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

El Cerrito, California Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help
 

Living with a disability can be incredibly difficult. 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 El Cerrito Social Security lawyer when you apply for Social Security or appeal a Social Security benefits determination. Contact an experienced El Cerrito Social Security lawyer today to learn more about Social Security for disabled Americans. You can start by filling out the form on the site.
 

Consequences of Your SSI and SSDI Application and Appeal
 

Almost three quarters (75%) of initial applicants are denied Social Security 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 El Cerrito Social Security attorney can help get you through the process. The consequences of losing your social security claim can have far-reaching impacts for you and your loved ones. Those who qualify will receive monthly payments to help defray the cost of living. In many cases, may also be able to get Medicare or Medicaid. These benefit payments and other potential benefits can often mean the difference between survival and homelessness for people afflicted with serious disabilities.
 

How Can I Afford to Pay a Qualified El Cerrito, CA Social Security Attorney?
 

You may be surprised to learn that hiring a Social Security attorney is quite affordable, even without a source of income. When you hire a Social Security lawyer, you agree only to pay them attorney fees if you win your claim. In other words, you only pay your lawyer if the Social Security Administration pays you. The Social Security system oversees the amount a lawyer can charge for representing a client in a Social Security matter. Legal fees for Social Security cases are capped at 25% of the back pay awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000. Don’t wait. To contact an experienced El Cerrito Social Security lawyer today and start the ball rolling on your Social Security claim all you have to do is fill out the form on the webpage.
 

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have strict requirements. Both systems provide disability payments to those who cannot work for a year or more due to an injury. Although their purposes are very similar, SSI and SSDI are, in fact, quite different.
 

1.    How is disability defined in El Cerrito, 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 El Cerrito, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in El Cerrito 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 El Cerrito, 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 Income (SSDI) – Contact a Knowledgeable El Cerrito Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

SSDI is a federal benefit program that pays disability benefits to people who have paid into the Social Security system. In order to qualify, you must have a qualifying disability as well as a work history of paying Social Security taxes. Thus, not everyone qualifies for SSDI. Those who do qualify may also be eligible for Medicare coverage, depending on the duration of your disability. Contact an experienced El Cerrito Social Security SSDI attorney to learn if you qualify.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program

SSI, unlike SSDI, is a welfare-based program that pays a benefit to those with disabilities, regardless of their work history. In order to qualify for SSI, 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 El Cerrito SSI lawyer.
 

How Do the Social Security Application and Appeal Processes Work? - El Cerrito, CA Disability Appeals Lawyers
 

You can begin the application process for Social Security benefits 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 before you will receive a decision on your eligibility for Social Security. If you are denied Social Security benefits, you can always appeal the decision, which will take longer. If you are considering an appeal, contact a skilled El Cerrito Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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

Local SSA Office of El Cerrito, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near El Cerrito, California
 

Pharmacies in El Cerrito, CA
 

El Cerrito Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

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.