Palo Alto, CA Social Security Attorneys | Palo Alto, CA Social Security Lawyers | Santa Clara County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security? Palo Alto, California Social Security lawyers can help
 

Has the quality of your life suffered because of a disability? Are you now unable to work because of your disability? You may be eligible for social security payments. Understanding the nuances of the social security system can be a bit overwhelming. Some people qualify upon completing an initial application while others take a longer appeal process. Learn more about the social security disability system today. Palo Alto social security attorneys help our most vulnerable citizens qualify for social security disability benefits.
 

The SSI and SSDI system: a real safety net
 

It is not easy to qualify for social security benefits in every case. Roughly 65% of people are initially turned down. Increase your chances of winning your Social Security claim by contacting an experienced Palo Alto 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. If you win your claim, you will be entitled to a monthly benefit payment from the federal government. In many cases, you can also qualify for medical care. For example, SSDI claimants can potentially qualify for Medicare benefits, while SSI claimants qualify for Medicaid benefits.
 

How do people afford to pay qualified Palo Alto, CA Social Security lawyers?
 

If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. 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. Contacting you Palo Alto Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Who qualifies for SSI and SSDI?
 

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

If you have a work history of paying into social security, you may be eligible for SSDI payments. SSDI is a natural insurance program that pays those who are disabled and have a qualifying work history (the duration of your previous work depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Learn more by contacting an experienced Palo Alto SSDI attorney.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Palo Alto Disability Attorney
 

SSI, unlike SSDI, is a welfare-based program that pays those with disabilities, regardless of their work history. To qualify, claimants must make less than a minimum threshold of income (a very small amount). Those who qualify may also be eligible for food stamps, and Medicaid. Learn more now and contact an experienced Palo Alto SSI attorney.
 

Application to Appeal: the process - Palo Alto, CA Disability Appeal Lawyer
 

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. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

The list below contains a few examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a disability:

Local SSA Office of Palo Alto, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Palo Alto, California
 

Hospitals in and near Palo Alto, CA
 

Palo Alto social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Belmont, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, Daly City, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, 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.