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El Dorado Disability Lawyer

Disability Advocates

If you are injured or diagnosed with a condition that impairs your ability to work, one of the first places it will be suggested that you turn is Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most Americans have heard of it but many do not realize exactly what it is until we are faced with a need for it. If you need and El Dorado disability lawyer, Gold Country has helped guide thousands of individuals from across California through the process of applying for and receiving SSDI benefits. 

 

What is SSDI?

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It was established in 1956 by president Eisenhower. It is actually an amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935 which previously did not include insurance for those with disabilities. The program pays monthly stipends to those who qualify to help cover lost income. The amount given is determined on a case-by-case basis and is generally determined based on the amount of Social Security benefits accumulated before a person stops working. 

 

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.  If you haven’t paid enough “quarters” into Social Security to qualify for regular SS benefits (including retirement!) then SSI provides a safety net for people who are disabled and cannot work AND have very low resources to support themselves.

How do I apply for SSDI?

The first step in getting Social Security Disability benefits actually should happen before even submitting your application: determining if you are eligible. There are many regulations put in place to help ensure that the program is not abused. This means that recipients must meet very specific benchmarks in order to be considered eligible. The two main requirements are that you have 1) worked long enough and recently enough in a job included under Social Security and 2) have a condition that meets their definition of a ‘disability’. An El Dorado disability lawyer can be especially useful in this step as the conditions to qualify fluctuate yearly and can be purposefully convoluted. Our lawyers have years of California-specific experience and will be able to ascertain if you have a good chance of approval.  YOU CAN APPLY ON LINE on the Social Security website.

 

Once you have resolved to move onto your application, there are a few options for submitting. While there are in-person and over-the-phone processes, the most common avenue for proposals is online. You will be asked to compile an extensive list of medical, financial, and personal documents to be looked over by a state official called a Disability Examiner who works under the Disability Determination Services. 

 

Due to the huge influx of requests, Examiners will be looking for very specific wording within the application in order to approve an individual. Gold Country Worker’s Comp Center knows exactly the information that California Disability Examiners will be searching for. We will make sure that you have everything in place and worded as cleanly as possible in order to make your application appealing, thorough, and straightforward. 

How do I apply for SSI?

To apply, you have to submit a written application.  You can do this by setting an appointment at the closest SS office, or on the phone with a SS representative.

Can I reapply if my claim has been denied for SSDI or SSI? 

Yes! This is called a Reconsideration Filling and is perfectly valid, but they do have a notoriously high denial rate. An El Dorado Disability Lawyer will greatly improve your chances of an accepted Reconsideration. This is because we are able to quickly pinpoint the mistakes in your documents that most likely lead to your refusal the first time around. Oftentimes, the medical documents provided do not clearly or adequately communicate the severity or nature of a person’s condition. This is especially true if your doctor is unaware of your intent to file for disability or if you are using outdated documents. The problem may also simply be a mistake on the part of your Examiner. No matter the reason, Gold Country can help you determine if you have a solid case for reconsideration and help restructure your application. 

 

Gold Country Workers Comp Center knows that disability benefits are the right of every qualifying American. We work tirelessly to provide each of our clients with the best chance of obtaining the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and see if you could be receiving assistance. 

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El Dorado Disability Lawyer

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Lake Tahoe Social Security Disability Lawyer

California Disability Case

Life is known to throw the unexpected curveball or two. You may find yourself needing a  Lake Tahoe or Reno area Social Security Disability Lawyer. Many people find themselves in a situation where a new or preexisting disability prevents them from working. This is where the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) can come in. 

SSDI is a government-run Social Security program. It provides monthly assistance to qualified individuals who are unable to work. Filing A SSDI claim can be complicated, and it is imperative that a person gives themselves the best chance for their request to be approved. Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center has a team of lawyers who specialize in Social Security Disability Insurance and are dedicated to seeing their clients receive the assistance they deserve. We are here to help wrangle all of the moving pieces into place and simplify the process of applying for SSDI benefits so you can focus on living your life.  Even if you don’t qualify for SSDI benefits, you may qualify for SSI benefits.

The Social Security Administration also offers the SSI program, which is different than the SSDI program.  SSI (Supplemental Security Income) a minimal safety net for those who can’t work for medical reasons but who don’t have enough credits to qualify for SSDI.  It requires the same medical showing of disability as SSDI, but pays less than SSDI and you must have minimal resources to qualify.

How to know if you qualify for SSDI or SSI:

A citizen who has paid into the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) at some point in their lives may believe that they are automatically eligible to receive benefits. However, this is not always the case. SSDI eligibility is determined by a point system. These points, formally called credits, are accumulated when a person works any job and pays Social Security Disability insurance. You can earn up to four credits per year. This leads some people to believe that they rack up one point quarterly, yet this is untrue. Credits are determined by your income, and the dollar amount that corresponds to one point fluctuates yearly. Depending on how old you are when seeking out disability insurance assistance, the number of points needed to qualify changes. 

Younger applicants require fewer credits, as they have been able to work fewer years.  This is much different than retirement benefits, where a steady 40 credits are needed to qualify. Confusingly, the number of credits needed does not climb linearly with age. There are also restrictions based on when your credits were accrued which muddies the water further. Finally, there are certain medical situations that can qualify you for the program.  If you need assistance in determining if you are a candidate for SSDI benefits, contact a Lake Tahoe or Reno area social security disability lawyer at Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center.

The Gold Country Difference

Hiring a social security disability lawyer is, on average, shown to increase your chances of having a successful SSDI claim. But Gold Country Workers’ Comp brings an additional layer of experience, professionalism, and comfort to the process with our team of California lawyers helmed by Kim LaValley, Gold Country’s founder, and Kyle Adamson. 

LaValley decided to pursue a law degree after growing up in a legal family. His devotion to providing counsel to those who need it most was ingrained in him from his earliest years and has carried him through his 40+ year career. It is also a sentiment shared by Adamson, who applies his years of experience and deep commitment to his clients at Gold Country to each new case. If you are looking to file an SSDI claim, please do not hesitate to contact us or check to see if you live in a county we service!

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Lake Tahoe Social Security Disability Lawyer

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Sacramento Disability Lawyer – 5 FAQ About California Disability

Workers Compensation Help in Roseville

When handling a disability case, it’s in your best interest to find a Sacramento disability lawyer that can help you navigate through the process. California and Federal disability laws are more complex than many people believe.  The rules governing eligibility for California State Disability are very different from the rules governing Federal (Social Security) disability programs.  They are similar in that they both are basically non-profit  insurance programs, but disabled people need to know the differences. 

It’s not at all uncommon for people to have questions regarding their disability benefits. We will try to cover some of the more common frequently asked questions in the article below. If you’re interested in consulting a California disability lawyer about your case directly, please contact Gold Country Comp Center.

What Happens If My Social Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) routinely denies initial applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. 

Both SSDI and SSI require the same medical showing to qualify, but SSDI is a better program available only to those who have paid enough into the Social Security program.  SSI eligibility requires proof that you are medically disabled AND have very low access to resources. 

If your initial application to Social Security is denied, it’s important to know that you will need to respond quickly if this occurs. There are only 60 days following the date on your SSA letter to appeal your denied claim. It’s possible that you can still save your benefits if you act quickly.

California State Disability Insurance is funded by deductions from your paychecks and once your account has enough quarters paid in, you are eligible if a doctor certifies you cannot perform the duties of your regular job.  It is a stopgap measure to provide some income pending a successful resolution of a denied or delayed workers’ compensation claim, or if your TOTAL disability will be for more than one year, pending approval of your SSDI or SSI claim.

If Approved, What Do My Disability Benefits Include?

Disability benefits can include any number of things. Qualifying claimants will receive individual monthly monetary benefits, and for SSDI claims, you will receive Medicare, and for for SSI claims, MediCal/Medicaid), or family benefits. The formula that is used to calculate each person’s SSDI benefits generally provides more benefits than early retirement pays. A Sacramento disability lawyer will be able to help answer your questions in more detail after reviewing your case.

How Do I Know If My Disability Qualifies Me For Benefits?

The Social Security Act defines an eligible disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months or result in death.” To be certain your disability qualifies, it’s recommended to visit with a qualified physician to be sure you can produce evidence of the nature and extent of your impairments, and to also consult with a disability attorney.

Do I Still Qualify If I Haven’t Worked In Awhile?

In order to qualify for disability benefits, a person will need to have a certain amount of Social Security earnings or work credits within the qualifying time frame. One way to determine this is by counting the number of years in the last decade you’ve worked. You most likely will have enough work credits to qualify if you have worked at least five or more years. A Sacramento disability lawyer can help you calculate whether or not you qualify.

Can I Still Appeal If My Application Was Denied Last Year?

There are no limits regarding how many times someone can apply for disability benefits. This includes if you have an application that was previously denied. If your medical condition has worsened since you were denied, it’s possible that your case will be approved when you apply again. If you’re considering appealing a denied application, speaking with a disability attorney directly will be helpful to you.

For more answers to frequently asked questions about California disability benefits, visit our Social Security Disability FAQ page.

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Sacramento Disability Lawyer

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Help Your Case By Hiring Disability Lawyers Truckee and Nevada County

Social Security Disability Info

If you’re seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it’s highly recommended to look for Truckee and Nevada County disability lawyers to help with your case. Hiring a disability lawyer can be extremely beneficial when it comes to obtaining a successful outcome. 

Studies show that an experienced disability attorney can improve your case’s chances as much as 40-60% if you have already been denied and elected not to be represented. This is predominantly due to the simple fact that their legal expertise helps you gather necessary evidence and navigate the complex process of securing disability benefits.

Learn more about the being represented by a disability lawyer below. If you’re ready to schedule a case consultation with an experienced Truckee disability lawyer, contact Gold Country Comp Center to learn more about how we can assist you.

What Do Disability Attorneys Do?  What Do They Charge?

Social Security Disability lawyers have studied and learned the various rules and regulations required to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Experienced disability lawyers have a full understanding of the potential pitfalls that could cause your case to be denied and should not be underestimated. 

The disability attorney you choose to hire will verify that you are filing for the proper type of disability benefit payments and ensure everything is filed correctly. As your legal representative, your attorney will evaluate your case, provide suggestions on how to increase your case’s chances of success, and inform you of any reasons that might invalidate your chances.

In addition, disability attorneys can collect all relevant medical evidence on your behalf. Not only is this vital to your case’s chances but it can be a strenuous task to attempt yo take on by yourself. Lastly, your attorney will communicate directly with the Social Security Administration, which is often regarded as the most difficult aspect of applying for benefits.  They also try to get as much in back due benefits as possible.

Disability attorneys work on a contingent fee basis generally charging 25% of the back-due benefits payable to you up to a maximum of $6000 and payable only if you win.   They should be willing to give you a free initial consultation, too.

Hiring Potential Truckee Disability Lawyers

If you are uncertain of your case’s chances, it’s best to consult with several Truckee disability lawyers before hiring one. This will not only give you a fuller understanding of how confident you should be in your case’s chances but also help you choose the most suitable representative for you.

While many people assume hiring an attorney will be too costly, this isn’t the case. There are reputable Social Security Disability lawyers willing to provide you with the help you need for a contingency fee, which means you will only pay them if your case is successful.  Disability attorneys will also be able to maximize the chances that you receive the full amount of benefits you are entitled to and inform you of other potential benefits you might not have known were available.

It’s important to remember that the sooner you choose to hire a disability benefits lawyer, the better your case’s chances. EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS! To schedule a free case consultation soon, please call 530-362-7188.

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Disability Lawyers Truckee

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Consult Experienced Disability Attorneys Lake Tahoe

Disability Case in 2022; Disability Case in 2021

Have you been injured at work and considering whether or not to consult with disability attorneys in Lake Tahoe? The best disability attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that clients are fairly compensated following a disability diagnosis.

Social Security Disability lawyers understand the stress and uncertainty that you and your family will experience due to the difficulties living with a disability can present. Hiring an experienced disability attorney can alleviate some of the stress and ensure your claim is approved.  This article focuses on Workers’ Compensation benefits, but mentions aspects of Social Security claims, too.

These disability legal specialists use their experience and extensive legal knowledge to protect your rights. A disability attorney helps clients navigate the complicated claims and/or appeal process for both Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability and SSI claims. Experienced disability lawyers will also fight to secure the full compensation you are entitled to. 

The following article will highlight why you should contact a disability attorney to represent you. If you would like to discuss your particular claim with a California diability lawyer that has your best interests in mind, please contact Gold Country Workers Comp Center today. 

Disability Attorneys Help File Your Claim

Social Security Disability is designed to help support those suffering from a physical or mental impairments (or a combination of them) that totally prevent realistic employment in any job whether the disability is caused by work or not.  SSDI and SSI is an “all or nothing” system.  The benefits for an injured worker, however, do not require proof that you are totally unable to work at any job in the marketplace.  Injured workers receive benefits according to their particular medical circumstances and the degree of the long term impairment, the severity of the injury, and other factors.

Although it is meant to help people, the disability insurance claim process for both Social Security and Workers’ Compensation is full of challenges. Many people will attempt to file their disability claims on their own, which is never recommended without first consulting with a legal specialist.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of reasons why disability claims can be denied. Some reasons are as simple as missing or providing incomplete information. This is one area where Lake Tahoe disability attorneys can help. 

An experienced disability lawyer can assist you through the process of filing your claim. They can gather all the necessary and relevant documentation to ensure the claim is filed properly. This can save you time, stress, and even inform you of available benefits you were unaware of. 

Workers’ Compensation—Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Most employers will not handle workers’ compensation or disability claims “in-house.” Instead, they will pay into a workers’ comp and disability insurance fund provided by an insurance company who evaluates and administers the claim.

The insurance company is responsible for accepting or denying claims and paying out benefits. Obviously, the insurance company is a business like any other with their own bottom line to consider. 

Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics backed by their teams of lawyers to pay out as little as possible. Disability attorneys in Lake Tahoe will develop supportive evidence and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

Simply put, disability lawyers use their expertise to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you are entitled to. 

Workers’ Compensation—Represent You In Court Proceedings

Mistakes happen all the time by the person reviewing applications for benefits and determining eligibility for the various benefits potentially available to injured workers. In some cases when a resolution cannot be reached, denied claims or any part of the claim can be appealed to a judge.

If your claim is appealed, to a judge, your attorney will represent you through the proceedings. They have an extensive understanding of how to navigate the appeals process as well as how the necessary court proceedings are conducted.

As your legal representative, your attorney will be able to properly file motions, present evidence, and file an appeal, maximizing your chances of a successful resolution. Remember, EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!

To learn more about how we can assist you, please call 530-362-7188.

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Disability Attorneys Lake Tahoe