For Francisco Castaneda, Social Security Disability Insurance was a lifeline when his kidneys started failing and his doctors told him he needed a transplant.
A father to two young sons, Mr. Castaneda went from working in construction, playing music, and providing for his family, to hospital beds, surgery, and a long recovery ahead. To keep a roof over his family’s head, he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance — a federal insurance program that pays monthly benefits to workers who are no longer able to work due to a significant illness or impairment that is expected to last at least a year or to result in death within a year.
It’s an essential support for Americans across the country going through medical hardships, and it helped the Castaneda’s significantly during a tough period. Mr. Castaneda is a hard worker, and after some time in recovery, he tried going back to work as a bus driver. Still, he was unable to complete shifts due to continuing health issues from his transplant.
So when Mr. Castaneda was notified that his benefits were being discontinued due to “medical improvement,” he knew he needed help and called ICLS. He was connected with our public benefits team, comprised of experts on public benefit programs, applications, and appeals, who guided him through the process.
Unfortunately, many people like Mr. Castaneda are unable to receive assistance through these processes due to financial limitations and lack of access to legal services. Without a legal advocate to guide them through filing requirements, some fail to submit a timely appeal and therefore lose their benefits during the appeal process, which can take up to two years to complete.
In these scenarios, legal aid can mean everything for families paying for housing, food, health care, and so much more.
In Mr. Castaneda’s case, he had to appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision all the way to the point where he had a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. ICLS was able to assist him through the process and represent him at the hearing, ultimately securing a continuation of Mr. Castaneda’s Social Security Disability Insurance. Having someone in your corner who knows the process, knows the legal arguments, and can help you advocate for yourself can make all the difference.
Now, Mr. Castaneda can focus on his health and family without having to worry about his finances. This victory was more than just financial — it gave Mr. Castaneda the peace of mind he needed on his path to recovery. His story is a testament to the critical role legal aid plays in protecting the rights of our neighbors.
Unfortunately, others in similar situations don’t always get the help they need. By supporting legal aid, we can help our neighbors through tough times, we can support families in our communities, and we can give people the boost they need to get back on their feet.