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

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

Supporting yourself while disabled can be a nightmare. Social Security could be the solution to your problems. If you have been previously turned down for Social Security benefits, or if you have not applied in the past, an experienced San Mateo Social Security lawyer may be able to increase your odds of qualifying. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits by working with an experienced San Mateo social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the site today.
 

Moving Forward: How SSI and SSDI Benefits Can Help You
 

A significant majority of initial applicants are denied Social Security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70% of first time applications do not make the cut. An experienced San Mateo Social Security attorney can walk you through the application process. If you have been denied, he or she can walk you through the appeal process. Your lawyer should have a complete understanding of what the Social Security Administration is looking for when they review your application for benefits. In addition, your attorney can present your condition in such a way that the scope and nature of your disability is best understood. 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.
 

Attorneys are Expensive. How Can I Hire an Experienced San Mateo, CA Social Security Lawyer When I’m Broke?
 

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. Generally, you do not pay a Social Security lawyer unless he or she is able to win your claim and get you benefits. This means they only get paid if you get paid. 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. All you have to do to contact a San Mateo Social Security lawyer is fill out the questionnaire 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 San Mateo, 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 San Mateo, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in San Mateo 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 San Mateo, 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.
 

Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? Work with an Experienced San Mateo, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately

SSDI is a program for disabled Americans with an employment history. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a minimum percentage of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you believe you qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced San Mateo SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income: Your Final Safety Net
 

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 San Mateo SSI lawyer.
 

How Do the Social Security Application and Appeal Processes Work? - San Mateo, California 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 have been denied Social Security, you can appeal your case. At appeal, you will have to prove that your condition qualifies as a disability. If you do not feel comfortable appearing on your own behalf, an attorney may present your case for you.
 

Below is a list of some of the illnesses and injuries that have qualified for a disability under Social Security:
 

Local SSA Office in San Mateo, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near San Mateo, CA
 

Pharmacies in San Mateo, California
 

San Mateo Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

San Mateo social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Western California, including Alameda, Burlingame, Concord, Daly City, Fairfield, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Hayward, Livermore, Morgan Hill, Napa, Novato, Oakland, Pacifica, Petaluma, Richmond, Rohnert Park, Salinas, San Bruno, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Vacaville, Watsonville, areas in the vicinity of San Francisco International Airport, and other communities in San Mateo County.