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SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI) AND SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

The Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy will present the basics of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The presentation will cover which benefits children and adults get, the difference between SSDI and SSI, how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability, and substantial gainful activity. The presentation also covers how much money recipients can get, how to apply for benefits, how the appeals/hearing process works, and how to avoid an overpayment issue. It also touches on CalABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts in the context of SSDI/SSI.

Guest Speakers:

Erica Rodriguez
Erica Rodriguez is the Clients’ Rights Advocate (CRA) for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) with Disability Rights California, a role she has held since April 2024. She is a Registered Legal Aid Attorney in California and a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. Erica provides legal advocacy to support individuals with disabilities in accessing the services and protections guaranteed under the law. She previously worked in immigration law, including at the U.S. Department of Justice, and earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and a B.S. from Northeastern University.

Whitney Jarquin Parente
Whitney Jarquin Parente is the Assistant Clients’ Rights Advocate (ACRA) for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) with Disability Rights California, a role she has held since July 2024. She previously worked as a Special Education Teacher with LAUSD and served as a Recreation Coordinator and Recreation Director with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, supporting inclusive and adaptive programs through PlayLA. Whitney also worked as an Inclusion Facilitator with Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration, advancing access and inclusion for people of all abilities.