El Cerrito, CA Social Security Attorneys | El Cerrito, CA Social Security Lawyers | Contra Costa County, California Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Social Security lawyers in El Cerrito, California Can Help

Has a disability kept you from working? The social security disability system was designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability. Qualifying is not always easy. That is why it is important to work with an experienced El Cerrito social security attorney when you apply or appeal a case. You can contact an experienced El Cerrito social security disability attorney by filling out the form on the site. You are under absolutely no obligation merely by filling out the form.
 

SSI and SSDI: The difference between winning and losing your claim
 

Roughly 65 – 75% of applicants are initially denied for social security benefits. Qualifying for social security benefits requires proof of your disability. Experienced El Cerrito social security lawyers understand how to present your evidence in the most favorable light. The difference between winning your social security claim and losing your social security claim are often dramatic. For example, without an alternative source of income, and without the ability to work (due to disability), many people face homelessness and hunger. The relief provided by the monthly payments from SSI and SSDI claims provide a necessary security blanket. In some cases, claimants may be entitled to medical care through the Medicaid or Medicare systems.
 

How do people afford to pay qualified El Cerrito, California Social Security lawyers?
 

Although attorneys can be expensive, a social security attorney is affordable, even for someone who does not have a job. Why are they affordable? Answer: they work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if you get paid. The government limits how much a social security attorney can charge you. They are limited to charging the lesser of: 25% of the back pay awarded to you, or a maximum of $6,000. So, an attorney cannot make more than $6,000 on your case, nor can he or she make more than 25% of the back pay owed to you. Thus, if you are awarded $20,000 in back pay, generally the max you can be charged is $6,000. Contact your El Cerrito Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the website.
 

Eligibility for either SSDI or SSI
 

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 El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito, California is that a factor? - If you are working in El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, 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: The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Connect with a Knowledgeable El Cerrito Disability Insurance Attorney Immediately

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 El Cerrito SSDI lawyer now to learn more.
 

The federal SSI program – work with a qualified El Cerrito, California Disability Attorney
 

SSI is truly a last line of defense for those who are disabled and have no money. SSI is welfare-based, which means that it is paid out regardless of your work history (unlike SSDI). SSI recipients receive monthly checks, and may also qualify for aid from the state, food stamps, and Medicaid. Don’t wait. Contact an experienced El Cerrito SSI lawyer today.
 

Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - El Cerrito Disability Appeal 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 of El Cerrito, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near El Cerrito, CA
 

Hospitals in and near El Cerrito, California
 

El Cerrito social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Antioch, Citrus Heights, Concord, Daly City, Davis, Fairfield, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, Mountain View, Napa, Oakland, Parkway, Patterson, Pittsburg, Redwood City, Richmond, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Sunnyvale, Tracy, Vacaville, Vallejo, and other communities in Contra Costa County.