Social Security Lawyers in Los Altos, California | Los Altos, CA Social Security Attorneys | Santa Clara County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Los Altos, California Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help
 

Considering applying for Social Security because of a disability? Fortunately, the US Social Security program provides a safety net for many Americans. If you have a disability and qualify for Social Security benefits, you may be entitled to a monthly check and other benefits such as medical care, food stamps, and other assistance from your state government. Increase your chances of qualifying for Social Security and other social benefit programs by working with an experienced Los Altos social security lawyer as soon as possible. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits by working with an experienced Los Altos social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the website today.
 

The Difference between Winning and Losing your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

Of the thousands of Social Security applications processed each year, the vast majority of applicants are denied benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. You can dramatically increase your odds of winning your benefits claim, however, by working with an experienced Los Altos Social Security attorney. This is because most Social Security lawyers have learned what criteria the review board is looking for through years of handling applications for benefits through the Social Security system. 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.
 

I don’t have any money! How do I pay a skilled Los Altos, 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.  Generally, you do not pay a Social Security lawyer unless he or she is able to win your claim and get you benefits. This means they only get paid if you get paid. 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. Don’t wait.  To contact an experienced Los Altos 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.
 

Educate Yourself: The difference between SSDI and SSI
 

SSI (Social Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are two separate programs under the umbrella term “Social Security” that pay a benefit to claimants who are disabled. A qualifying disability for Social Security benefits usually must either prevent you from working for a year or more or result in death. While both the SSI and SSDI programs are federal disability programs, they are quite different from each other.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Los Altos, 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 Los Altos, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Los Altos 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 Los Altos, 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 Los Altos Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

If an American is disabled and has previously paid into the social security system through their taxes, he or she may qualify for SSDI. In addition, the government also requires you to have worked a percentage of the previous years, depending on your age. Some SSDI claimants also qualify for Medicare if they are disabled under the SSDI program for 2 years. Learn more about how the law applies to your case by contacting an experienced Los Altos SSDI lawyer.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Experienced Los Altos Disability Lawyers Help
 

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is welfare based – this means that you do not have to have a work history in order to qualify for SSI benefits. Successful SSI claimants will receive a monthly benefit check from the government to help with life’s necessities. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must be disabled and make very little or no money. If you qualify for SSI, you may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To learn whether you qualify for SSI, contact an experienced Los Altos Social Security attorney. All you have to do is fill out the form on this page.
 

The Social Security Process from Application to Appeal - Los Altos, California SSI and SSDI Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

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. In the event that the government denies your social security application, you have the right to appeal the decision. At the appeal, you can represent yourself or you can hire an Los Altos Social Security lawyer can represent you.
 

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

Local SSA Office of Los Altos, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Los Altos, California
 

Pharmacies in Los Altos, CA
 

Los Altos Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Los Altos social security lawyers serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Belmont, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, Daly City, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Milpitas, Monterey, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Newark, Oakland, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Richmond, Salinas, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Saratoga, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Watsonville, areas in the vicinity of Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in Santa Clara County.