Los Gatos, CA Social Security Attorneys | Los Gatos, CA Social Security Lawyers | Santa Clara County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Find an experienced Los Gatos, California Social Security lawyer now
 

Living with a disability can be impossible. You may qualify for social security disability benefits. Los Gatos social security attorneys can walk you through the application and appeal process. You may be entitled to a monthly check and additional help from the federal government. Los Gatos social security attorneys help our most vulnerable citizens qualify for social security disability benefits.
 

The SSI and SSDI system: a real safety net
 

The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. Increase your chances of winning your Social Security claim by contacting an experienced Los Gatos 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. For many applicants, they face the possibility of homelessness if their SSI or SSDI application is denied. The social security system provides monthly payments that make living in this expensive country manageable. In many cases, claimants also qualify for critical medical coverage through the social security system. SSI claimants can get Medicaid, while SSDI claimants may qualify for Medicare.
 

Aren’t lawyers expensive to hire? How can I hire a qualified Los Gatos social security lawyer?
 

Because the people who need a social security lawyer usually do not have a source of income, social security lawyers structure their fees to make their services affordable. When you hire a social security attorney, you only pay them attorney fees if you win your claim. So, you only pay if you get paid. 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. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Los Gatos Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on this webpage.
 

How the Social Security system works: SSDI vs. SSI
 

Two separate social security programs provide disability payments to injured people: SSI and SSDI (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance). To earn disability payments under either one, you must suffer from an injury that (1) prevents you from working for a year or more, or (2) will result in death. Short-term injuries are not covered by the social security system.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Los Gatos, 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 Los Gatos, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Los Gatos 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 Los Gatos, 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.
 

(SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance – Talk to a Knowledgeable Los Gatos Disability Income Attorney Now
 

SSDI is a program for Americans who have a work history. To qualify, you must be disabled, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a fraction of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you think you may qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Los Gatos SSDI attorney soon to discuss your options.
 

(SSI) Supplemental Security Income - Contact an experienced Los Gatos, California Disability Attorney
 

Unlike SSDI, you do not have to demonstrate a work history to be eligible for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a disability that prevents you from working for a year or more, and make less than a minimum threshold of money. SSI checks are paid monthly. In addition, you may be eligible for more money from your state, Medicaid, and food stamps. Call your Los Gatos SSI lawyer for more details.
 

How does the application and appeal process work? - Los Gatos Disability Appeals attorney
 

You can begin the application process online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer. If denied, you can appeal the decision. You may have an attorney represent you at the appeal.
 

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 Los Gatos, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Los Gatos, CA
 

Hospitals near Los Gatos, California
 

Los Gatos social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Belmont, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, Daly City, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Milpitas, Monterey, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Newark, Oakland, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Richmond, Salinas, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Saratoga, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Watsonville, areas in the vicinity of Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in Santa Clara County.