Social Security Lawyers in Livermore, California | Livermore, CA Social Security Attorneys | Alameda County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Contact a Social Security Attorney in Livermore, California As Soon As Possible
 

Has an injury kept you out of work? 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 Livermore Social Security lawyer can help you. Contact an experienced Livermore Social Security disability lawyer by filling out the form on this website. The form does not create any obligation.
 

Your SSI or SSDI Application: Get it Right the First Time
 

More than half of first-time applicants are denied Social Security benefits each year. 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 Livermore. Having the aid of a skilled professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim cannot work to your detriment. 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.
 

I don’t have any money! How do I pay a skilled Livermore, CA Social Security lawyer?
 

Since the people who need a Social Security attorney usually do not have a source of income, Social Security lawyers charge fees that make their services affordable. Why? Social Security lawyers only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. 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. After filling out the questionnaire on this page, an experienced Livermore Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

Eligibility for either SSDI or SSI
 

Two separate programs provide disability benefits in the social security system: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). In order to qualify for Social Security disability payments, you must have an injury that prevents you from working for one year or more or an injury that will result in death. Both programs are quite different in requirements and administration but they both pay a benefit on a monthly basis.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Livermore, 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 Livermore, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Livermore 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 Livermore, 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 Livermore, CA 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 Livermore Social Security SSDI attorney to learn if you qualify.
 

The Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program –Livermore Disability Lawyers Are Here to Help
 

SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you must earn less than a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work in order to qualify for SSI. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI. Unlike SSDI, however, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for SSI payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Livermore SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

The Social Security Process from Application to Appeal - Livermore, CA SSI and SSDI Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

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 Livermore 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 Livermore, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Livermore, California
 

Pharmacies in and near Livermore, CA
 

Livermore Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Livermore social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Central California, including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Concord, Cupertino, Daly City, Dublin, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Foster City, Fremont, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Menlo Park, Newark, Oakland, Orinda, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Pablo, Santa Clara, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Union City, Vallejo, Waldon, Walnut Creek, areas in the vicinity of Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in Alameda County.