Merced, CA Social Security Attorneys | Merced, CA Social Security Lawyers | Merced County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Why wait? Merced, California Social Security lawyers can help now
Does your disability prevent you from working? You may qualify for social security disability benefits. By working with an experienced Merced, California social security attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving disability payments from the federal government. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for social security disability benefits by working with an experienced Merced social security attorney today. Fill out the form in the website today.
SSI and SSDI: your safety net
The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. By working with an experienced Merced social security lawyer, you can increase your chances of success because you will be working with someone who understands the criteria that the review board is looking for. The consequences of losing your social security claim can have serious consequences. Those who qualify get monthly payments to live off. In many cases, you can also get Medicare or Medicaid. These payments and other potential benefits often mean the difference between survival and homelessness for those suffering from disabilities.
How do I pay a qualified Merced, CA Social Security lawyer? I don’t have any money!
If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. Most all Social Security lawyers work on a contingency basis: which means they only get paid if you win your case. The government limits how much a social security attorney can charge you. They are limited to charging the lesser of: 25% of the back pay awarded to you, or a maximum of $6,000. So, an attorney cannot make more than $6,000 on your case, nor can he or she make more than 25% of the back pay owed to you. Thus, if you are awarded $20,000 in back pay, generally the max you can be charged is $6,000. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Merced Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form in the webpage.
Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
There are two separate programs that provide disability benefits in the social security system. They are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Generally, to qualify for disability payments, you must have an injury that prevents you from working for one year or more or an injury that will result in death. Both programs pay on a monthly basis.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Merced, California? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
- 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.
- If you are working in or around Merced, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Merced 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;
- 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;
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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;
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
- 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:
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
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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 Merced, 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 Merced, California Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
To receive payments under the SSDI plan, you must have worked a percentage of the previous years (depending on your age). Thus, only those with a work history can qualify. Beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Speak with an experienced Merced SSDI lawyer to learn more.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Talk to an experienced Merced Disability Attorney
The SSI system provides monthly payments, of a minimum amount, to disabled people. The benefits are paid regardless of whether you previously paid into the Social Security System. Although payments are generally lower under SSI, the funds help those who critically need it. In addition, successful claimants may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. Fill out the form to contact an experienced Merced SSI lawyer.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Merced, CA Disability Appeal Attorney
To apply for social security, you can start online, in person, or by calling the social security administration directly. The government can take upward of six months to review your case. If you have been denied, you can appeal your case. At appeal, you will have to prove that your condition qualifies as a disability. If you do not feel comfortable appearing on your own behalf, an attorney may present your case for you.
Below is a list of some of the types of illnesses and injuries that can qualify for a disability under Social Security:
Pancreatitis Hallucinations Lung Infections Cystic Fibrosis Chronic Anemia |
Polycycthemia Lymphoma Kidney cancer Liver disease Immune deficiency disorders |
Anterior poliomyelitis Muscular dystrophy Cerebral Trauma Chronic liver disease Loss of speech |
Local SSA Office in Merced, California
Social Security Office 600 West Olive Avenue Merced, California 95348 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Merced, California
Golden Valley Health Center 847 West Childs Avenue Merced, California 95341 (209) 383-7441 |
Merced Womesn's Health 797 West Childs Avenue Merced, California 95341 (209) 383-5871 |
Castle Family Health center 3605 Hospital Road Atwater, California 95301 (209) 381-2000 |
DBA Livingston Medical Group, Inc. 1140 Main Street Livingston, California 95334 (209) 394-7913 |
Hospitals in Merced, California
Mercy Medical Center 333 Mercy Avenue Merced, California 95340 (209) 564-5001 |
Children's Hospital Central California 190 Olivewood Drive Merced, California 95348 (209) 726-0199 |
Merced social security lawyers serve clients throughout Central Valley, including Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Dos Palos, Gustine, Ballico, Bear Creek, Cressey, Delhi, Dos Palos Y, El Nido, Franklin, Hilmar-Irwin, Le Grand, McSwain, Planada, Santa Nella, Snelling, South Dos Palos, Stevinson, Tuttle, Volta, Winton aand other communities including San Benito County, Mariposa County, Madera County, Tuolumne County and Merced County.