Oakley, CA Social Security Attorneys | Oakley, CA Social Security Lawyers | Contra Costa County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security? Oakley, California Social Security lawyers can help

Disabled? Need help? Social security may provide the solution. The social security system is not always easy to work with. That is why there are experienced Oakley social security attorneys. Whether you have been rejected for benefits, or if you have yet to apply, an experienced Oakley social security disability attorney can increase your chances of success. Help is right around the corner. Start working with an experienced Oakley social security attorney today by filling out the questionnaire on the site.
 

Helping you move forward: SSI and SSDI benefits
 

The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. Importantly, you do not have to be among the number of people who do not qualify for benefits. If you have a disability, you can increase your chances of qualifying for social security benefits by contacting an experienced Oakley social security lawyer. Your attorney can help you make your case for SSI or SSDI benefits. You do not have to work alone. Winning your claim can mean the difference between homelessness and no medical care, and having a safety net of a monthly benefit payment and life-saving medical care. Those who qualify could potentially receive the following in addition to monthly payments: Medicare, Medicaid, and Food Stamps, depending on your circumstances.
 

Aren’t lawyers expensive to hire? How can I hire a qualified Oakley, California 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. 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. The social security administration carefully monitors how much a social security attorney charges. The attorneys are statutorily limited to charging a max of 25% of back pay awarded to you (up to a max of $6,000). That means that in most cases you can only be required to pay money that was already owed to you before you received your social security benefits, and even that amount is limited. There is no reason to contact an experienced Oakley Social Security lawyer. Just fill out the questionnaire on the webpage.
 

Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
 

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 Oakley, 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 Oakley, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Oakley 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 Oakley, 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 Oakley, California Disability Insurance Attorney Soon

Claimants can qualify for SSDI if they are disabled and have previously paid into the social security system through their taxes. So, you must have worked and paid social security taxes to qualify. The government also requires you to have worked a percentage of the previous years, contingent on your age. Some SSDI claimants also qualify for Medicare if they are disabled under the SSDI program for 2 years. Learn more by contacting an experienced SSDI attorney.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Oakley, California Disability Attorney
 

SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you cannot earn over a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI, but unlike SSDI, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Oakley SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire on the site.
 

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

First, you can apply online, call into an office, or visit your local SS office. The application process can take anywhere between four to six months. 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 Oakley, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Oakley, California
 

Hospitals near Oakley, California
 

Oakley social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western Central California, including Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Oakley, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tassajara, Vallejo, Walnut Creek, West Pittsburg, and other communities in Contra Costa County.