El Centro, CA Social Security Attorneys | El Centro, CA Social Security Lawyers | Imperial County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
El Centro, California Social Security Lawyers want to help
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 El Centro social security attorney, you stand a better chance of qualifying for social security benefits. You can contact an experienced El Centro social security disability attorney by filling out the form on this site. You are under absolutely no obligation merely by filling out the form.
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. Qualifying for social security benefits requires proof of your disability. Experienced El Centro social security lawyers understand how to present your evidence in the most favorable light. Living with a disability can make it virtually impossible to function in our expensive society. If you can qualify for social security benefits, you will be entitled to monthly payments from the federal government. In some cases, you may also qualify for medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your circumstances. This is an absolutely essential security blanket for those who cannot work due to disability. Therefore, the consequences of not qualifying can be severe.
How can I afford a Social Security lawyer when I can’t work?
Contrary to what people think about lawyers, Social Security lawyers tend to be very affordable. Almost always, Social Security lawyers work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if you win your claim. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a social security attorney. Statutorily, social security attorneys can only make the following: the smaller amount of (1) 25% of back pay awarded to you, or (2) $6,000 total. The social security administration has to approve the amount of the attorney fees at the time you are awarded your benefits. By filling out the questionnaire on this website, an experienced El Centro Social Security attorney will contact you.
Social Security: Who qualifies for SSI and SSDI
The federal government created Social Security for a number of reasons. One of those reasons was to provide benefits to Americans who cannot work due to an injury. The injury must last at least one year, and prevent you from working. There are two different programs that give rise to disability payments under the Social Security System: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both programs provide relief to injured Americans, but they are different from each other.
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What is the Standard for Disability in El Centro, 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 El Centro, California is that a factor? - If you are working in El Centro 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 El Centro, 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 El Centro 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 El Centro SSDI attorney.
SSI: You may qualify - Reach a qualified El Centro Disability Attorney
The SSI system provides monthly payments, of a minimum amount, to disabled people. The benefits are paid regardless of whether you previously paid into the Social Security System. Although payments are generally lower under SSI, the funds help those who critically need it. In addition, successful claimants may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. Fill out the form to contact an experienced El Centro SSI lawyer.
The process: Application to appeal - El Centro, CA Disability Appeals Lawyer
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. 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:
Depressive Syndrome Pancreatitis Asthma Chronic Anemia Coagulation defects |
Lymphoma Cancer in the Urinary Bladder Systemic vasculitis Multiple Sclerosis Short bowel syndrome |
Loss of speech Adrenal gland disorders Psychiatric Disorders Skin Grafting Disability from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder |
Local SSA Office of El Centro, California
Social Security Office 3007 N Imperial Avenue El Centro, California 92243 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near El Centro, CA
Clinicas De Salud 223 W Cole Boulevard Calexico, California 92231 (760) 357-2020 |
Winterhaven Clinic 2133 Winterhaven Drive Winterhaven, California 92283 (760) 572-2700 |
Niland Health Clinic 8027 Highway 111 Niland, California 92257 (760) 359-0110 |
Ehman Women's Center 197 W Legion Road Brawley, California 92227 (760) 344-7750 |
Hospitals in and near El Centro, California
El Centro Regional Medical Center 1415 Ross Avenue El Centro, California 92243 (760) 339-7100 |
Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Air Facility El Centro, Building 523 El Centro , California 92243 (760) 339-2630 |
VA Imperial Valley Clinic 1600 South Imperial Avenue El Centro, California 92243 (760) 352-1506 |
El Centro social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southeastern California including Calexico, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville, Seeley, Niland, Bombay Beach, Ocotillo, Palo Verde, Bard, Glamis, Plaster City, Hovley, Citrus View, Rockwood, Mayflower, Butlers, Orita, Curlew, Munyon, Sandia, Verdant, Fondo and other communities in Riverside County, San Diego County and Imperial county.