Santa Cruz, CA Social Security Attorneys | Santa Cruz, CA Social Security Lawyers | Santa Cruz County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Santa Cruz, California Social Security Lawyers want to help

Has your disability prevented you from being able to work? Social security disability benefits were designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability. If you qualify, you could receive payments from the federal government. Increase your chances of succeeding by contacting an experienced Santa Cruz, Texas social security attorney. 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 Santa Cruz social security attorney today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

The saving power of the SSI and SSDI system
 

It is not easy to qualify for social security benefits in every case. Roughly 65% of people are initially turned down. If you have a disability, you will want to make sure you do the best job presenting the nature of your injury to the review board. Most often, the best way to do this is to work with an experienced Santa Cruz social security lawyer. Arm yourself with a professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim. The advantages of working with an experienced professional should not be ignored in light of the consequences of losing a social security claim. Winning your claim can mean the difference between a qualify life and one that is fraught with difficulty. If you suffer from a disability, you deserve to receive the benefits afforded by the social security administration. The system was built to protect those who cannot work because they suffer form a disability. Those who qualify may receive monthly checks, and medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, food stamps, and additional services provided by the state.
 

How can I afford a Social Security lawyer when I can’t work?
 

You may be surprised to learn that a social security lawyer is quite affordable, even if you have no source of income. 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. 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. There is no reason to contact an experienced Santa Cruz Social Security lawyer. Just fill out the questionnaire on the site.
 

What is the Social Security Disability system? Education
 

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.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Santa Cruz, California? - In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration's
        standard for disability.
        a.    The term disability is defined as being unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] due to a of a physical or mental impairment which has lasted
                - or is expected to last - for a minimum of 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
2.    Is working in Santa Cruz, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Santa Cruz and the work meets the definition of
       substantial gainful activity, you are considered able to work and, therefore, you are not disabled and would not qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
       In 2012, if you earn more than $1010 per month (after taxes), you are probably not eligible for Social Security, unless there special circumstances exist.
3.    Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - In order to be considered severely impaired, you must have a medical problem that significantly limits your physical or
       mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or result in death.
4.    Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - The Social Security Administration (SSA) has promulgated a list of medical conditions
        ["Listing of Impairments."] of such great severity that the SSA considers people who with the conditions disabled;
        1.    If your condition is not included in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, you have to ask yourself the following question in regard to obtaining Social Security
               Disability Benefits:
               1.  Am I able to do the same type of work I was able to do before the onset of the disability? - If the SSA determines that you are able to continue doing the same
                    work as you did before your medical condition you may have difficulty proving eligibility. The measure of how capable you are at doing your job after the
                   onset of your disability as opposed to before the onset of the disability is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). In determining your eligibility for
                   benefits, the SSA compares your current 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." If you are not able to perform any of your past jobs,
                   then ask yourself:
5.    Despite Your Medical Condition, Can You Do Other Work? - If you are unable to perform work similar to what you have done in the past, then the SSA will
       determine whether you are able to perform other types of work rather than collect benefits.
 

Can Children in Santa Cruz, California 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 Santa Cruz, California Disability Insurance Attorney Soon

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.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Talk to an experienced Santa Cruz, CA Disability Attorney
 

The SSI system provides monthly payments, of a minimum amount, to disabled people. The benefits are paid regardless of whether you previously paid into the Social Security System. Although payments are generally lower under SSI, the funds help those who critically need it. In addition, successful claimants may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. Fill out the form to contact an experienced Santa Cruz SSI lawyer.
 

How do I apply, what can I expect? - Santa Cruz, California Disability Appeals 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. If you are denied, you can appeal your case.
 

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 in Santa Cruz, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Santa Cruz, California
 

Hospitals in and near Santa Cruz, CA
 

Santa Cruz social security lawyers serve clients throughout Central Coast California including Capitola, Santa Cruz, Amesti, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, Corralitos, Davenport, Day Valley, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, Lompico, Mount Hermon, Paradise Park, Pleasure Point, Seacliff, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Zayante and other communities in Santa Clara County, Monterey County and Santa Cruz County.