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

Should You Speak with a Social Security Attorney in Merced, California?
 

Supporting yourself while disabled can be a nightmare. The good news is Social Security can provide much-needed relief to qualifying individual. If you qualify for benefits, you may be entitled to monthly checks from the federal government to help cover expenses while you are unable to work due to your disability. Some may qualify for other assistance, such as: medical care coverage, food stamps, and other assistance from the state government. Contact an experienced Merced Social Security disability lawyer by filling out the form on this site. The form does not create any obligation.
 

How Important is it to Win your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

If you have already applied for Social Security benefits and your claim was denied, you are among the majority. Roughly 65% - 75% of Social Security applications are not approved annually. 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 Merced. 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.
 

Merced Social Security Attorneys: What do They Charge?
 

While attorneys can sometimes be expensive to hire, a Merced Social Security attorney is affordable, even for someone who unemployed due to a disability. 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. A Social Security attorney is legally not allowed to charge more than 25% of the back pay/past due benefits awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000. Moreover, you are protected because the government must approve the attorney’s fee before you are required to pay your lawyer for his services. Contact an experienced Merced Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

Who qualifies for Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
 

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 Merced, 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 Merced, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Merced 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 Merced, 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 Merced, California Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately
 

If you have a work history of paying into Social Security, you may be eligible to receive SSDI payments. SSDI is a natural insurance program that pays those who are disabled and have a qualifying work history (the duration you are required to have worked to qualify depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Learn more by contacting an experienced Merced SSDI lawyer and learn about whether you qualify for Social Security.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

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 Merced SSI lawyer.
 

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

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. If denied, you can appeal the Social Security Review Board’s decision. You may have an attorney represent you at the appeal.
 

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 in Merced, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Merced, CA
 

Pharmacies in Merced, California
 

Merced Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Merced social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Central California, including Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, Dos Palos, Gustine, Ballico, Bear Creek, Cressey, Delhi, Dos Palos Y, El Nido, Franklin, Hilmar-Irwin, Le Grand, McSwain, Planada, Santa Nella, Snelling, South Dos Palos, Stevinson, Tuttle, Volta, Winton and other communities in Merced County.