Social Security Lawyers in Wasco, California | Wasco, CA Social Security Attorneys | Kern County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security? Wasco, California Social Security Attorneys Can Help

Supporting yourself while disabled can be a nightmare. 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 Wasco Social Security lawyer when you apply for Social Security or appeal a Social Security benefits determination. Contact an experienced Wasco Social Security disability lawyer by filling out the form on the site. The form does not create any obligation.
 

The Sustaining Power of the SSI and SSDI Systems
 

Almost three quarters (75%) of initial applicants are denied Social Security benefits. If you are disabled, you will want to make sure you effectively communicate the nature of your injury to the Social Security review board. Often, the best way to do this is to hire an experienced Social Security attorney in Wasco. Having the aid of a skilled professional who understands the best tactics for winning your social security claim cannot work to your detriment. For many Americans, Social Security payments mean the difference between falling through society’s cracks and safety. Since Social Security was designed to help those in society who are most vulnerable: the significantly disabled. For those who qualify, Social Security provides a safety net of monthly checks for the duration of your disability. In addition, qualifying individuals also gain access to other potential benefits such as medical care coverage and assistance from your state such as food stamps.
 

Are Qualified Wasco, California Social Security Attorneys Expensive?
 

Believe it or not, just about anyone can afford a Social Security attorney. Unlike many other types of lawyers, Social Security lawyers do not require you to pay big out of pocket expenses. Social security attorneys are generally paid according to a strict fee schedule on a contingency basis. This means they can only be paid if they prevail in your claim. That makes sense because claimants often are not able to afford an attorney with the money they have. 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 website, an experienced Wasco Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

What is the Social Security Disability system?
 

The Social Security system provides monthly disability benefit payments to those who qualify. In order to qualify for either the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) programs, you must meet certain criteria. Generally, to qualify for either SSI or SSDI, you must suffer from an injury that prevents you from working for a year or more (or one that results in death). Both the SSI and SSDI systems are explained below.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Wasco, 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 Wasco, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Wasco 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 Wasco, 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.
 

SSDI - Contact a Skilled Wasco, California Disability Insurance Lawyer As Soon As Possible

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 Wasco SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

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 Wasco SSI lawyer.
 

How do I Apply for Social Security and What Can I Expect? - Wasco, CA Social Security Disability Application and Appeals Attorneys
 

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 are denied benefits, you can appeal your case. Call a Wasco Social Security lawyer today to discuss the merits of 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 Wasco, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Wasco, CA
 

Pharmacies in and near Wasco, CA
 

Wasco Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Wasco social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Southern California, including Avenal, Bakersfield, Corcoran, Cuyama, Delano, Kernville, Lake Isabella, Lamont, Lost hills, Oildale, Porterville, Taft, Tehachapi, Tipton, Tulare, Wasco, and other communities in Kern County.