Social Security Lawyers in Richmond, California | Richmond, CA Social Security Attorneys | Contra Costa County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Richmond, California Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help
 

Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from being able to support yourself? Social Security disability income (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI),were created for individuals who are not able to work due to a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system is complicated and not easy to understand. Whether you are a first time applicant or you have been previously rejected for SSI and/or SSDI, an experienced Richmond Social Security lawyer can help you. Fill out the form on the webpage to contact an experienced Richmond Social Security disability lawyer today. Don’t delay, the help you need is right around the corner.
 

The Difference between Winning and Losing your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

Of the thousands of Social Security applications processed each year, the vast majority of applicants are denied benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. The success of your Social Security claim often hinges on whether you effectively laid out the best argument for your disability to the review board. Richmond social security attorneys have experience and knowledge on how to present your case most effectively. By working with a lawyer, you do not have to second-guess whether you are characterizing your disability in the most effective way possible. If you win your Social Security claim, you will be entitled to a monthly benefit payment from the US government. In many cases, you can also qualify for state and/or federal assistance with medical care. For example, SSDI claimants can apply for and potentially qualify for Medicare benefits, while SSI claimants may qualify for Medicaid benefits.
 

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

Since the people who need a Social Security attorney usually do not have a source of income, Social Security lawyers charge fees that make their services affordable. 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 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. After filling out the questionnaire on the website, an experienced Richmond Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Richmond 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, California Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

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 Richmond SSDI attorney to learn more now.
 

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

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is welfare based – this means that you do not have to have a work history in order to qualify for SSI benefits. Successful SSI claimants will receive a monthly benefit check from the government to help with life’s necessities. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must be disabled and make very little or no money. If you qualify for SSI, you may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To learn whether you qualify for SSI, contact an experienced Richmond Social Security attorney. All you have to do is fill out the form on this webpage.
 

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

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. 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 Richmond Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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 in Richmond, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Richmond, California
 

Pharmacies in Richmond, CA
 

Richmond Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Richmond social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Western Central California, including Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Benicia, Berkeley, Canyon, Castro Valley, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, El Cerrito, Hayward, Hercules, Lafayette, Livermore, Martinez, Moraga, Oakland, Oakley, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tassajara, Vallejo, Walnut Creek, West Pittsburg, and other communities in Contra Costa County.