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

Social Security Benefits Questions? Hercules, California Social Security Attorneys Have Answers
 

Does your disability limit your ability to support yourself? You may be entitled to assistance under the Social Security disability system. The system is designed to provide benefits to Americans who are not able to work due to disability. You stand a better chance of qualifying for social security benefits if you go through the Social Security application process with an experienced Hercules Social Security lawyer. Don’t wait any longer. Contact a skilled Hercules Social Security disability lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire on this website.
 

Applying for SSI or SSDI Can Make a Difference in Your Life
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications for Social Security benefits are denied nationally. If you are disabled, you will want to make sure you effectively communicate the nature of your injury to the Social Security review board. Often, the best way to do this is to hire an experienced Social Security attorney in Hercules. Having the aid of a skilled professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim cannot work to your detriment. 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.
 

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

You do not have to have big bank account to afford a Social Security attorney. The typical fee structure used by Social Security law firms is designed to be affordable for people who are not employed. Social security attorneys are generally paid according to a strict fee schedule on a contingency basis. This means they can only be paid if they prevail in your claim. That makes sense because claimants often are not able to afford an attorney with the money they have. 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. All you have to do to contact an Hercules Social Security lawyer is fill out the questionnaire on this site.
 

About the US Social Security System
 

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 Hercules, 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 Hercules, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Hercules 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 Hercules, 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.
 

SSDI - Contact a Skilled Hercules, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer As Soon As Possible
 

SSDI is a program for disabled Americans with an employment history. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a minimum percentage of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you believe you qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Hercules SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

Unlike SSDI, you do not have to demonstrate a work history to be eligible for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a disability that prevents you from working for a year or more, and make less than a minimum threshold of money. SSI checks are paid monthly. In addition, you may be eligible for more money from your state, Medicaid, and food stamps. Call your Hercules Social Security SSI attorney for more information.
 

Proving a Disability: The Process of Applying for Social Security and Appealing a Review Board Decision – Hercules, California Social Security Disability Appeal Lawyers
 

You can apply online, in person, or over the phone for Social Security. You will be asked to fill out a series of questions that require you to substantiate your disability. Be ready to wait anywhere from three to six months for a decision on your application. After the Social Security Review Board has gone over your application, you will either receive a notice of payments or you will be denied Social Security benefits. If you are denied benefits, you can appeal the decision in person or have your attorney appear on your behalf.
 

The list below contains some examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a Social Security disability:

Local SSA Office of Hercules, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Hercules, California
 

Pharmacies in and near Hercules, CA
 

Hercules Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Hercules social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Western Central California, including Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tassajara, Vallejo, Walnut Creek, West Pittsburg, and other communities in Contra Costa County.