Social Security Lawyers in Friendswood, Texas | Friendswood, TX Social Security Attorneys | Galveston County, Texas SSI SSDI Law Firms

Friendswood Texas Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help
 

Are you disabled? Does your disability make it hard to find gainful employment? If you are disabled, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. An experienced Friendswood, Texas social security attorney has the skills and knowledge that can help increase your chances of receiving Social Security disability benefits from the US government. Don’t wait any longer. Contact a skilled Friendswood Social Security disability lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Supplemental Security Income(SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Your Safety Net
 

It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security benefits. Roughly 65% of initial applications are denied benefits. The success of your Social Security claim often hinges on whether you effectively laid out the best argument for your disability to the review board. Friendswood social security attorneys have experience and knowledge on how to present your case most effectively. By working with a lawyer, you do not have to second-guess whether you are characterizing your disability in the most effective way possible. People with serious disabilities that prevent them from being able to gain employment may potentially face hunger and homelessness. A successful Social Security claim can provide a necessary safety net to some of the most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid programs.
 

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

Social security attorneys are generally very affordable. Most Social Security attorneys work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if your claim is successful. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a Social Security lawyer. A Social Security attorney is legally not allowed to charge more than 25% of the back pay/past due benefits awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000. Moreover, you are protected because the government must approve the attorney’s fee before you are required to pay your lawyer for his services. After filling out the questionnaire on this site, an experienced Friendswood Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

Understanding the SSI and SSDI Programs
 

The Social Security system provides monthly disability benefit payments to those who qualify. In order to qualify for either the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) programs, you must meet certain criteria. Generally, to qualify for either SSI or SSDI, you must suffer from an injury that prevents you from working for a year or more (or one that results in death). Both the SSI and SSDI systems are explained below.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Friendswood, Texas? - 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 Friendswood, Texas a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Friendswood 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 Friendswood 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): The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Get Help From a Knowledgeable Friendswood Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately
 

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 Friendswood Social Security SSDI attorney to learn if you qualify.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

Supplemental Security Income, called SSI for short, is available to people who suffer from a disability regardless of work history. SSI pays less in benefits than SSDI but unlike SSDI, you don’t need to have a work history in order to qualify. SSI beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps and other state welfare programs. Contact an experienced Friendswood Social Security SSI attorney today to learn more.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Friendswood Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

You can start your application for Social Security benefits online today. You can also apply in person, or start the process over the phone by calling a local Social Security branch office. The initial review of eligibility can take upwards of four to six months. If denied, you can appeal the Social Security Review Board’s decision. You may have an attorney represent you at the appeal.
 

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

Local SSA Office
 

Low Cost Hospitals
 

Pharmacies in and near Friendswood, TX
 

Friendswood Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Friendswood social security attorneys serve clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Algoa, Alta Loma, Alvin, Bacliff, Bayou Vista, Caplen, Crystal Beach, Dickinson, Friendswood, Galveston, Hillcrest, Hitchcock, Houston, Jamaica Beach, La Marque, League City, Missouri City, Nassau Bay, Pelican Island, Port Bolivar, San Leon, Santa Fe, Seabrook, South Houston, Texas City, Tiki Island, Webster and other communities in Galveston County.