Westminster, CA Social Security Attorneys | Westminster, CA Social Security Lawyers | Orange County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security? Westminster, California Social Security lawyers can help

Has a disability kept you from working? You may be entitled to benefits under the social security disability income system. The system is designed to provide benefits to citizens who cannot work due to disability. By working with an experienced Westminster social security attorney, you stand a better chance of qualifying for social security benefits. Once you fill out the form on the site, an experienced Westminster social security attorney will call you promptly. By speaking with the attorney, you are under no obligation whatsoever.
 

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. Often success hinges on whether you have made out the best case for your disability to the review board. Westminster 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.
 

Qualified Westminster, California Social Security lawyers: are they expensive?
 

Although attorneys can be expensive, a social security attorney is affordable, even for someone who does not have a job. Most all Social Security lawyers work on a contingency basis: which means they only get paid if you win your case. Social Security regulations set a cap for attorney fees. As of June 2009, the cap is $6,000. Also, attorneys can only receive their money from the past due benefits awarded to you, a max of 25%. So, the most a social security lawyer can charge is: the smaller amount of 25% of your past due benefits or $6,000. Contact your Westminster Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

How the Social Security system works: SSDI vs. SSI
 

Understanding how the Social Security disability program works is important. There are two separate programs that provide disability benefits to those who cannot work for a year or more due to a disability: SSI and SSDI (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance). Both programs require that you suffer from a disability to qualify, but each program has other separate requirements for eligibility.
 

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

SSDI pays disability payments to those who have a qualifying work history, who are disabled. For that reason, not everyone is eligible for SSDI. To qualify, you will have to show, in addition to proving your disability, that you have worked a certain percentage of your previous years (depending on your age). Medicare medical coverage is also available to some SSDI recipients. Contact your Westminster SSDI lawyer to learn more now.
 

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

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI for short, is available for people who suffer from a disability regardless of work history. SSI is paid from general revenues, unlike the SSDI system. SSI beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps. They may also be eligible for additional income from the state. Contact your Westminster SSI lawyer to learn more.
 

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

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.
 

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

Local SSA Office of Westminster, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Westminster, California
 

Hospitals in and near Westminster, California
 

Westminster social security lawyers serve clients throughout Southwestern California, including Anaheim, Artesia, Bellflower, Brea, Buena Park, Cerritos, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Kathryn, La Habra, La Mirada, Los Alamitos, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Norwalk, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, and other communities in Orange County.