Dana Point, CA Social Security Attorneys | Dana Point, CA Social Security Lawyers | Orange County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Dana Point, California Social Security Lawyers
Living with a disability can be impossible. You may be eligible for social security payments. Understanding the nuances of the social security system can be a bit overwhelming. Some people qualify upon completing an initial application while others take a longer appeal process. Learn more about the social security disability system today. Don’t wait. Contact an experienced Dana Point social security disability attorney today by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
The difference between winning your SSI or SSDI claim and losing it
The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. 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 Dana Point social security lawyer. Arm yourself with a professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim. For many, losing their social security claim has devastating consequences. Those who are disabled who do not have an alternative source of income potentially face homelessness. The SSI and SSDI systems provide monthly payments from the federal government for our most vulnerable citizens. These payments can cover the cost of living, and in some cases the SSI and SSDI systems also provide medical coverage.
How much does it cost to hire a qualified Dana Point Social Security Lawyer?
Although attorneys can be expensive, a social security attorney is affordable, even for someone who does not have a job. Why? Social Security attorneys only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. The social security system oversees the amount a social security attorney can charge. For example, they are capped at making 25% of the back pay awarded to you. Even then, they can only make a maximum of $6,000 on your case. By filling out the questionnaire provided on this website, an experienced Dana Point Social Security attorney will contact you.
How the Social Security system works: SSDI vs. SSI
The Social Security System can provide you with monthly payments if you qualify. To qualify for either the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) programs, you must meet their criteria. Generally, to qualify for either, you must suffer from an injury that prevents you from working for a year or more (or one that results in death). Both systems are explained below.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Dana Point, 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 Dana Point, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Dana Point 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 Dana Point, 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.
SSDI: Federal Workers Insurance for the Disabled - Contact a Knowledgeable Dana Point Disability Insurance Attorney Today
SSDI is a program for Americans who have a work history. To qualify, you must be disabled, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a fraction of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you think you may qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Dana Point SSDI attorney soon to discuss your options.
Education: SSDI versus SSI
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.
SSDI - Contact an experienced Dana Point Disability Insurance Attorney Now
The SSI system is welfare based – meaning you do not have to have a work history in order to qualify. Successful claimants will receive a monthly check to help with life’s necessities. You must be disabled and make below a maximum amount of money. You may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Dana Point SSI lawyer, fill out the form given on this site.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Dana Point, California Disability Appeal Attorney
You can start your application online. You can also apply in person, or start the process over the phone. The initial review can take four to six months. 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:
Severe arthritis Organic Mental Disorders Peripheral Neuropathies Gastritis Affective disorders |
Liver Damage Pneumoconiosis Recurrent Arrhythmias Cancer Sickle cell disease |
Lymphoma Kidney cancer Epilepsy Aneurysm of aorta or major branches Loss of Visual Acuity |
Local SSA Office of Dana Point, CA
Social Security Office 26051 Acero Road Mission Viejo, California 92691 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Dana Point, California
AltaMed ADHC: Cypress 5175 Ball Road Cypress, California 90630 (714) 236-8100 SOS - El Sol Wellness Center 1010 N Broadway Santa Ana, California 92701 (949) 270-2100 |
Hurtt Family Health Clinic 1 Hope Drive Tustin, California 92782 (714) 247-0300 Friends of Family Health Center 501 S Idaho Street, Suite 100 La Habra, California 90631 (562) 690-0400 |
Hospitals in and near Dana Point, CA
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center 24451 Health Center Drive Laguna Hills, California 92653 (949) 837-4500 Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center 27700 Medical Center Road Mission Viejo, California 92691 (949) 365-2248 |
HealthSouthTustin Rehabilitation Hospital 14851 Yorba Street Tustin, California 92780 (714) 832-9200 Western Medical Center 1001 N. Tustin Avenue Santa Ana, California 92705 (714) 953-3610 |
Dana Point social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southwestern California, including Anaheim, Artesia, Bellflower, Brea, Buena Park, Cerritos, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Kathryn, La Habra, La Mirada, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Norwalk, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Tustin Foothills, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, and other communities in Orange County.