Laguna Hills, CA Social Security Attorneys | Laguna Hills, CA Social Security Lawyers | Orange County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Contact a Social Security lawyer in Laguna Hills, California today

Can’t work because you have a disability? 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 Laguna Hills social security attorney can help you. Laguna Hills social security attorneys can walk you through the application and appeal process. Start now by filling out the form on the site.
 

The consequences of your SSI and SSDI application and appeal
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications are denied nationally. Often, the difficult part is proving to the social security administration that you have a disability that qualifies you for benefits. An experienced Laguna Hills social security lawyer will know how to work with your doctors, organize your medical reports, and describe your ailments in such a manner that best highlights the nature and extent of your disability. By working with an experienced Laguna Hills social security lawyer, you can rest assured that you have the benefit of a knowledgeable professional working for you. 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.
 

Aren’t lawyers expensive to hire? How can I hire a qualified Laguna Hills, CA social security lawyer?
 

If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. In most every case, social security lawyers work on a “contingency” fee. That means they only get paid if you win your social security benefits claim. Thankfully, the government has placed restrictions on how much a social security lawyer can charge a claimant. Specifically, they cannot charge you more than 25% of the past due benefits that are awarded to you. Even then, that 25% figure cannot exceed $6,000 total. So, claimants are always protected by the social security system. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Laguna Hills Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on the website.
 

How the Social Security system works: SSDI vs. SSI
 

When people refer to social security disability: they may either be referring to SSDI or SSI (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income). Both programs are federal programs. Both programs provide benefits to disabled people who cannot work (for at least one year). They do have some important differences though. Its important to understand which one you may qualify for.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Laguna Hills, 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 Laguna Hills, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Laguna Hills 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 Laguna Hills, 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 Laguna Hills, CA Disability Insurance Attorney Today

SSDI provides disability payments to Americans who can demonstrate a work history of paying taxes into the social security system. To qualify, you must prove (1) the existence of a disability that prevents you from working for at least one year, and (2) that you worked and paid social security taxes over the course of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Contact an experienced Laguna Hills SSDI lawyer now to learn more.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Laguna Hills, California 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 Laguna Hills SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire on the site.
 

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

First, you can apply online, call into an office, or visit your local SS office. The application process can take anywhere between four to six months. In the event that the government denies your social security application, you can appeal your case. At the appeal, you can represent yourself or your attorney can represent you.
 

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 Laguna Hills, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Laguna Hills, CA
 

Hospitals in and near Laguna Hills, CA
 

Laguna Hills 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, Laguna Hills, 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.