South Whittier, CA Social Security Attorneys | South Whittier, CA Social Security Lawyers | Los Angeles County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security Benefits? South Whittier, California Social Security lawyers can help
 

Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from making a living? Social security disability income, or “SSDI” for short, and “SSI”, supplemental security income, was created for those who cannot work due to suffering from a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system can be difficult to navigate. Whether you are a first time applicant or whether you have been previously rejected, an experienced South Whittier social security attorney can help you. Contact an experienced social security lawyer in South Whittier today to learn more. Start by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

The difference between winning your SSI or SSDI claim and losing it
 

More than half of the initial applicants are rejected for social security every year. Often success hinges on whether you have made out the best case for your disability to the review board. South Whittier social security lawyers have experienced understanding how to present your best case. By working with an attorney, you will not have to second-guess whether you have done the best job highlighting what the social security administration is looking for. Living with a disability can make it virtually impossible to function in our expensive society. If you can qualify for social security benefits, you will be entitled to monthly payments from the federal government. In some cases, you may also qualify for medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, depending on your circumstances. This is an absolutely essential security blanket for those who cannot work due to disability. Therefore, the consequences of not qualifying can be severe.
 

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

Although attorneys can be expensive, a social security attorney is affordable, even for someone who does not have a job. 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. 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 site, an experienced South Whittier Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Learning about SSDI and SSI: Your federal programs
 

When people refer to social security disability: they may either be referring to SSDI or SSI (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income). Both programs are federal programs. Both programs provide benefits to disabled people who cannot work (for at least one year). They do have some important differences though. Its important to understand which one you may qualify for.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in South Whittier, 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 South Whittier, California is that a factor? - If you are working in South Whittier 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 South Whittier, 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 South Whittier, California Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
 

To qualify for SSDI monthly payments, you must establish a work history of paying into social security as well as a qualifying disability. So, not everyone qualifies for the SSDI program. Those who receive disability payments under SSDI may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Contact an experienced South Whittier SSDI lawyer to learn about your options.
 

SSI: You may qualify - Reach a qualified South Whittier 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 South Whittier SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this site.
 

Application to Appeal: the process - South Whittier, CA Disability Appeal 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 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 of South Whittier, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near South Whittier, California
 

Hospitals near South Whittier, CA
 

South Whittier social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Southern California, including Altadena, Athens, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, BNSF Los Angeles, Burbank, Compton, Cudahy, Culver City, Downey, East Los Angeles, El Monte, Florence, Glendale, Huntington Park, Covina, Inglewood, La Canada Flintridge, La Puente, Lennox, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Rowland Heights, Rosemead, Santa Monica, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, South Whittier, Torrance, UP Los Angeles, Vernon, West Athens, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westmont, Whittier, areas in the vicinity of Los Angeles International Airport, and other communities in Los Angeles County.