Cathedral City, CA Social Security Attorneys | Cathedral City, CA Social Security Lawyers | Riverside County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Why wait? Cathedral City California Social Security lawyers can help now
Has a disability kept you from supporting yourself or your family? Thankfully, for those who qualify, social security can provide much-needed relief. If you qualify, you may be entitled to monthly checks due to your disability. Some may qualify for other assistance, such as: medical care coverage, food stamps, and other assistance from the state government. Help is right around the corner. Start working with an experienced Cathedral City social security attorney today by filling out the questionnaire on this site.
The SSI and SSDI system: a real safety net
If you have already applied and been rejected for social security benefits, you are among the majority. If you have a disability, you will want to make sure you do the best job presenting the nature of your injury to the review board. Most often, the best way to do this is to work with an experienced Cathedral City social security lawyer. Arm yourself with a professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim. The difference between winning your social security claim and losing your social security claim are often dramatic. For example, without an alternative source of income, and without the ability to work (due to disability), many people face homelessness and hunger. The relief provided by the monthly payments from SSI and SSDI claims provide a necessary security blanket. In some cases, claimants may be entitled to medical care through the Medicaid or Medicare systems.
How can I afford a Social Security lawyer when I can’t work?
If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. Why? Social Security attorneys only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. Social Security regulations set a cap for attorney fees. As of June 2009, the cap is $6,000. Also, attorneys can only receive their money from the past due benefits awarded to you, a max of 25%. So, the most a social security lawyer can charge is: the smaller amount of 25% of your past due benefits or $6,000. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Cathedral City Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on this site for a free initial consultation.
Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
The Social Security system was created in part, to provide disability payments to our most vulnerable citizens: those who cannot work due to an injury. The injury must keep you from working for at least a year or more. Under the system, there are two types of disability programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both are explained below.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Cathedral City, California? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
- The term disability is that you are unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] because of a medically physical or mental impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in your death.
- If you are working in or around Cathedral City, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Cathedral City and performing SGA, then you are considered able to work and not disabled. In 2012, the SGA limit is $1010 (after taxes) per month. If you earn more than $1010 per month, you are probably not eligible, unless there are special circumstances;
- Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - You must have a medical problem which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or end in death;
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Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - SSA has a list of medical conditions ["Listing of Impairments."] that describes medical conditions so severe that SSA considers people who have the conditions disabled;
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
- Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Work You Did in the Past? - SSA determines what you are able to do despite your medical condition. This is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). SSA compares your RFC with the physical and mental demands of your past jobs. If you are physically and mentally able to do a job that you have held within the last fifteen years, then SSA considers you "not disabled." However, if you are not able to perform any of your past jobs, then ask:
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
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Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Other Work? - If you cannot perform your past work, then SSA decides whether you are able to perform other types of work.
Can Children in Cathedral City, CA Qualify for Disability Benefits? Yes, but What is the Criteria?
Financially, needy children under age 18 who have serious medical conditions may be eligible for Children's SSI. A child is disabled for SSI if the child is not working and earning more than the SGA level and has a medical condition or combination of conditions that cause "marked and severe functional limitations." Medical evidence documenting the child's medical condition is essential.
Do you qualify for SSDI? – Work with a Knowledgeable Cathedral City, California Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
SSDI is a federal insurance program that pays disability benefits to people who have paid into the social security system. To qualify, you must be disabled and have a work history of paying social security taxes. Thus, not everyone can qualify. Those who do qualify may also be eligible for Medicare coverage, depending on the duration of your disability. Contact an SSDI attorney to learn if you may qualify.
SSI: You may qualify - Reach a qualified Cathedral City Disability Attorney
SSI, unlike SSDI, is a welfare-based program that pays those with disabilities, regardless of their work history. To qualify, claimants must make less than a minimum threshold of income (a very small amount). Those who qualify may also be eligible for food stamps, and Medicaid. Learn more now and contact an experienced Cathedral City SSI attorney.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Cathedral City, CA Disability Appeal Attorney
You can begin the application process online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer. If you are denied, you can appeal your case.
The list below contains a few examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a disability:
Depressive Syndrome Mental Retardation Recurrent Arrhythmias Chronic thrombocytopenia Chronic granulocytopenia |
Cancer in the Urinary Bladder Sjogren’s syndrome Epilepsy Cancer Muscular dystrophy |
Liver transplantation Parathyroid gland disorders Skin Grafting Disability from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Loss of speech |
Local SSA Office of Cathedral City, California
Social Security Office 4201 E Ramon Road Palm Springs, California 92264 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Cathedral City, CA
Arlanza Family Health Center 8856 Arlington Avenue Riverside, California 92503 (760) 771-7532 Banning Community Health Center 1070 E Ramsey Street Banning, California 92220 (909) 881-6146 |
Blythe Health Clinic 321 W Hobsonway, Suite C Blythe, California 92225 (760) 922-4981 Central City Community Health Center 1860 Hamner Avenue Norco, California 92860 (951) 479-0070 |
Hospitals in and near Cathedral City, California
Eisenhower Medical Center 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, California 92270 (760) 340-3911 Tenet Healthsystem Desert, Inc 1150 North Indian Canyon Palm Springs, California 92262 (760) 323-6424 |
JFK Memorial Hospital, Inc. 47-111 Monroe Street Indio, California 92201 (760) 347-6191 Hi Desert Medical Center 6601 White Feather Road Joshua Tree, California 92252 (760) 366-6260 |
Cathedralf City social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southeastern California, including Anaheim, Arcilla, Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, El Centro, Fontana, Fullerton, Home Gardens, Irvine, Kathryn, Los Serranos, Mira Loma, Moreno Valley, Norco, Ontario, Pedley, Perris, Placentia, Pomona, Ribidoux, Riverside, Santa Ana, Silverado, Tustin Foothills, Villa Park, Whittier, Woodcrest, Yorba Linda, areas in the vicinity of March Air Force Base, and other communities in Riverside County.