benefits and appeal the agency’s denial of your current application in the Federal District Court for the district in which you reside.
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
– Christopher Reeve
Contact Francesco for a free consultation.