Social Security Lawyers in Cerritos, California | Cerritos, CA Social Security Attorneys | Los Angeles County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Social Security Attorneys in Cerritos, California Can Assist You

Has a disability affected your ability to work? The Social Security disability program was implemented to assist Americans unable to work due to a disability. Qualifying for Social Security can be complicated. It is, therefore, extremely beneficial to work with an experienced Cerritos Social Security lawyer when you apply for Social Security or appeal a Social Security benefits determination. Don’t wait any longer. Contact a skilled Cerritos Social Security disability lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire on the site.
 

How Important is it to Win your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security benefits. Roughly 65% of initial applications are denied benefits. The Social Security application and appeal process can be difficult to navigate through for many people. To obtain benefits, it is essential that you understand the best way to present proof of your disability. An experienced Cerritos Social Security attorney can help get you through the process. Being forced to live with a disability can make it practically impossible to function in society. If you are disabled and qualify for social security benefits, you will be entitled to monthly payments from the government. You may also qualify for medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, if your circumstances necessitate it. Social Security is an essential security blanket for those not able to work due to disability. The consequences of not qualifying can be severe.
 

Lawyers are Too Expensive - How Can I Afford to Pay a Social Security Attorney?
 

You may be surprised to learn that hiring a Social Security attorney is quite affordable, even without a source of income. Why? Social Security lawyers only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. Fortunately, the US government realized the difficulties a disabled person may have in acquiring and paying an attorney. To that end, the Social Security regulations place restrictions on how much lawyer can charge a claimant for representation in a Social Security matter. Specifically, the attorney cannot charge you more than 25% of the past due benefits that are awarded to you, however, that figure cannot exceed $6,000 total. So, claimants will never have to pay more than $6,000 on successful Social Security claims. Contact an experienced Cerritos Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

Understanding the SSI and SSDI Programs
 

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

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

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Talk to an Experienced Cerritos, CA Disability Income Lawyer Today

SSDI is a benefit program that pays a monthly benefit to Americans who have: (1) worked in the past, and (2) paid social security taxes. In order to qualify, each person must work a certain percentage of the previous years (depending on your age). Not everyone who is disabled can qualify. SSDI claimants who receive payments for 2 years qualify for Medicare to pay medical costs. To learn if you qualify, Contact your Cerritos SSDI attorney today and discuss the specifics of your situation.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

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 Cerritos SSI lawyer today.
 

The Social Security Process: From Application to Appeals - Cerritos, California Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

You can start your application for social security online, in person, or over the telephone. In some instances, the review process can take more as long as six months. If you are denied benefits, you can appeal your case. Call a Cerritos Social Security lawyer today to discuss the merits of your appeal.
 

Below is a list of some of the illnesses and injuries that have qualified for a disability under Social Security:
 

Local SSA Office of Cerritos, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Cerritos, CA
 

Pharmacies in Cerritos, CA
 

Cerritos Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Cerritos social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Southern California, including Buena Park, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Culver City, Cypress, Downey, East Los Angeles, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lakewood, Lawndale, Lennox, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Montebello, Port of Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rossmoor, Signal Hill, South Whitter, Torrance, West Athens, Whitter, and other communities in Los Angeles County.