Pittsburg, CA Social Security Attorneys | Pittsburg, CA Social Security Lawyers | Contra Costa County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms
Can’t work because you have a disability? Thankfully, the social security system provides a safety net to many people. If you qualify for social security, you may be entitled to a monthly check and other benefits such as medical care, food stamps, and other assistance from your state. Increase your chances of qualifying by working with an experienced Pittsburg social security attorney now. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for social security disability benefits by working with an experienced Pittsburg social security attorney today. Fill out the form in this website today.
SSI and SSDI: your safety net
Roughly 65 – 75% of applicants are initially denied for social security benefits. Presenting proof of your disability is an important step toward qualifying. An experienced Pittsburg social security lawyer can help you make your most compelling case to the review board. Your chance of success increases this way. Those who face real disabilities potentially face hunger and homelessness. Winning your claim can provide a necessary safety net to our most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover those critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid.
How do I pay a qualified Pittsburg Social Security lawyer? I don’t have any money!
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. Almost always, Social Security lawyers work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if you win your claim. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a social security attorney. 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. Contacting you Pittsburg Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire in this webpage.
Social Security: Qualifying for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Income (SSI)
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.
-
What is the Standard for Disability in Pittsburg, 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 Pittsburg, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Pittsburg 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;
-
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;
-
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:
-
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 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 Pittsburg, 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: Federal Workers Insurance for the Disabled - Contact a Knowledgeable Pittsburg Disability Insurance Attorney Today
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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire in this website.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Pittsburg 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. Once you get your results, you will either receive a notice of payments, or you will be denied. In which case, you can appeal the decision in person or have your attorney appear on your behalf.
The following are a few examples of the types of injuries and illnesses that have previously qualified as a disability:
Somatoform Disorders Pneumoconiosis Bronchiectasis Recurrent Arrhythmias Polycycthemia |
Myelofibrosis Soft tissue sarcoma Multiple Myeloma Systemic vasculitis Inflammatory arthritis |
Sjogren’s syndrome Muscular dystrophy Short bowel syndrome Loss of speech Skin Grafting |
Local SSA Office of Pittsburg, CA
Social Security Office 2615 Crow Court Antioch, California 94509 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Pittsburg, California
La Clinnica 2240 Gladstone Drive, Suite 4 Pittsburg, California 94565 (925) 431-1230 |
Pittsburg Health Center 2311 Loveridge Road Pittsburg, California 94565 (925) 431-2300 |
Antioch Health Center 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 1 Antioch, California 94509 (925) 427-8585 |
Community Practice Clinic 1104 Buchanan Road, Suite C10 Antioch, California 94509 (925) 427-8585 |
Hospitals near Pittsburg, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospital 4501 Sand Creek Road Antioch, California 94531 (925) 813-6500 |
Sutter Delta Medical Center 3901 Lone Tree Way Antioch, California 94509 (925) 779-7200 |
Pittsburg 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.