Hercules, CA Social Security Attorneys | Hercules, CA Social Security Lawyers | Contra Costa County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Why wait? Hercules California Social Security lawyers can help now

Supporting yourself while living with a disability can be a nightmare. 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. Hercules social security attorneys can walk you through the application and appeal process. Start now by filling out the form on the site.
 

The importance of winning your SSI or SSDI claim
 

Roughly 65 – 75% of applicants are initially denied for social security benefits. By working with an experienced Hercules social security lawyer, you can increase your chances of success because you will be working with someone who understands the criteria that the review board is looking for. 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.
 

Hercules 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. 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. Your social security attorney is limited in how much he or she can charge. That is because the federal government has capped attorney fees in these cases. Specifically, the attorney cannot charge more than 25% of your back pay, up to a total of $6,000. Even then, the government has to approve the final award of attorney fees. So, a claimant is always getting a fair deal. Contact your Hercules Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

The Social Security system: About
 

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 Hercules, 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 Hercules, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Hercules 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 Hercules, 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 Hercules Disability Insurance Attorney Soon

SSDI is a benefit program that pays disabled people on a monthly basis who (1) have worked in the past, and (2) paid social security taxes. Each person must work a certain percentage of the previous years (depending on your age) to qualify. Thus, not everyone who is disabled can qualify. SSDI claimants who receive payments for 2 years qualify for Medicare to pay medical costs. Contact you Hercules SSDI lawyer to learn if you qualify.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Talk to an experienced Hercules Disability Attorney
 

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 Hercules SSI lawyer, fill out the form on the site.
 

How do I apply, what can I expect? - Hercules Disability Appeals Lawyer
 

You can apply online, in person, or over the phone for social security. You will be prompted to fill out a series of questions that require you to substantiate your disability. If you are denied, you can appeal your case.
 

Below is a list of some of the types of illnesses and injuries that can qualify for a disability under Social Security:
 

Local SSA Office of Hercules, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Hercules, CA
 

Hospitals near Hercules, CA
 

Hercules social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western Central California, including Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tassajara, Vallejo, Walnut Creek, West Pittsburg, and other communities in Contra Costa County.