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

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

Are you not able to work because of a disability? The good news is Social Security can provide much-needed relief to qualifying individual. If you qualify for benefits, you may be entitled to monthly checks from the federal government to help cover expenses while you are unable to work due to your disability. Some may qualify for other assistance, such as: medical care coverage, food stamps, and other assistance from the state government. To speak with an experienced Ridgecrest social security attorney as soon as possible, fill out the form on the site. You’re just a click away from getting the Social Security help that you need to survive.
 

The Difference Between Winning and Losing Your SSDI or SSI Claim
 

If you have already applied for Social Security benefits and your claim was denied, you are among the majority. Roughly 65% - 75% of Social Security applications are not approved annually. You can dramatically increase your odds of winning your benefits claim, however, by working with an experienced Ridgecrest Social Security attorney. This is because most Social Security lawyers have learned what criteria the review board is looking for through years of handling applications for benefits through the Social Security system. For many disabled Americans, an unsuccessful Social Security application has devastating consequences. A disabled person without an alternative source of income may face homelessness and other hardships. The SSI and SSDI systems provide monthly payments from the US government todisabled citizens. These payments can cover the cost of living, and in some cases the SSI and SSDI systems may also make medical coverage available.
 

How Can I Afford to Pay a Qualified Ridgecrest, California Social Security Attorney?
 

Despite what they may think, most people can afford a social security lawyer, even those without jobs. 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. Fortunately, the US government realized the difficulties a disabled person may have in acquiring and paying an attorney. To that end, the Social Security regulations place restrictions on how much lawyer can charge a claimant for representation in a Social Security matter. Specifically, the attorney cannot charge you more than 25% of the past due benefits that are awarded to you, however, that figure cannot exceed $6,000 total. So, claimants will never have to pay more than $6,000 on successful Social Security claims. All you have to do to contact a Ridgecrest Social Security lawyer is fill out the questionnaire on the website.
 

Educate Yourself: The difference between SSDI and SSI
 

Disability benefits under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are provided to applicants who are not able to work due to a disability. In general, in order to qualify for Social Security benefits, the underlying disability must prevent you from working for a year or more, or result in death. The SSI and SSDI benefit schemes are quite different.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest, California a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest, California Disability Insurance Lawyer As Soon As Possible

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 Ridgecrest SSDI attorney to learn whether your situation qualifies you for some Social Security benefit.
 

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 Ridgecrest SSI lawyer.
 

The Social Security Process: From Application to Appeals - Ridgecrest, California Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

You can start your application for social security online, in person, or over the telephone. In some instances, the review process can take more as long as 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 Ridgecrest Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

Below is a list of some of the illnesses and injuries that have qualified for a disability under Social Security:
 

Local SSA Office of Ridgecrest, CA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Ridgecrest, California
 

Pharmacies in Ridgecrest, California
 

Ridgecrest Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

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