Age can dramatically change how Social Security evaluates a disability claim.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Friday, September 11, 2026
The Hidden “Age Advantage” in Social Security Disability
Monday, September 7, 2026
Social Security Disability: Why "I Can't Work Right Now" Isn't the Whole Test
One of the biggest misconceptions about Social Security Disability is that simply being unable to work today automatically means someone qualifies for benefits.
Unfortunately, the rules are more complicated.
Social Security uses its own definition of disability. The program generally focuses on total disability, rather than short-term or partial disability. The impairment must meet specific requirements, including being expected to result in death or lasting—or being expected to last—for at least 12 months.
There is also a work-history requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly known as SSDI.
In general, applicants need to have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security's rules. The number of work credits required depends in part on the person's age when the disability begins. Younger workers can qualify under different credit requirements.
So, yes, there is more to the process than simply having a diagnosis.
Social Security considers whether the condition meets its disability standards and whether the applicant has the required insured status.
That's one reason disability claims can feel complicated to people who are already dealing with a serious health problem.
You're trying to manage your condition while also trying to understand a system involving medical evidence, work history, applications and potentially appeals or hearings.
Hodson & Mullin focuses on Social Security Disability as well as Workers' Compensation. The firm notes that it is registered with the Social Security Administration and, when necessary, appears at hearings throughout Northern California.
The important takeaway is simple:
Don't assume you know whether you qualify based solely on how you feel about your situation.
The Social Security rules are specific, and individual circumstances matter.
If you are considering applying for disability benefits, learning about the eligibility requirements can be a useful first step. If your situation is complicated or your claim has been denied, you may also want to speak with a qualified professional about your options.
And remember: a disability claim isn't a contest of who is "sick enough."
It is a legal and administrative process with specific requirements.
Understanding those requirements can make the process a little less mysterious.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Social Security Disability eligibility depends on the individual circumstances and applicable rules.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Friday, September 4, 2026
Injured at Work in California? Don't Ignore the First Steps
Getting hurt at work can be overwhelming.
One minute you're doing your job. The next, you're dealing with pain, medical appointments, paperwork, questions about your paycheck, and uncertainty about what happens next.
It's easy to think, "I'll deal with it later."
That can be a mistake.
California's workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Those benefits can include medical treatment and partial wage replacement while an injured worker recovers.
One of the most important early steps is reporting the injury to your employer.
California's Division of Workers' Compensation advises injured workers to notify their supervisor about an injury as soon as possible. For injuries or illnesses that develop gradually, workers should report them when they learn or believe the condition is related to their work.
Why is that important?
Because waiting can create unnecessary complications.
You should also seek appropriate medical attention. An injury doesn't have to be dramatic to matter. A workplace injury can happen in a single incident, such as a fall, or develop over time from repeated activities or exposure. California's workers' compensation system recognizes both types of situations.
Another misconception is that workers' compensation is only about major accidents.
It isn't.
A workplace injury could involve the back, shoulders, knees, hands, hearing, or other parts of the body. The circumstances and applicable rules matter, which is why getting reliable information early can be valuable.
Hodson & Mullin is a Solano County law firm focusing on Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability. The firm has offices in Vacaville and Fairfield and states that it has served the area for more than 25 years.
If you've been injured at work, don't assume you have to figure everything out by yourself.
Start by reporting the injury.
Get appropriate medical care.
Keep records.
And learn what rights and benefits may apply to your situation.
Workers' compensation law can be complicated. Your health and your ability to support yourself are important matters.
Knowing the first steps can help you avoid turning an already difficult situation into an even more confusing one.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Every workplace injury is different.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Monday, August 31, 2026
Legal Guardianship for Adults: When Is It Needed?
What do you need to know about adult guardianship? Getting a legal guardianship for an adult can seem daunting. It's most important that you understand when a legal guardianship of an adult is needed, and what it's not needed. In this video, I share how to know if an adult guardianship is needed or not.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Friday, August 28, 2026
Hodson & Mullin: When a Workplace Injury Changes Your Plans
A workplace injury can turn an ordinary day into a situation filled with questions.
What happens next? What benefits may be available? How does the workers' compensation process work? What if you're unable to return to work? What happens if an injury affects your ability to earn a living?
These questions can become overwhelming, particularly when you're already dealing with an injury.
Hodson & Mullin has represented clients in Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability matters in Solano County for more than 25 years. The firm has offices in both Vacaville and Fairfield and focuses its practice on these areas of law.
Workers' compensation cases can involve issues such as medical treatment, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, settlements, and other benefits depending on the circumstances of an individual case. California's workers' compensation system can also be complicated, particularly as laws and procedures change.
Hodson & Mullin's approach is centered on keeping clients informed about their legal rights and helping them navigate the process. The firm also has attorneys who are Certified Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law through the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
If you've been injured at work, you shouldn't have to figure out a complicated legal process without understanding your rights.
Hodson & Mullin serves injured and disabled clients throughout the area, with offices conveniently located in Vacaville and Fairfield. Contact the firm to discuss your situation and learn how its experienced legal team may be able to assist.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for an attorney-client relationship.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Injured at Work? Understanding the Basics of Workers' Compensation in California
Getting injured at work can be stressful enough without having to figure out what happens next.
An injury can affect your ability to work, your finances, and your everyday life. At the same time, you may be trying to understand paperwork, medical care, benefits, and your legal rights.
Workers' compensation exists to address certain workplace injuries and illnesses, but the process can be complicated.
What Is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to eligible employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Depending on the circumstances, workers' compensation may involve medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and other benefits provided under California law.
The details of every case are different.
A Work Injury Isn't Always Obvious
Some workplace injuries happen suddenly.
Others develop over time because of repetitive movements, physical demands, or ongoing exposure to certain conditions.
That means a work-related injury isn't necessarily limited to a single dramatic accident.
Documentation Can Matter
After an injury, keeping track of relevant information can be important.
Medical records, workplace reports, communications, and other documentation may become relevant to a workers' compensation claim.
Because every situation is different, employees should consider discussing their individual circumstances with a qualified workers' compensation attorney rather than assuming that someone else's experience will apply to their case.
Understanding Your Rights Matters
Many injured workers aren't sure what they are entitled to or what steps they should take.
That uncertainty can make an already difficult situation even more stressful.
An attorney who focuses on workers' compensation can explain the process, help clients understand their rights, and evaluate the circumstances of an individual claim.
You Don't Have to Figure Everything Out Alone
Hodson & Mullin focuses on Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability and has served clients in Solano County for more than 25 years. The firm has offices in both Vacaville and Fairfield and emphasizes keeping clients informed about their legal rights.
If you've suffered an industrial injury in California, understanding your options can be an important first step.
The legal system can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with an injury.
Getting informed about your rights and speaking with an experienced attorney can help you better understand the path forward.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and individual circumstances vary. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
Monday, August 24, 2026
Can You Get Social Security Disability for a Partial Disability?
I explain why there’s no such thing as “partial disability” for Social Security Disability purposes: Social Security pays benefits only if you’re fully disabled under its rules.
Even if you can’t do your past work (like nursing or truck driving), you may be denied if you can still perform simple entry-level “warm body” jobs that exist in the regional or national economy, such as a greeter, textile inspector, foil wrapper, surveillance system monitor, or receptionist with a sit-stand option—regardless of pay, overqualification, boredom, transportation issues, or local job availability.
I also discuss how ongoing part-time work can hurt a claim because judges may assume you could work full-time, while failed work attempts can help by showing you tried but couldn’t sustain work.
VACAVILLE OFFICE
601 Buck Avenue
Vacaville, CA 95688
707.452.9606
FAIRFIELD OFFICE
727 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.421.7800
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