Social Security Lawyers in Santa Cruz, California | Santa Cruz, CA Social Security Attorneys | Santa Cruz County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

 Should You Speak with a Social Security Attorney in Santa Cruz, California? 
 

Considering applying for Social Security because of a disability? The Social Security disability program was implemented to assist Americans unable to work due to a disability. Qualifying for Social Security can be complicated. It is, therefore, extremely beneficial to work with an experienced Santa Cruz Social Security lawyer when you apply for Social Security or appeal a Social Security benefits determination. Santa Cruz Social Security lawyers can guide you through the often-complicated application and appeal process. Start today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

 The Difference Between Winning and Losing Your SSDI or SSI Claim 
 

Almost three quarters (75%) of initial applicants are denied Social Security benefits. Increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful by contacting an experienced Santa Cruz Social Security attorney. Your Social Security lawyer should have the necessary experience to know how to argue your case effectively. This may include working with your doctors, or other methods that can help you make out your case to the Social Security review board. 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 Santa Cruz, CA Social Security lawyer? 
 

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. Why? Social Security lawyers only get paid if you get paid. This fee structure is called a “contingency” fee. 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 Santa Cruz 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.
 

 Social Security: Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Income (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.
 

How is disability defined in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, California Disability Insurance Lawyer Now 
 

If an American is disabled and has previously paid into the social security system through their taxes, he or she may qualify for SSDI. In addition, the government also requires you to have worked a percentage of the previous years, depending on your age. Some SSDI claimants also qualify for Medicare if they are disabled under the SSDI program for 2 years. Learn more about how the law applies to your case by contacting an experienced Santa Cruz SSDI lawyer.
 

 The Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program – Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire here.
 

  The Social Security Process from Application to Appeal - Santa Cruz, CA SSI and SSDI Disability Appeals Attorneys  
 

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. 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 Santa Cruz 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 of Santa Cruz, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Santa Cruz, California
 

Pharmacies in Santa Cruz, CA
 

Santa Cruz Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Santa Cruz social security attorneys serve clients throughout Central Coast California including Capitola, Santa Cruz, Amesti, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, Corralitos, Davenport, Day Valley, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, Lompico, Mount Hermon, Paradise Park, Pleasure Point, Seacliff, Soquel, Twin Lakes, Zayante and other communities in Santa Clara County, Monterey County and Santa Cruz County.