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

Is it time you spoke with a Social Security lawyer in Santa Maria, California?

Disabled? Need help? You may be eligible for help from the social security administration. Social security provides monthly payments to those who qualify. Work with an experienced Santa Maria social security attorney to give yourself the best chances of winning your claim. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for social security disability benefits by working with an experienced Santa Maria social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the site today.
 

Why seek help applying for SSI or SSDI benefits?
 

The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. 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 Santa Maria social security lawyer can really help with that process. For many, losing their social security claim has devastating consequences. Those who are disabled who do not have an alternative source of income potentially face homelessness. The SSI and SSDI systems provide monthly payments from the federal government for our most vulnerable citizens. These payments can cover the cost of living, and in some cases the SSI and SSDI systems also provide medical coverage.
 

Santa Maria, California Social Security attorneys: how much do they cost?
 

Just about anyone can afford a social security lawyer. Unlike many other types of attorneys, social security lawyers do not require you to pay big out of pocket expenses. 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. Statutorily, social security attorneys can only make the following: the smaller amount of (1) 25% of back pay awarded to you, or (2) $6,000 total. The social security administration has to approve the amount of the attorney fees at the time you are awarded your benefits. Contact your Santa Maria Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

Learning about SSDI and SSI: Your federal programs
 

The Social Security system was created in part, to provide disability payments to our most vulnerable citizens: those who cannot work due to an injury. The injury must keep you from working for at least a year or more. Under the system, there are two types of disability programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both are explained below.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Santa Maria, 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 Maria, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Santa Maria 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 Maria, 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.
 

SSDI - Contact an experienced Santa Maria, California Disability Insurance Attorney Now

SSDI provides disability payments to Americans who can demonstrate a work history of paying taxes into the social security system. To qualify, you must prove (1) the existence of a disability that prevents you from working for at least one year, and (2) that you worked and paid social security taxes over the course of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Contact an experienced Santa Maria SSDI lawyer now to learn more.
 

The federal SSI program – work with a qualified Santa Maria, CA Disability Attorney
 

Unlike SSDI, you do not have to demonstrate a work history to be eligible for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a disability that prevents you from working for a year or more, and make less than a minimum threshold of money. SSI checks are paid monthly. In addition, you may be eligible for more money from your state, Medicaid, and food stamps. Call your Santa Maria SSI lawyer for more details.
 

The Process, Appeals and Applications - Santa Maria, California Disability Appeals Lawyer
 

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. If you have been denied, you can appeal your case. At appeal, you will have to prove that your condition qualifies as a disability. If you do not feel comfortable appearing on your own behalf, an attorney may present your case for you.
 

The following are a few examples of the types of injuries and illnesses that have previously qualified as a disability:
 

Local SSA Office in Santa Maria, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Santa Maria, CA
 

Hospitals in and near Santa Maria, CA
 

Santa Maria social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southern California, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Camarillo, Carpintera, El Paso de Robles, Fillmore, Goleta, Isla Vista, Lompoc, Los alamos, Los Osos, Moorpark, Nipomo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Solvang, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and other communities in Santa Barbara County.