Social Security Lawyers in Westmont, California | Westmont, CA Social Security Attorneys | Los Angeles County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

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

Considering applying for Social Security because of a disability? 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 Westmont Social Security lawyer can help you. Westmont Social Security lawyers can guide you through the often-complicated application and appeal process. Start today by filling out the form on this page.
 

Consequences of Your SSI and SSDI Application and Appeal
 

Of the thousands of Social Security applications processed each year, the vast majority of applicants are denied benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Working with an experienced Westmont 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. 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.
 

Lawyers are Too Expensive - How Can I Afford to Pay a Social Security Attorney?
 

Despite what they may think, most people can afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. Most all Social Security lawyers work on a contingency basis. This 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 Westmont Social Security lawyer today. All you need to do is fill out the questionnaire on the website.
 

Understanding the SSI and SSDI Programs
 

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 Westmont, 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 Westmont, California is that a factor? - If you are working in Westmont 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 Westmont, 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 Westmont, California Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

You must establish a work history of paying into social security as well as a qualifying disability to qualify for SSDI monthly payments. So, not everyone qualifies for the SSDI program. If you receive disability payments under SSDI you may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Contact an experienced Westmont SSDI attorney to learn whether your situation qualifies you for some Social Security benefit.
 

The Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program – Westmont Disability Lawyers Are Here to Help

Supplemental Security Income, called SSI for short, is available to people who suffer from a disability regardless of work history. SSI pays less in benefits than SSDI but unlike SSDI, you don’t need to have a work history in order to qualify. SSI beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps and other state welfare programs. Contact an experienced Westmont Social Security SSI attorney today to learn more.
 

The Social Security Process from Application to Appeal - Westmont, CA SSI and SSDI Disability 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 Social Security benefits, you can always appeal the decision, which will take longer. If you are considering an appeal, contact a skilled Westmont Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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 Westmont, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Westmont, California
 

Pharmacies in Westmont, CA
 

Westmont Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Westmont social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Southern California, including Altadena, Athens, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, BNSF Los Angeles, Burbank, Compton, Cudahy, Culver City, Downey, East Los Angeles, El Monte, Florence, Glendale, Huntington Park, Covina, Inglewood, La Canada Flintridge, La Puente, Lennox, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Santa Monica, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, South Whittier, Torrance, UP Los Angeles, Vernon, West Athens, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westmont, Whittier, West Whittier-Los Nietos, areas in the vicinity of Los Angeles International Airport, and other communities in Los Angeles County.