Social Security Lawyers in Hanford, California | Hanford, CA Social Security Attorneys | Kings County, California SSI SSDI Law Firms

Hanford, California Social Security Lawyers are Ready to Help

Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from being able to support yourself? Fortunately, the US Social Security program provides a safety net for many Americans. If you have a disability and qualify for Social Security benefits, you may be entitled to a monthly check and other benefits such as medical care, food stamps, and other assistance from your state government. Increase your chances of qualifying for Social Security and other social benefit programs by working with an experienced Hanford social security lawyer as soon as possible. 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 Hanford Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the site.
 

Why You Should Seek Assistance when Applying for SSI or SSDI Benefits
 

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

Attorneys are Expensive. How Can I Hire an Experienced Hanford, CA Social Security Lawyer When I’m Broke?
 

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. 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. 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. After filling out the questionnaire on the website, an experienced Hanford Social Security attorney will call or email you to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

What is the difference between SSDI and 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.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Hanford, 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 Hanford, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Hanford 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 Hanford, 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 Insurance (SSDI): The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Get Help From a Knowledgeable Hanford, CA Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately

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 Hanford SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Contact an experienced Hanford, California Disability Lawyer
 

The SSI system provides monthly payments, of a minimum amount, to disabled Americans. These benefits are paid regardless of whether the disabled person had previously paid into the Social Security system. Although the benefit payments are generally lower under SSI than SSDI, the funds help those who critically need it. Successful SSI claimants may also qualify for Medicaid. Fill out the form on the site to contact an experienced Hanford SSI attorney and begin the process to get the benefits you need to live.
 

The Social Security Process from Application to Appeal - Hanford, California 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. If denied, you can appeal the Social Security Review Board’s decision. You may have an attorney represent you at the 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 Hanford, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Hanford, California
 

Pharmacies in Hanford, CA
 

Hanford Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Hanford social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout the Central Valley of California including Armona, Tulare, Farmersville, Lindsay, Delano, Kingsburg, Porterville, Dinuba, Selma, Reedley, Parlier, Corcoran, Hanford, Home Garden, South Corcoran, Bean, Waukena, Odessa, Octol, Burling, Tipton, Stoil, Alfac, West Alpaugh, Kettleman City, Lemoore, Lemoore Station, Stratford, Grangeville, Guernsey, Island District, Lakeside, and other communities in Kern County, Fresno County, San Luis Obispo County and Kings County.