Cupertino, CA Social Security Attorneys | Cupertino, CA Social Security Lawyers | Santa Clara County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Why wait? Cupertino California Social Security lawyers can help now
Living with a disability can be impossible. You may be entitled to benefits under the social security disability income system. The system is designed to provide benefits to citizens who cannot work due to disability. By working with an experienced Cupertino social security attorney, you stand a better chance of qualifying for social security benefits. To speak with an experienced Cupertino social security attorney as soon as possible, fill out the form on this webpage. You’re just a click away.
Helping you move forward: SSI and SSDI benefits
The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Often, the difficult part is proving to the social security administration that you have a disability that qualifies you for benefits. An experienced Cupertino social security lawyer will know how to work with your doctors, organize your medical reports, and describe your ailments in such a manner that best highlights the nature and extent of your disability. By working with an experienced Cupertino social security lawyer, you can rest assured that you have the benefit of a knowledgeable professional working for you. The advantages of working with an experienced professional should not be ignored in light of the consequences of losing a social security claim. Winning your claim can mean the difference between a qualify life and one that is fraught with difficulty. If you suffer from a disability, you deserve to receive the benefits afforded by the social security administration. The system was built to protect those who cannot work because they suffer form a disability. Those who qualify may receive monthly checks, and medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, food stamps, and additional services provided by the state.
Aren’t lawyers expensive to hire? How can I hire a qualified Cupertino social security lawyer?
Although attorneys can be expensive, a social security attorney is affordable, even for someone who does not have a job. Social security attorneys are paid according to a strict fee schedule. They can only be paid if they win your case for you. That makes sense because claimants usually have no expendable money. 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. Contact your Cupertino Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on this website.
SSDI and SSI, which one is right for you?
There are two separate programs that provide disability benefits in the social security system. They are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Generally, to qualify for disability payments, you must have an injury that prevents you from working for one year or more or an injury that will result in death. Both programs pay on a monthly basis.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Cupertino, 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 Cupertino, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Cupertino 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 Cupertino, 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.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) – Work with a Knowledgeable Cupertino Disability Insurance Attorney Today
If you have a work history of paying into social security, you may be eligible for SSDI payments. SSDI is a natural insurance program that pays those who are disabled and have a qualifying work history (the duration of your previous work depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Learn more by contacting an experienced Cupertino SSDI attorney.
SSI: You may qualify - Reach a qualified Cupertino Disability Attorney
If you have no or too little work history, are disabled, and make below a certain threshold of money, you may qualify for SSI. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a welfare-based program. The benefits are paid out of general tax revenues and are not contingent on your work history. The monthly benefit provides a basic amount, which may be enhanced by your state. You may also qualify for food stamps and Medicaid. You can contact an experienced Cupertino SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this site.
Application to Appeal: the process - Cupertino, CA Disability Appeal Lawyer
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. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
The list below contains a few examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a disability:
Cancer in the Urinary Bladder Soft Tissue tumors of the head and neck Leukemia Sickle cell disease Ischemic Heart Disease |
Hallucinations Anxiety Disorders Amputation of appendages Herniated Disc Heart Transplant |
Sickle cell disease Hereditary telangiectasia Polycycthemia Immune deficiency disorders Peripheral neuropathies |
Local SSA Office of Cupertino, CA
Social Security Office Room 244 2nd Floor, 280 S First Street San Jose, California 95113 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Cupertino, California
AACI 2400 Moorpark Avenue, Suite 300 San Jose, California 95128 (408) 975-2730 Alexian Clinic 2101 Alexian Drive San Jose, California 95116 (408) 272-6050 |
Bill Wilson Center 3490 The Alameda Santa Clara, California 95050 (408) 243-0222 Comprecare Healh Center 3030 Alum Rock Avenue San Jose, California 95127 (408) 272-6300 |
Hospitals in and near Cupertino, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospital 700 Lawrence Expressway Santa Clara, California 95051 (408) 851-1000 El Camino Hospital 2500 Grant Avenue Mountain View, California 94040 (650) 940-7300 |
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center 751 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, California 95128 (408) 885-5000 O'Connor Hospital 2105 Forest Avenue San Jose, California 95128 (408) 947-2500 |
Cupertino social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Belmont, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, Daly City, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Milpitas, Monterey, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Newark, Oakland, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Richmond, Salinas, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Saratoga, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Watsonville, areas in the vicinity of Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in Santa Clara County.