Petaluma, CA Social Security Attorneys | Petaluma, CA Social Security Lawyers | Sonoma County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security Benefits? Petaluma, California Social Security lawyers can help
 

Do you have a disability? Does that disability keep you from seeking gainful employment? Thankfully, for those who qualify, social security can provide much-needed relief. If you qualify, you may be entitled to monthly checks due to your disability. Some may qualify for other assistance, such as: medical care coverage, food stamps, and other assistance from the state government. Help is right around the corner. Start working with an experienced Petaluma social security attorney today by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Why seek help applying for SSI or SSDI benefits?
 

The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Increase your chances of winning your Social Security claim by contacting an experienced Petaluma 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. The difference between winning your social security claim and losing your social security claim are often dramatic. For example, without an alternative source of income, and without the ability to work (due to disability), many people face homelessness and hunger. The relief provided by the monthly payments from SSI and SSDI claims provide a necessary security blanket. In some cases, claimants may be entitled to medical care through the Medicaid or Medicare systems.
 

Lawyers cost too much, how would I afford to pay a 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. Why are they affordable? Answer: they work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid 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. By filling out the questionnaire on this site, an experienced Petaluma Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Social Security: Qualifying for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Income (SSI)
 

The federal government created Social Security for a number of reasons. One of those reasons was to provide benefits to Americans who cannot work due to an injury. The injury must last at least one year, and prevent you from working. There are two different programs that give rise to disability payments under the Social Security System: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both programs provide relief to injured Americans, but they are different from each other.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Petaluma, 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 Petaluma, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Petaluma 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 Petaluma, 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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma SSDI lawyer to learn about your options.
 

(SSI) Supplemental Security Income - Contact an experienced Petaluma, 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 Petaluma SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Petaluma Disability Appeal Attorney
 

You can start your application online. You can also apply in person, or start the process over the phone. The initial review can take four to six months. 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.
 

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 Petaluma, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Petaluma, California
 

Hospitals in and near Petaluma, CA
 

Petaluma social security lawyers serve clients throughout Northern California, including Angwin, Clearlake, Cloverdale, Fairfield, Geyserville, Healdsburg, Lakeport, Napa, Novato, Petaluma, Richmond, Rohnert Park, San Francisco, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, St. Helena, Ukiah, Vallejo, Windsor, Yountville, and other communities in Sonoma County.