Social Security Lawyers in Portland, Texas | Portland, TX Social Security Attorneys | San Patricio County, Texas SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security? Portland, Texas Social Security Attorneys Can Help

Living with a disability can be incredibly difficult. 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 Portland social security lawyer as soon as possible. Portland Social Security lawyers help the most vulnerable citizens qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
 

Applying for SSI or SSDI Can Make a Difference in Your Life
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications for Social Security benefits are denied nationally. You do not have to be among the number of people who fail to qualify for benefits. If you are disabled, you can increase the chances of qualifying for Social Security benefits by contacting an experienced Portland Social Security attorney. Your Social Security lawyer can help you make a winning case for SSI or SSDI benefits. You do not have to go through this process alone. 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.
 

I don’t have any money! How do I pay a skilled Portland, TX Social Security lawyer?
 

You do not have to have big bank account to afford a Social Security attorney. The typical fee structure used by Social Security law firms is designed to be affordable for people who are not employed. 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. Contact an experienced Portland Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

SSDI and SSI Eligibility
 

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 Portland, Texas? - 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 Portland, Texas a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Portland 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 Portland, Texas 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) – Talk to an Experienced Portland, Texas Disability Income Lawyer Today
 

SSDI pays disability payments to disabled Americans with a qualifying work history. Not everyone is eligible to claim SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSDI, you will have to show, in addition to proving your disability, that you have worked a certain percentage of your previous years (the amount you need to have worked depends on your age). Medicare coverage is also available to some SSDI recipients. Contact your Portland SSDI attorney to learn more now.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program

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 Portland SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire on the webpage.
 

How do I Apply for Social Security and What Can I Expect? - Portland Social Security Disability Application and Appeals Attorneys
 

Applicants can begin the process in a number of different ways: online, over the phone, and in person by visiting a local Social Security office. Expect to wait between four and six months for a determination of eligibility. 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 Portland 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 Portland, Texas
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Portland, TX
 

Pharmacies in and near Portland, Texas
 

Portland, TX Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Portland social security attorneys serve clients throughout Southeastern Texas, including Agua Dulce, Portland, Banquete, Bishop, Chapman Ranch, Corpus Christi, Driscoll, Ingleside, Lake City, San Patricio, Tierra Grande, Violet, Gregory, Doyle, Edroy, Sinton and other communities in San Patricio County and Nueces County.