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

Santa Maria, California Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help

Supporting yourself while disabled can be a nightmare. Social Security may provide the help you are seeking. The US Social Security system is not always easy to navigate. Fortunately, there are experienced Santa Maria Social Security lawyers who understand the intricacies of the system. Whether you have previously applied for benefits and were rejected, or if this is your first time applying for Social Security, the assistance of a knowledgeable Santa Maria Social Security disability lawyer is likely to increase your chances of success. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for Social Security disability benefits by working with an experienced Santa Maria social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the website today.
 

The Sustaining Power of the SSI and SSDI Systems
 

Of the thousands of Social Security applications processed each year, the vast majority of applicants are denied benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful by contacting an experienced Santa Maria 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. People with serious disabilities that prevent them from being able to gain employment may potentially face hunger and homelessness. A successful Social Security claim can provide a necessary safety net to some of the most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid programs.
 

How Can I Afford to Pay a Qualified Santa Maria, CA Social Security Attorney?
 

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. 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. Don’t let another day go by without the help you need. Contact an experienced Santa Maria Social Security lawyer today. All you need to do is fill out the questionnaire on the webpage.
 

SSDI and SSI, which one is right for you?
 

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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, 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 Maria SSDI lawyer.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Experienced Santa Maria, CA Disability Lawyers Help
 

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)program was designed to provide a minimum threshold of income to those who are not able to earn a living because they are disabled, blind, or 65 years of age and older. Those who qualify receive a monthly check (usually for much less money than SSDI benefits). If you receive SSI, you may also receive additional benefits from your state. Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income claims are paid from general tax revenues. Thus, you do not need to have paid into the social security system to qualify for SSI payments. Those who qualify for SSI may also qualify for Medicaid. To learn more, please fill out the form on the left side of this page to contact an experienced Santa Maria SSI attorney.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Santa Maria, California Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

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 Santa Maria 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 in Santa Maria, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Santa Maria, California
 

Pharmacies in Santa Maria, CA
 

Santa Maria Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

San Pablo 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.