Porterville, CA Social Security Attorneys | Porterville, CA Social Security Lawyers | Tulare County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Why wait? Porterville, California Social Security lawyers can help now
 

Has your disability prevented you from being able to work? The social security disability system was designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability. Qualifying is not always easy. That is why it is important to work with an experienced Porterville social security attorney when you apply or appeal a case. If you suffer from a disability that prevents you from working, it may be time to work with a social security attorney now. Contact an experienced Porterville social security attorney today by filling out the form on this website.
 

Why seek help applying for SSI or SSDI benefits?
 

More than half of the initial applicants are rejected for social security every year. The application and appeal process can sometimes be difficult to navigate through. For example, you will need to understand the best method of presenting proof of your disability. An experienced Porterville social security lawyer can really help with that process. 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 Porterville, California Social Security lawyers?
 

Contrary to what people think about lawyers, Social Security lawyers tend to be very affordable. Why are they affordable? Answer: they work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if you get paid. Your social security attorney is limited in how much he or she can charge. That is because the federal government has capped attorney fees in these cases. Specifically, the attorney cannot charge more than 25% of your back pay, up to a total of $6,000. Even then, the government has to approve the final award of attorney fees. So, a claimant is always getting a fair deal. By filling out the questionnaire on this webpage, an experienced Porterville Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Eligibility for either SSDI or SSI
 

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.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Porterville, 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 Porterville, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Porterville 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 Porterville, 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 Porterville 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 Porterville SSDI attorney.
 

SSI: the final safety net - Contact an experienced Porterville, CA 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 Porterville SSI attorney.
 

Application to Appeal: the process - Porterville, California Disability Appeal Lawyer
 

You can begin the application process online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer. 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 Porterville, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Porterville, California
 

Hospitals in and near Porterville, CA
 

Porterville social security lawyers serve clients throughout Central California, including Corcoran, Delano, Exeter, Hanford, Huron, Lemoore, Porterville, Reedley, Selma, Three Rivers, Tipton, Visalia, Wasco, areas in the vicinity of Lemoore Naval Air Station, and other communities in Tulare County.