Kelvin K. Lee

Former Senior Attorney, Social Security Administration (Pasadena, CA SSA/OHO)


Former Administrative Law Judge, California Department of Social Services (Los Angeles, CA State Hearings Division)


I represent clients throughout the entire Social Security disability application process. In addition to representing clients applying for SSDI and SSI benefits in the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO), I also handle cases involving Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) overpayments, children and survivor's benefit issue, also with providing assistance with retirement benefits.

My practice is unique in that I represent Social Security clients who are dealing with issues involving SSA Field Offices regarding suspension, termination and reinstatement of SSI and other benefits. I appear with clients in cases before Disability Hearing Officers I seek to give my utmost effort on behalf of clients wherever they are in the process of securing Social Security benefits.

I also represent clients who are applying for Disability Retirement before Public Agencies including LACERA, LACERS, CalPERS and others throughout the State of California

I am also a former Administrative Law Judge for the California Department of Social Services and handle cases involving Medi-Cal, Cal Fresh and Cash Assistance benefits..

• Free Consultation
  I give free consultations regarding Social Security Disability Cases.
• Contingent Fees
  Social Security disability applications are handled on a contingency fee basis. There are hourly or fixed fees for other matters. I am glad to discuss payment arrangement so that I am able to represent you.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Cash or Checks

California

Since 1991

Social Security Disability and Administrative Law Attorney

Law Offices of Kelvin K. Lee

2012 - Current

Administrative Law Judge

California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Decision

2007 - 2012

Decided cases involving issuance of public benefits, including Medi-Cal, Cal Fresh and Cash Assistance.

Vertical Advocate/Staff Counsel

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

2006 - 2007

Service as vertical advocate representing Department in State Personnal Board Cases

Senior Staff Counsel

California Department of Real Estate

2004 - 2006

Represented Department of Real Estate in Licensing Matters

Staff Counsel

California Department of Motor Vehicles

2000 - 2004

Represented Department of Motor Vehicles in cases involving applicants and holders of occupational licenses.

Senior Attorney

US Social Security Administration, Office of Hearing Operations

1994 - 2000

Wrote administrative law judge decisions in disability cases, and adjusticated disability claims when warranted.

University of California - Los Angeles

M.A. | Urban Planning

1986 - 1990

UCLA School of Law

J.D. | Law

1987 - 1990

University of California - Los Angeles

B.A. | Geography

1982 - 1986

San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Services

Referral Service Member

2014 - Current

Activities: Represent referred clients in Social Security and other legal matters.

Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California

Governing Board Member

2014 - Current

Activities: Oversee governance of non-profit serving the Hemophilia population throughout Southern California

San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce

Attorney Panel Member

2013 - Current

Activities: Member of Chamber of Commerce Panel regularly holding informational seminars for the San Gabriel Community

UCLA Alumni Association

Member

1994 - Current

State Bar of California  # 152867

Member

1991 - Current

Social Security and Administrative Law, San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce Attorney Panel, San Gabriel, CA

April 14, 2017

San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce

Informational panel for Chamber of Commerce Members

Real Estate Licensing, Overview of the California Bureau of Real Estate

January 1, 2015

California Bureau of Real Estate

Q. Can someone get help with their disability paperwork?

February 6, 2024

A: Yes, our law firm commonly helps SSDI and SSI applicants who are unable to complete the necessary Social Security Administration form. Generally we meet the applicant over Zoom and file the application together on the SSA.gov website. This is usually the quickest and most efficient way for someone to file for these disability benefits.

Q. i am the representative payee for my daughter who is on SSI. i was up for re-evaluation and the SSI said this...

September 15, 2023

A: If a couple lives together, SSA will consider them to be household which is sharing expenses unless you prove otherwise. It really does not have anything to do with being married, they consider you to be sharing expenses with him by the fact that you are living together in the same place.

In other words, SSA will believe that your boyfriend is helping you out financially and that they should make deductions from your SSI because of this.

What you need to do is submit the Statement of Household Expenses and Contributions Form (SSA-8011) and specify who is paying what expenses.

They key to this is showing that you are paying for your fair share of household expenses (the total shelter and food expenses divided by the number of people in your household) to prevent SSA from making any deductions in your SSI.

Unfortunately, until you do this and document it with your rent, mortgage, and utility bills, SSA will presume that you are getting financial help from your boyfriend and make deductions in your SSI. ... Read More

Q. Asking for advice on disability claim.

September 3, 2023

A: SSA should have an electronic case file of the exhibits which have already been submitted in your care.

A new attorney should be able to access this file once you have retained them.