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

Seeking an Experienced Los Gatos, California Social Security Attorney?

Has an injury kept you out of work? Social Security may provide the help you are seeking. The US Social Security system is not always easy to navigate. Fortunately, there are experienced Los Gatos Social Security lawyers who understand the intricacies of the system. Whether you have previously applied for benefits and were rejected, or if this is your first time applying for Social Security, the assistance of a knowledgeable Los Gatos Social Security disability lawyer is likely to increase your chances of success. Contact an experienced Los Gatos Social Security lawyer today to learn more about Social Security for disabled Americans. You can start by filling out the form on the site.
 

The Sustaining Power of the SSI and SSDI Systems
 

If you are considering applying for Social Security benefits, the statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied benefits annually. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you are required to show proof of a disability. Experienced Los Gatos Social Security attorneys understand how to present your evidence effectively to obtain the benefits you need. For many disabled Americans, an unsuccessful Social Security application has devastating consequences. A disabled person without an alternative source of income may face homelessness and other hardships. The SSI and SSDI systems provide monthly payments from the US government to disabled citizens. These payments can cover the cost of living, and in some cases the SSI and SSDI systems may also make medical coverage available.
 

How can I afford a Los Gatos, CA Social Security Attorney When I Have No Income?
 

Despite what they may think, most people can afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. 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. The US government limits how much a Social Security lawyer can charge you. They are limited to charging the lesser of: 25% of the back pay awarded to you, or a maximum of $6,000. Thus, if you are awarded $50,000 in back pay, the maximum your attorney can charge is $6,000, even though 25% of $50,000 is $12,500. Don’t let another day go by without the help you need. Contact an experienced Los Gatos Social Security lawyer today. All you need to do is fill out the questionnaire on the site.
 

Eligibility for either SSDI or SSI
 

Disability payments under SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are contingent upon you proving the existence of a disability. The disability must prevent you from working for a year or more. Disability payments are made monthly to those who qualify. The SSDI and SSI programs are related, but different.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Los Gatos, 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 Gatos, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Los Gatos 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 Gatos, 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.
 

Federal Workers Insurance for the Disabled - Contact a Knowledgeable Los Gatos, CA Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Lawyer Today

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 Los Gatos SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Contact an experienced Los Gatos, California Disability Lawyer
 

SSI, unlike SSDI, is a welfare-based program that pays a benefit to those with disabilities, regardless of their work history. In order to qualify for SSI, claimants must make less than a minimum threshold of income (a very small amount). Those who qualify may also be eligible for food stamps, and Medicaid. Learn more now and contact an experienced Los Gatos SSI lawyer.
 

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

To apply for Social Security, you can start an application online, in person, or by calling the social security administration directly. The process can take upward of six months to review your case. 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 of Los Gatos, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Los Gatos, California
 

Pharmacies in Los Gatos, California
 

Los Gatos Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Los Gatos social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Belmont, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, Daly City, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, 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.