Where can I find free or low-cost legal assistance in California for my Social Security disability appeal?

You can find free or low-cost legal assistance for your Social Security disability appeal through California's legal aid organizations, lawyer referral services, and programs for older adults. Here are the steps to find the right help for your situation. Step 1: Act Quickly and Find Your Denial Letter You have only 60 days from the date on your Social Security denial letter to file an appeal. Find this letter immediately, as it contains critical information and your deadline. Missing this deadline could force you to start the entire application process over. Step 2: Gather Your Key Documents Before you call for help, collect all relevant paperwork. You will need your Social Security denial letter, a list of all your doctors and hospitals with contact information, and copies of your recent medical records. Step 3: Contact Your Local Legal Aid Society Legal Aid organizations provide free legal services to low-income Californians. Visit LawHelpCA.org or the Legal Aid Association of California website to find the office serving your county. Call them and explain that you need help with a Social Security disability appeal. They will ask you questions about your income to see if you qualify. Step 4: Use the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service The State Bar of California certifies Lawyer Referral Services (LRS) that can connect you with an attorney. Some of these services have "modest means" panels for people with low to moderate incomes. You can find a certified LRS on the State Bar's website. Step 5: Contact Your Area Agency on Aging If you are age 60 or older, your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) may offer free legal assistance for public benefits cases. You can find your local AAA by visiting the California Department of Aging website or by calling 1-800-510-2020. Important considerations: Many private disability attorneys work on a "contingency fee" basis. This means you do not pay them unless you win your case, and their fee is a limited percentage of your past-due benefits. This can be a good option if you do not qualify for free services. Note: Free and low-cost legal programs have limited resources and strict income eligibility rules. They may not be able to accept every case. It is important to contact multiple organizations as soon as you receive your denial. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.