Lake Forest, CA Social Security Attorneys | Lake Forest, CA Social Security Lawyers | Orange County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Lake Forest, California Social Security Lawyers want to help

Does your disability prevent you from working? The social security disability system was designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability. Qualifying is not always easy. That is why it is important to work with an experienced Lake Forest social security attorney when you apply or appeal a case. Lake Forest social security attorneys can walk you through the application and appeal process. Start now by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

The difference between winning your SSI or SSDI claim and losing it
 

The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Increase your chances of winning your Social Security claim by contacting an experienced Lake Forest Social Security lawyer. Your attorney should have the necessary experience to understand how to make out your best case. This may include working with your doctors, or having you seek a new cost-effective examination that can help make out your case. 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.
 

Lawyers cost too much, how would I afford to pay a social security lawyer?
 

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. Most all Social Security lawyers work on a contingency basis: which means they only get paid if you win your case. 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. By filling out the questionnaire on this website, an experienced Lake Forest Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
 

SSI (Social Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security disability Insurance) are two separate programs that pay claimants who are disabled. The disability must prevent you from working for a year or more or result in death. While both programs are federal disability programs, they are quite different from each other.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
 

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 Lake Forest, CA 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 Lake Forest SSI attorney.
 

The process: Application to appeal - Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Lake Forest, California
 

Hospitals near Lake Forest, CA
 

Lake Forest 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, Los Alamitos, Lake Forest, 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.