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

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

Has a disability affected your quality of life? Are you now unable to work 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 Petaluma social security lawyer as soon as possible. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits by working with an experienced Petaluma social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the website today.
 

How Important is it to Win your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications for Social Security benefits are denied nationally. Increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful by contacting an experienced Petaluma Social Security attorney. Your Social Security lawyer should have the necessary experience to know how to argue your case effectively. This may include working with your doctors, or other methods that can help you make out your case to the Social Security review board. 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.
 

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

Despite what they may think, most people can afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. In almost every case, Social Security attorneys work on what is called a “contingency” fee. This means they only get paid if you win your Social Security benefits claim. 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 Petaluma 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 website.
 

What is 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 Petaluma, 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 Petaluma, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Petaluma 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 Petaluma, 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 Petaluma, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

SSDI is a benefit program that pays a monthly benefit to Americans who have: (1) worked in the past, and (2) paid social security taxes. In order to qualify, each person must work a certain percentage of the previous years (depending on your age). Not everyone who is disabled can qualify. SSDI claimants who receive payments for 2 years qualify for Medicare to pay medical costs.  To learn if you qualify, Contact your Petaluma SSDI attorney today and discuss the specifics of your situation.
 

Do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
 

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 Petaluma SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire on this page.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Petaluma, California Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

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. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits. Having an attorney to represent you in the appeal is very preferable. Contact a Petaluma Social Security attorney today to discuss your 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 of Petaluma, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Petaluma, California
 

Pharmacies in Petaluma, CA
 

Petaluma Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Petaluma social security lawyers serve clients throughout the Northern Bay of California including Alto, Belvedere, Bel Marin Keys, Black Point-Green Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera,  Fairfax, Greenbrae, Hamilton, Ignacio, Inverness, Kentfield, Larkspur, Las Gallinas, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Marin City, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, San Geronimo,  San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Strawberry, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley,  Tiburon, Tomales, Woodacre and other communities in Marin County.