Ridgecrest, CA Social Security Attorneys | Ridgecrest, CA Social Security Lawyers | Kern County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

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

Are you disabled and unable to work? You may need the help of an experienced Ridgecrest social security disability attorney to receive the benefits you are entitled to. Social security attorneys have the experience necessary to work with the social security administration that will increase your chances of success. 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 Ridgecrest social security attorney today by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

The importance of winning your SSI or SSDI claim
 

It is not easy to qualify for social security benefits in every case. Roughly 65% of people are initially turned down. Qualifying for social security benefits requires proof of your disability. Experienced Ridgecrest social security lawyers understand how to present your evidence in the most favorable light. Successful claimants receive critical monthly payments from the federal government. SSI recipients can receive a monthly payment, food stamps, and potentially Medicaid to cover health care costs. SSDI recipients receive monthly payments based on the amount they paid into the system, among other factors. Also, SSDI recipients sometimes qualify for Medicare.
 

How do I pay a qualified Ridgecrest, California Social Security lawyer? I don’t have any money!
 

If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. Social security attorneys are paid according to a strict fee schedule. They can only be paid if they win your case for you. That makes sense because claimants usually have no expendable money. First off, a social security attorney is legally not allowed to charge more than 25% of the back pay/past due benefits awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000. Second, you are insured not to pay more than that because the government must approve of the attorney’s fee before you are required to pay the attorney for his services. By filling out the questionnaire on this site, an experienced Ridgecrest Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
 

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

SSDI is a program for Americans who have a work history. To qualify, you must be disabled, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a fraction of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you think you may qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Ridgecrest SSDI attorney soon to discuss your options.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this site.
 

How do I apply, what can I expect? - Ridgecrest Disability Appeals Lawyer  
 

You can start your application for social security online, in person, or by phone. The review process can take more than six months in some cases. If you are denied, you can appeal your case.
 

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 Ridgecrest, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Ridgecrest, CA
 

Hospitals in and near Ridgecrest, California
 

Ridgecrest social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southern California, including Avenal, Bakersfield, Corcoran, Cuyama, Delano, Kernville, Lake Isabella, Lamont, Lost hills, Oildale, Porterville, Taft, Tehachapi, Tipton, Tulare, Wasco, and other communities in Kern County.