A client the Law Foundation has represented since 2017 will be receiving $80,000 in back pay along with almost $1,000 per month in deserved Social Security SSI disability benefits. He will get to use every penny of that money to remain in stable housing, maintain his health, and take care of his other basic needs with restored autonomy.
Years ago, this client applied for benefits due to severe seizures and mental impairments that prevented him from engaging in gainful employment. He was denied and his private attorney dropped the case. This is when the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing referred his case to the Law Foundation.
Law Foundation staff partnered with a dedicated case manager at the County over the course of the legal representation and she was instrumental to the outcome for this client. Together, our staff and the case manager ensured consistent communication with the client, even as the client struggled to find stable housing. The case manager and the client’s doctors worked to build the client’s medical evidence, ensuring that the client’s case stayed strong throughout the appeal period. Our staff helped the case manager prepare to provide detailed testimony for the administrative hearings in support of his claim.
After seven long years of waiting, including multiple denials of benefits, the client received a favorable decision for SSI disability benefits back to his original application date in 2016. This positive outcome is a perfect example of how the Law Foundation works with community partners—and remains persistent—to achieve life-changing results for our clients.