What is Advocacy?

Everyday, disabled clients are denied Social Security Disability Benefits. Many of these clients need help making it through the maze of the Social Security system. Advocacy services help clients find their way through the Social Security application process more effectively.

Who can receive Advocacy Services?

If you are a disabled General Assistance or CalWORKs client and are applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or have been denied SSI, you may be eligible for Advocacy Services. SSI eligibility is based on age (65 or older), blindness or disability.

Will Advocacy services help me apply for SSI?

If you are eligible for Advocacy Services, an Advocacy Social Worker will help you with the SSI application process including assisting you with completing the SSI application forms and sending the application to Social Security. The Advocacy Social Worker will interview you in order to gather social, physical, mental and emotional health information about you to construct a Social Summary report to submit to Social Security on your behalf.

After my SSI application is filed, what other services are available?

The Advocacy Social Worker will help you obtain medical and or mental health records, schedule and keep appointments, and follow through with the many steps involved in the long journey to SSI eligibility.

Where can I apply?

If you, or someone you know, are in need of Advocacy Services, please contact the office nearest you.

Office hours in each location are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon and 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

For more general information about Advocacy Services please contact:

Maria Hernandez
Program Analyst
(925) 313-1604
mhernand@ehsd.cccounty.us