East Palo Alto, CA Social Security Attorneys | East Palo Alto, CA Social Security Lawyers | Santa Clara County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Why wait? East Palo Alto, California Social Security lawyers can help now
 

Are you considering applying for Social Security because of a disability? Social security may provide the solution. The social security system is not always easy to work with. That is why there are experienced East Palo Alto social security attorneys. Whether you have been rejected for benefits, or if you have yet to apply, an experienced East Palo Alto social security disability attorney can increase your chances of success. Don’t wait. Contact an experienced social security disability attorney in East Palo Alto today by filling out the questionnaire on this website.
 

You may be entitled to benefits: the SSI and SSDI program at a glance
 

The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Presenting proof of your disability is an important step toward qualifying. An experienced East Palo Alto social security lawyer can help you make your most compelling case to the review board. Your chance of success increases this way. If you win your claim, you will be entitled to a monthly benefit payment from the federal government. In many cases, you can also qualify for medical care. For example, SSDI claimants can potentially qualify for Medicare benefits, while SSI claimants qualify for Medicaid benefits.
 

East Palo Alto Social Security attorneys: how much do they cost?
 

You do not have to have a pool of money to afford a social security lawyer. The usual fee structure of a social security lawyer is designed so that it is affordable for people who are not employed. Why are they affordable? Answer: they work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if you get paid. 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. Contacting you East Palo Alto Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Eligibility for either SSDI or 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.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in East Palo Alto, California? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
   1. 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.
2. If you are working in or around East Palo Alto, California is that a factor? - If you are working in East Palo Alto 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
   1. If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
      1. 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:
5. 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 East Palo Alto, 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 East Palo Alto Disability Insurance Attorney Today
 

To qualify for SSDI monthly payments, you must establish a work history of paying into social security as well as a qualifying disability. So, not everyone qualifies for the SSDI program. Those who receive disability payments under SSDI may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Contact an experienced East Palo Alto SSDI lawyer to learn about your options.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced East Palo Alto, California 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 East Palo Alto SSI attorney.
 

Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - East Palo Alto Disability Appeal Attorney
 

To apply for social security, you can start online, in person, or by calling the social security administration directly. The government can take upward of six months to review your case. 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:

Local SSA Office of East Palo Alto, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near East Palo Alto, CA
 

Hospitals in and near East Palo Alto, CA
 

East Palo Alto 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.