San Jose disability attorneys assist with SSDI and SSI applications, denied claims, reconsideration requests, hearing preparation, and appeals. When comparing attorneys, review experience with disability cases, familiarity with Social Security rules, hearing preparation, fee arrangements, communication, and experience serving claimants in Santa Clara County.
Social Security Disability attorney with Hatixhe Grbeshi Law in San Jose, California.
| 2026 Figure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-Blind SGA | $1,690/month |
| Blind SGA | $2,830/month |
| Trial Work Period | $1,210/month |
| SSI Individual Maximum | $994/month |
| SSI Couple Maximum | $1,491/month |
| Location | Santa Clara County |
| Year | 2026 |
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Disabled Workers | 14,150 |
| SSI Recipients | 39,095 |
| Blind & Disabled SSI | 20,629 |
| Ages 18–64 on SSI | 11,168 |
| Feature | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Social Security Disability Insurance | Supplemental Security Income |
| Main Eligibility Basis | Disability plus sufficient work history and Social Security work credits | Disability, blindness, or age 65+ plus limited income and resources |
| Work History Required? | Yes | No |
| Income/Resource Limits | Not based on financial need, though work earnings can affect eligibility | Strict income and resource limits apply |
| Benefit Amount | Based largely on the worker's past Social Security-covered earnings | Based on a federal maximum benefit, reduced by countable income |
Compare attorneys based on disability-case experience, appeal knowledge, communication, fee arrangements, and familiarity with claims involving Santa Clara County residents.
Before speaking with an attorney, gather available information such as:
What is the 2026 SGA limit for SSDI?
For 2026, SSA lists substantial gainful activity at $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for people who are statutorily blind.
What is the 2026 trial work period amount?
In 2026, earnings of $1,210 or more in a month generally count as a trial-work-period service month. The trial work period applies to SSDI, not SSI.
How much is SSI in 2026?
The federal SSI payment standard for 2026 is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple. Actual payments can differ based on income, living arrangements, and other factors.
What happens if my disability application is denied?
A denial does not necessarily end the claim. Depending on the stage, a claimant may request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, or federal court review.
What medical evidence is useful for a disability claim?
Medical records may include diagnoses, treatment notes, test results, imaging, medications, specialist reports, hospital records, and evidence showing how the condition affects the ability to work.
Can I work while receiving disability benefits?
Some work is possible under SSA rules. SSDI beneficiaries may use a trial work period, and SSA applies separate rules to SSI. In 2026, SSA generally considers $1,690 per month substantial for non-blind SSDI beneficiaries after the trial work period, subject to program rules and applicable work incentives.