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

Don’t Wait Any Longer! San Rafael, California Social Attorneys Can Help You Today

Has a disability affected your ability to work? 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 San Rafael Social Security lawyer can help you. If you are afflicted by a disability that prevents you from working, it may be time to talk with a Social Security lawyer now. Contact an experienced San Rafael Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the site.
 

Am I Entitled to Social Security Benefits? The SSI and SSDI Programs At a Glance
 

It is not always easy to qualify for Social Security benefits. Roughly 65% of initial applications are denied benefits. Working with an experienced San Rafael 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 difference between winning your social security claim and losing your social security claim are often dramatic. For example, without an alternative source of income, and without the ability to work (due to disability), many people face homelessness and hunger. The relief provided by the monthly payments from SSI and SSDI claims provide a necessary security blanket. In some cases, claimants may be entitled to medical care through the Medicaid or Medicare systems.
 

How can I afford a San Rafael, California Social Security Attorney When I Have No Income?
 

If you believe that you are not able to afford a social security attorney, think again. They are not as expensive as you may think. Why? Social Security lawyers only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. Social Security regulations set a cap for attorney fees of the lesser of the following: $6,000 or 25% from past due benefits awarded to you. What this means is that the most a Social Security attorney can charge is the smaller amount of 25% of your past due benefits or $6,000. After filling out the questionnaire on the site, an experienced San Rafael Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

SSDI and SSI, which one is right for you?
 

Disability benefits under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are provided to applicants who are not able to work due to a disability. In general, in order to qualify for Social Security benefits, the underlying disability must prevent you from working for a year or more, or result in death. The SSI and SSDI benefit schemes are quite different.
 

1.    How is disability defined in San Rafael, 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 Rafael, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in San Rafael 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 Rafael, 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 San Rafael, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer Now

SSDI provides disability payments to Americans who can demonstrate a work history of paying taxes into the Social Security system. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must prove (1) you have a disability that prevents you from working for at least one year, and (2) that you worked and paid social security taxes over the course of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Contact an experienced San Rafael SSDI attorney today to learn more about qualifying for SSDI.
 

Supplemental Security Income: Your Final Safety Net
 

SSI is truly a last line of defense for those who are disabled and have no money. SSI is welfare-based, which means that it is paid out regardless of your work history (unlike SSDI). SSI recipients receive monthly checks, and may also qualify for aid from the state, food stamps, and Medicaid. Don’t wait. Contact an experienced San Rafael SSI lawyer today.
 

The Social Security Process: From Application to Appeals - San Rafael, California Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

You can apply for Social Security online, or by calling or visiting your local Social Security office. The application process can take anywhere from four to six months from your initial application to the determination of eligibility. 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 San Rafael Social Security attorney today to discuss your appeal.
 

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 San Rafael, California
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near San Rafael, CA
 

Pharmacies in San Rafael, California
 

San Rafael Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

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