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

Find a Skilled Lafayette, California Social Security Attorney
 

Does your disability limit your ability to support yourself? Social Security disability income (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI),were created for individuals who are not able to work due to a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system is complicated and not easy to understand. Whether you are a first time applicant or you have been previously rejected for SSI and/or SSDI, an experienced Lafayette Social Security lawyer can help you. If you are afflicted by a disability that prevents you from working, it may be time to talk with a Social Security lawyer now. Contact an experienced Lafayette Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on this site.
 

The Difference Between Winning and Losing Your SSDI or SSI Claim
 

It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security benefits. Roughly 65% of initial applications are denied benefits. Increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful by contacting an experienced Lafayette Social Security attorney. Your Social Security lawyer should have the necessary experience to know how to argue your case effectively. This may include working with your doctors, or other methods that can help you make out your case to the Social Security review board. Many Social Security applicants face the possibility of homelessness if their SSI or SSDI claim is denied. The Social Security system provides monthly payments to qualified disabled Americans that make living in this expensive country more manageable. In many cases, claimants also qualify for critical medical coverage through the Social Security system. SSI claimants can get Medicaid, while SSDI claimants may qualify for Medicare.
 

Attorneys are Expensive. How Can I Hire an Experienced Lafayette, CA Social Security Lawyer When I’m Broke?
 

While attorneys can sometimes be expensive to hire, an Lafayette Social Security attorney is affordable, even for someone who unemployed due to a disability. How can a lawyer be affordable? Social Security attorneys generally work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if your claim is successful. The Social Security Administration limits how much a Social Security lawyer can charge clients. Attorneys representing clients before the Social Security Administration are statutorily limited to charging a maximum of 25% of back pay awarded to you (up to a max of $6,000). Basically, what this means is that the lawyer can only charge you up to $6,000 for representing you in a Social Security matter – and often the amount is far less. Contact an experienced Lafayette Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

Learn About SSDI and SSI: Your Federal Social Security 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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Lafayette 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 Lafayette, 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): The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Get Help From a Knowledgeable Lafayette, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately
 

SSDI is a benefit program based on prior work history. For example, you must have worked a certain number of the past years (depending on your age) and paid into the social security system to receive disability payments. Some SSDI beneficiaries also qualify for Medicaid.
 

Do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
 

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 Lafayette SSI lawyer today.
 

How Do the Social Security Application and Appeal Processes Work? - Lafayette, California Disability Appeals Lawyers
 

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 you are denied benefits, you can appeal your case. Call an Lafayette 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 Lafayette, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Lafayette, California
 

Pharmacies in and near Lafayette, CA
 

Lafayette Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Lafayette social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Western California, including Antioch, Citrus Hights, 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.