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

Need Social Security? Monterey, California Social Security Attorneys Can Help

Has an injury kept you out of work? You may be entitled to monthly checks from the government while you are disabled. An experienced Monterey Social Security lawyer can increase the chance that you will win your Social Security application. Qualifying individuals may be entitled to monthly payments as well as medical care and additional resources from your state government. Help is around the corner. Contact an experienced Monterey social security lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire on the site. This will start the process to get you the Social Security disability benefits you need to survive.
 

The Difference between Winning and Losing your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security benefits. Roughly 65% of initial applications are denied benefits. The Social Security application and appeal process can be difficult to navigate through for many people. To obtain benefits, it is essential that you understand the best way to present proof of your disability. An experienced Monterey Social Security attorney can help get you through the process. 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.
 

Lawyers are Too Expensive - How Can I Afford to Pay a Social Security Attorney?
 

Contrary to the popular opinion of lawyers in American society, Social Security attorneys are generally very affordable. Social security attorneys are generally paid according to a strict fee schedule on a contingency basis. This means they can only be paid if they prevail in your claim. That makes sense because claimants often are not able to afford an attorney with the money they have. Fortunately, the US government realized the difficulties a disabled person may have in acquiring and paying an attorney. To that end, the Social Security regulations place restrictions on how much lawyer can charge a claimant for representation in a Social Security matter. Specifically, the attorney cannot charge you more than 25% of the past due benefits that are awarded to you, however, that figure cannot exceed $6,000 total. So, claimants will never have to pay more than $6,000 on successful Social Security claims. Contact an experienced Monterey Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

How the US Social Security System Works: SSDI and SSI
 

If you wish to obtain Social Security benefits, it is essential that you understand how the Social Security disability program works. There are two separate programs that provide disability benefits to those who cannot work for a year or more due to a disability: SSI and SSDI (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance, respectively). In order to qualify for either, you must first have a qualifying disability. Beyond that, the requirements for eligibility in the two programs are different.
 

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

SSDI - Contact a Skilled Monterey, California Disability Insurance Lawyer As Soon As Possible

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 Monterey SSDI lawyer and learn about whether you qualify for Social Security.
 

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

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 Monterey SSI lawyer.
 

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

You can start your application for social security online, in person, or over the telephone. In some instances, the review process can take more as long as 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 a Monterey Social Security lawyer can represent you.
 

The list below contains some examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a Social Security disability:
 

Local SSA Office of Monterey, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Monterey, California
 

Pharmacies in Monterey, CA
 

Monterey Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Monterey social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Central California, including Aromas, Boronda, Bradley, Carmel Valley Village, Carmel Highlands, Castroville, Chualar, Del Monte Forest, Del Rey Oaks, Elkhorn, Gonzales, Greenfield, Jolon, King City, Las Lomas, Lockwood, Moss Landing, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pajaro, Parkfield, Pine Canyon, Prunedale, Salinas, San Ardo, Sand City, San Lucas, Seaside, Soledad, Spreckels and other communities in Monterey County.