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

Find an experienced Watsonville, California Social Security lawyer now
 

Has a disability kept you from supporting yourself or your family? 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 Watsonville social security attorney can help you. Contact an experienced social security lawyer in Watsonville today to learn more. Start by filling out the form on this site.
 

Why seek help applying for SSI or SSDI benefits?
 

Roughly 65 – 75% of applicants are initially denied for social security benefits. Often success hinges on whether you have made out the best case for your disability to the review board. Watsonville 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. Those who face real disabilities potentially face hunger and homelessness. Winning your claim can provide a necessary safety net to our most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover those critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid.
 

What does the typical Watsonville, CA Social Security lawyer cost to hire?
 

Most people can actually afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. Almost always, Social Security lawyers work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if you win your claim. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a social security attorney. In fact, the federal government actually caps the amount that a social security attorney can charge. First, they are generally limited to a maximum of 25% of the back pay owed to you (as opposed to future payments). That means that if you are owed $10,000 in payments from the months prior to your decision, the attorney can only make $2,500. Second, a social security lawyer cannot make more than $6,000 from your case, total. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Watsonville Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on this webpage today.
 

SSDI and SSI, which one is right for you?
 

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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Watsonvilleand 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 Watsonville, 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.
 

SSDI - Contact an experienced Watsonville Disability Insurance Attorney Now
 

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 Watsonville SSDI attorney.
 

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

How does the application and appeal process work? - Watsonville, California Disability Appeals attorney
 

Applicants can begin the process in multiple ways: online, over the phone, and in person. The government takes around four to six months to review your case. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

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

Local SSA Office in Watsonville, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Watsonville, CA
 

Hospitals in and near Watsonville, CA
 

Watsonville social security disability 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.