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

Social Security Benefits Questions? Pleasanton, California Social Security Attorneys Have Answers
 

Are you unable to work due to a disability? 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. Pleasanton Social Security lawyers can guide you through the often-complicated application and appeal process. Start today by filling out the form on this webpage.
 

Consequences of Your SSI and SSDI Application and Appeal
 

Almost three quarters (75%) of initial applicants are denied Social Security benefits. Working with an experienced Pleasanton social security lawyer can increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful because you will be working with someone who understands the criteria that the Social Security review board is looking for and knows how to apply it to your individual circumstances. 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 Pleasanton, CA Social Security lawyer?
 

Despite what they may think, most people can afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. How can a lawyer be affordable? Social Security attorneys generally work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if your claim is successful. 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 wait.  To contact an experienced Pleasanton 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.
 

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

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. What is the Standard for Disability in Pleasanton, California? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
   1. The term disability is that you are unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] because of a medically physical or mental impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in your death.
2. If you are working in or around Pleasanton, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Pleasanton and performing SGA, then you are considered able to work and not disabled. In 2012, the SGA limit is $1010 (after taxes) per month. If you earn more than $1010 per month, you are probably not eligible, unless there are special circumstances;
3. Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - You must have a medical problem which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or end in death;
4. Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - SSA has a list of medical conditions ["Listing of Impairments."] that describes medical conditions so severe that SSA considers people who have the conditions disabled;
   1. If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
      1. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Work You Did in the Past? - SSA determines what you are able to do despite your medical condition. This is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). SSA compares your 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." However, if you are not able to perform any of your past jobs, then ask:
5. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Other Work? - If you cannot perform your past work, then SSA decides whether you are able to perform other types of work.
    

Can Children in Pleasanton, CA 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 Pleasanton, California Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

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

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

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 Pleasanton SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire on the website.
 

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

You can begin the application process for Social Security benefits online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer before you will receive a decision on your eligibility for Social Security. If you are denied Social Security benefits, you can always appeal the decision, which will take longer. If you are considering an appeal, contact a skilled Pleasanton Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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 Pleasanton, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Pleasanton, California
 

Pharmacies in Pleasanton, CA
 

Pleasanton Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Pleasanton social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Central California, including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Concord, Cupertino, Daly City, Dublin, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Foster City, Fremont, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Menlo Park, Newark, Oakland, Orinda, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, San Pablo, Santa Clara, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Union City, Vallejo, Waldon, Walnut Creek, areas in the vicinity of Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in Alameda County.