About
Our law firm does one thing only and that is fight for you. If you are disabled, we help you obtain disability income from Long-Term Disability and/or Short-Term Disability plans and the Social Security Administration. If you have been denied benefits, we advocate for you, represent you before the administrative agency, and if necessary, litigate your appeal to the federal court to get your disability income.
SIMA G. AGHAI
Sima G. Aghai is a former Senior Attorney with the Social Security Administration (SSA), where she drafted thousands of Administrative Law Judge decisions and adjudicated disability claims.
In 2001, Sima founded the Law Offices of Sima G. Aghai to better serve the disabled community. Over the course of more than 34 years in practice, she has appealed over 2,000 cases and litigated at least 200 cases in federal court, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for individuals facing complex disability matters.
Her practice focuses on securing a wide range of disability benefits, including ERISA-governed Long Term and Short Term Disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), child disability benefits, as well as representing clients in cases involving cessation or overpayment of benefits. She guides clients through every stage—from the administrative process and hearings before Administrative Law Judges to judicial review in federal courts.
Sima is widely recognized for her deep knowledge of the medical and legal issues surrounding disability and for her success in handling the most difficult claims. She is frequently sought out as a last resort for individuals with challenging medical and vocational profiles, with a remarkable record of success.
She is an active member of the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives (NOSSCR) and volunteers with Bet Tzedek Legal Services and the Cancer Legal Resource Center. Sima also serves on the Executive Committee of the Small Firm and Sole Practitioner Section.
For 2025, the maximum SSA disability insurance benefit is $4,018 per month, while the maximum SSI benefit in California is $1,206.94 for individuals and $2,057.83 for couples—figures Sima leverages to help clients secure the full benefits they are entitled to.
Sima earned her Bachelor of Science from UCLA, Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, and MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management
Why Choose Aghai Law?
30+ Years of Disability Law Experience
For over two decades, The Law Offices of Sima G. Aghai has helped Californians win SSD, LTD, and SSI appeals. We’ve guided clients through every stage of the process—from initial denial to federal court—and know what it takes to succeed.
Former
SSA Attorney
Sima G. Aghai spent 7 years as Attorney Advisor and Senior Attorney Advisor at the Social Security Administration. She understands how decisions are made—and how to challenge denials from the inside out. When it comes to appeals, insider knowledge makes a difference.
We Specialize in
Appeals
We don’t just file applications—we fight denials. Whether your claim is with the SSA or an insurance provider under ERISA, we step in when others stop. Appeals are our focus, and we know how to win them.
How the Disability Appeal Process Works
Free Consultation
We review your denial letter and walk you through your appeal options.
We Build Your Appeal
Our team gathers evidence, handles paperwork, and prepares your case.
Hearing or Federal Filing
We represent you at hearings or in federal court, depending on your situation.
You Get Results
If we win, you get the benefits you’re owed—and pay nothing unless we succeed.
Let’s take the next step together.
You’ve already taken the hardest step by asking for help. Now let’s review your denial, build your appeal, and fight to win your benefits.
Start Your Free Case Review
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely. You need a lawyer. You need someone in your corner with experience and knowledge to help you navigate the confusing maze required to gain disability benefits. Without a lawyer, you could make a mistake that would harm your case and even inadvertently disqualify you from getting benefits. Filing for disability benefits is no time to go it alone. Sima Aghai and her staff have helped thousands of people get the disability benefits they deserve. Let us help you.
The answer to this depends on several factors and how they affect your case, but, generally speaking, from the application for benefits through a final administrative decision, it can take between 12 – 24 months. If your case needs to go to appeal before the United States District Court, that could add another 12 months or longer to the overall length of your case.
Monthly benefits vary by the type of claim approved and your work history. For STD/LTD, the amount of benefits are as reported in your plan documents and are generally, 60%-75% of your base income. For Social Security Disability Insurance, benefits are calculated using your 35 highest annual earnings and can be a maximum of $3,345 (in 2025) at full retirement age.
Supplemental Security Income monthly benefits are based on the totality of your monthly income and resources. Maximum benefits with the California state supplements are $1,206.94 per month for an individual and $2,057.83 for a couple.
For Social Security benefits, minor children of a disabled worker may be entitled to auxiliary benefits, depending upon the benefit awarded to you as the disabled worker. The amount is approximately 40% of your monthly payment.
Yes. For LTD/ST benefits, anyone over the age of 65 years, may have limitations in the period of time they are entitled to disability benefits. For SSA benefits, one must be below their full retirement age to be awarded disability benefits. However, different rules apply to different ages. We will be happy to explain how these rules affect your individual situation.
Yes. Many claims that are initially denied are successful following an appeal. If your claim is denied upon Initial Determination, we appeal the denial by requesting a “reconsideration” determination. For LTD/STD benefits, once all administrative appeals are exhausted, we evaluate your claim for a possible lawsuit in United Stated District Court. For SSA benefits, we appeal any denial to hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. If that fails, we can file an appeal with the Appeals Council and even file a lawsuit in United States District Court.
Contact us today at (888) 954-0064 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation about your case or fill out this evaluation form and we will get right back to you.