Menlo Park, CA Social Security Attorneys | Menlo Park, CA Social Security Lawyers | San Mateo County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Social Security lawyers in Menlo Park, California Can Help
 

Living with a disability can be impossible. You may qualify for social security disability benefits. Menlo Park 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. Help is right around the corner. Start working with an experienced Menlo Park social security attorney today by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

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

The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. An experienced Menlo Park social security lawyer can increase your odds of success. Your attorney should understand how to make your best case. Your attorney can also represent you on appeal. An experienced Menlo Park social security lawyer will look over your file, and help you make any additions and corrections necessary to best highlight the nature of your disability. Living with a disability can make it virtually impossible to function in our expensive society. If you can qualify for social security benefits, you will be entitled to monthly payments from the federal government. In some cases, you may also qualify for medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your circumstances. This is an absolutely essential security blanket for those who cannot work due to disability. Therefore, the consequences of not qualifying can be severe.
 

How can I afford a Social Security lawyer when I can’t work?
 

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. 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 system oversees the amount a social security attorney can charge. For example, they are capped at making 25% of the back pay awarded to you. Even then, they can only make a maximum of $6,000 on your case. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Menlo Park Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on this website today.
 

The Social Security system: About
 

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

To qualify for SSDI monthly payments, you must establish a work history of paying into social security as well as a qualifying disability. So, not everyone qualifies for the SSDI program. Those who receive disability payments under SSDI may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Contact an experienced Menlo Park SSDI lawyer to learn about your options.
 

SSI: the final safety net - Contact an experienced Menlo Park, California Disability Attorney
 

If you have no or too little work history, are disabled, and make below a certain threshold of money, you may qualify for SSI. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a welfare-based program. The benefits are paid out of general tax revenues and are not contingent on your work history. The monthly benefit provides a basic amount, which may be enhanced by your state. You may also qualify for food stamps and Medicaid. You can contact an experienced Menlo Park SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this page.
 

The process: Application to appeal - Menlo Park Disability Appeals Lawyer
 

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. 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 Menlo Park, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Menlo Park, California
 

Hospitals in and near Menlo Park, CA
 

Menlo Park social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Burlingame, Concord, Daly City, Fairfield, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, Livermore, Morgan Hill, Menlo Park, Napa, Novato, Oakland, Pacifica, Petaluma, Richmond, Rohnert Park, Salinas, San Bruno, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Vacaville, Watsonville, areas in the vicinity of San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in San Mateo County.