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

Find an experienced Lafayette, California Social Security lawyer now

Does your disability prevent you from working? Social security disability income, or “SSDI” for short, and “SSI”, supplemental security income, was created for those who cannot work due to suffering from a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system can be difficult to navigate. Whether you are a first time applicant or whether you have been previously rejected, an experienced Lafayette social security attorney can help you. By filling out the questionnaire in this page, you can contact an experienced Lafayette social security attorney. It is time to get the help you need.
 

The importance of winning your SSI or SSDI claim
 

Approximately 65% or more initial applicants are denied social security benefits. Presenting proof of your disability is an important step toward qualifying. An experienced Lafayette 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.
 

How much does a qualified Lafayette, California Social Security lawyer cost?
 

If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. The reason why: you do not pay a Social Security lawyer unless he or she wins your claim. That means they only get paid if you get paid. The social security administration carefully monitors how much a social security attorney charges. The attorneys are statutorily limited to charging a max of 25% of back pay awarded to you (up to a max of $6,000). That means that in most cases you can only be required to pay money that was already owed to you before you received your social security benefits, and even that amount is limited. Contacting you Lafayette Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire in this website.  
 

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

SSDI is a federal insurance program that pays disability benefits to people who have paid into the social security system.  To qualify, you must be disabled and have a work history of paying social security taxes. Thus, not everyone can qualify. Those who do qualify may also be eligible for Medicare coverage, depending on the duration of your disability. Contact an SSDI attorney to learn if you may qualify.
    

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Talk to an experienced Lafayette, CA Disability Attorney
 

SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you cannot earn over a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI, but unlike SSDI, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Lafayette SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire in this page.
 

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

Applicants can begin the process in multiple ways: online, over the phone, and in person. The government takes around four to six months to review your case. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

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 Lafayette, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Lafayette, California
 

Hospitals in and near Lafayette, California
 

Lafayette social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Antioch, Citrus Heights, Concord, Daly City, Davis, Fairfield, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Mountain View, Napa, Oakland, Parkway, Patterson, Pittsburg, Redwood City, Richmond, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Sunnyvale, Tracy, Vacaville, Vallejo, and other communities in Contra Costa County.