Merced Social Security Attorney
Approximately 78,000 residents call Merced, California home. Incorporated in 1889, the city is named after the Merced river and is known as the gateway to Yosemite National Park. In 2005, it became home to the 10th University of California campus. The educational, healthcare and social services sectors play a strong role in Merced’s economy, and many residents are employed by Merced County, the University of California, Merced Medical Center, Merced City School District, AT&T, City of Merced, and Merced College. The cost of living in Merced is approximately 3% higher than the national average.
Applying for Merced Social Security Disability Benefits
According to Social Security Administration (SSA) statistics, 3% of the California population is unable to work due to a disability. Those receiving Social Security disability benefits get an average monthly payment is $1,098. However, there are many more disabled workers in Merced and elsewhere that have had their applications denied, because over 70% of those who apply for disability in Merced and nationwide will receive a denial.
If you’re applying for Social Security in Merced and your application is denied, you’ll be glad to know that it’s not the end of the road, as there are multiple levels of appeal available. The first appeal is called a “request for reconsideration,” but unfortunately, only around 10% of claims are approved upon reconsideration. You have the best chance at being approved for Social Security disability in Merced at the next stage of the appeals process, when you will appear at a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
However, due to the high number of disability claims, the wait for a hearing can be very long. On average, Merced Social Security applicants wait 357 days from the date they requested a hearing for it to be scheduled at the Sacramento, California office that handles this. It can be extremely hard for disabled Merced residents to support themselves on no income while waiting for their hearing to be scheduled.
One thing that you can do to decrease the chance that you’ll have to wait for a Social Security hearing is to hire a qualified Merced disability attorney. A Merced, California Social Security attorney has in-depth knowledge of the Social Security disability claims and appeals process. Not only can they answer your questions about the often-confusing process, along the way, they can also ensure that the SSA is properly evaluating your medical records and obtain helpful statements from your doctors and family members. They can also communicate with the claims adjudicator working on your claim.
Hiring a Merced Disability Attorney
If you haven’t already done so, it’s very important to obtain representation by a top Merced Social Security attorney prior to having a disability hearing. The SSA has a specific definition of “disabled” that must be met in order to be granted benefits. A knowledgeable Merced, California, Social Security attorney knows how to use your medical records and other evidence to prove that you meet this. In addition, they can cross-examine any witnesses that the SSA may hire to testify at your hearing, and can prepare you for what to expect and how to best answer the judge’s questions.
In addition, if you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it’s important to take care that you stay within specific guidelines as far as income and assets go. Not doing so could jeopardize your eligibility for SSI, so the advice of a helpful Merced, California, Social Security lawyer could be of great benefit to your claim.
There’s no upfront cost to hire a top Merced disability lawyer. California Social Security attorneys work on a contingency basis. When you hire a Merced Social Security lawyer, you’ll sign a contingent fee agreement that will explain that your lawyer only receives a fee in the event that your application for benefits is approved. If you’re not granted benefits, you won’t pay your attorney. In that case, your Merced, California disability attorney will receive a fee equal to 25% your retroactive benefit payments. This is capped at $6,000, no matter how much you receive in back benefits.
A Merced California, Social Security attorney will also assist claimant’s located in nearby cities such as Fergus, Hoff, Tuttle, Cuba, Lingard, Castle Gardens, Atwater, and Planda as well as Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
