Novato, CA Social Security Attorneys | Novato, CA Social Security Lawyers | Marin County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Contact a Social Security lawyer in Novato, California today
Has your disability prevented you from being able to work? You may need the help of an experienced Novato social security disability attorney to receive the benefits you are entitled to. Social security attorneys have the experience necessary to work with the social security administration that will increase your chances of success. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for social security disability benefits by working with an experienced Novato social security attorney today. Fill out the form on this site today.
The consequences of your SSI and SSDI application and appeal
The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. However, you can dramatically increase your odds of winning your benefits claim by working with an experienced Novato social security lawyer. This is because most SS attorneys have learned what criteria the review board is looking for. 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.
How can I afford a Social Security lawyer when I can’t work?
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. Social security attorneys are paid according to a strict fee schedule. They can only be paid if they win your case for you. That makes sense because claimants usually have no expendable money. Statutorily, social security attorneys can only make the following: the smaller amount of (1) 25% of back pay awarded to you, or (2) $6,000 total. The social security administration has to approve the amount of the attorney fees at the time you are awarded your benefits. By filling out the questionnaire on this page, an experienced Novato Social Security attorney will contact you.
Who qualifies for SSI and SSDI?
The Social Security System can provide you with monthly payments if you qualify. To qualify for either the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) programs, you must meet their criteria. Generally, to qualify for either, you must suffer from an injury that prevents you from working for a year or more (or one that results in death). Both systems are explained below.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Novato, 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 Novato, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Novato 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 Novato, 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: The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Connect with a Knowledgeable Novato, CA Disability Insurance Attorney Immediately
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 Novato SSDI attorney soon to discuss your options.
SSI: You may qualify - Reach a qualified Novato 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 Novato SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this website.
How does the application and appeal process work? - Novato, California Disability Appeals attorney
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. 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:
Seizures Schizophrenia Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency Congenital Heart Disease Chronic venous insufficiency |
Hereditary telangiectasia Soft tissue sarcoma Cancer of the Pancreas Systemic vasculitis Undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease |
Cancer Anterior poliomyelitis Subacute combined degeneration Chronic liver disease Short bowel syndrome |
Local SSA Office of Novato, California
Social Security Office 3rd Floor, 1001 Lootens Place San Rafael, California 94901 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Novato, CA
Bolinas Family Practice 88 Mesa Road Bolinas, California 94924 (415) 868-0124 Marin City Health & Wellness Center 630 Drake Avenue Sausalito, California 94965 (415) 339-8813 |
Marin Community Clinic 6100 Redwood Boulevard Novato, California 94945 (415) 448-1500 Marin Community Clinic 3260 Kerner Boulevard San Rafael, California 94901 (415) 448-1500 |
Hospitals in and near Novato, California
Sutter West Bay Hospitals 180 Rowland Way Novato, California 94945 (415) 209-1300 Kaiser Foundation Hospital 99 Montecillo Road San Rafael, California 94903 (415) 444-2000 |
Petaluma Valley Hospital 400 North McDowell Boulevard Petaluma, California 94954 (707) 778-1111 Marin General Hospital 250 Bon Air Road Greenbrae, California 94904 (415) 925-7000 |
Novato social security lawyers serve clients throughout the Northern Bay of California including Alto, Belvedere, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Fairfax, Inverness, Kentfield, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Strawberry, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Novato, Bel Marin Keys, Black Point-Green Point, Hamilton, Ignacio, Ross, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, Las Gallinas, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Marin City, Stinson Beach, Tiburon, Tomales, Woodacre and other communities in Sonoma County, San Francisco County and Marin County.