This year alone it is estimated that the Social Security Administration will receive more than three million claims for Social Security Disability benefits. In fact, the SSA receives millions of such claims each and every year. The individuals who file these disability applications are often suffering from severe financial hardship.
They are unable to work due to the limitations that their disability places on them so they have mo means of financial support. To make matters worse, they may be left facing disability-related medical expenses that they have no way to pay for. It is in cases like these that Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help.
Unfortunately, a mere 30 percent of disability claims are approved by the Social Security Administration during the initial stage of the application process. If you live in the Vallejo, California area and are considering an application for Social Security Disability benefits, it is in your best interests to retain the services of a qualified Vallejo Social Security Disability attorney in order to obtain cash benefits from the SSA.
About Vallejo, California
While the City of Vallejo itself is in severe financial crisis, there are employers providing economic growth and job opportunities to the city's residents. In 2008 the city had to file a form of bankruptcy that is reserved for local governments, called a Chapter 9. In 2010 they approved a budget with a $20 million deficit. With that being said, employment opportunities do exist for Vallejo residents. Some of the area's top employers include Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Sutter Health Medical Center and Petrochem.
Vallejo California and Disability Benefits
The City of Vallejo is home to more than 116,000 California residents. In the State of California, approximately 2.9 percent of the population receives Social Security Disability benefits. The average monthly Social Security Disability payment in California is $1083.80, however, it can take two years for a Vallejo-area disability applicant to begin receiving disability benefits.
This is due to the fact that the majority of disability applications are denied by the Social Security Administration, leaving applicants in the clutches of the lengthy disability appeal process. If you plan on applying for Social Security disability benefits in Vallejo, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Vallejo Social Security Disability lawyer to increase your chances of a successful disability claim or, if necessary, a successful disability appeal.
Disability Attorneys in Vallejo, California
Why should you hire a Vallejo Social Security attorney to represent you? When you work with a Vallejo Social Security lawyer, the professional you hire will review your disability claim with you, ensuring that all of the vital points of your application have been addressed.
They will review your claim to ensure there is sufficient medical evidence and will point out any weak spots that may exist. Your lawyer will then help you prepare your application paperwork with you so that it may be submitted in the best light possible to the Social Security Administration, increasing your chances of approval at the initial application stage.
If, for some reason, your initial application for benefits is not approved by the Social Security Administration, your Vallejo disability attorney will work with you to begin the disability appeal process. The first stage of appeals is the Request for Reconsideration. Your attorney will need to file this request within 60 days of notice of your denied claim, although the sooner the appeal is filed the better. Chances are, you will not be receiving benefits as a result of this stage of appeals.
The stage of appeals that you and your attorney will be focused on is the disability hearing. This is when you will have the greatest chance of being awarded the disability benefits you deserve. Fortunately, with proper legal representation, your chances of being awarded benefits as a result of this hearing are significantly higher.
Your Vallejo Social Security Disability attorney will help gather the evidence needed for this hearing and will prepare you for your hearing on a personal level. You will be advised regarding how to act, how to respond to questions and what you should expect at your hearing. A hearing before an administrative law judge can be overwhelming and confusing.
It is crucial to the outcome of your case that you are represented by a Vallejo Social Security Disability lawyer at this point in your appeal. While you are allowed to represent yourself at this hearing, a Vallejo Social Security attorney will have advanced knowledge regarding the laws that pertain to your case and will be able to present your case properly before the administrative law judge. This takes much of the pressure off of you and increases your chances of a favorable hearing outcome.
A Vallejo Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Solano County, San Francisco County, Sacramento County, Marin County, Contra Costa County, and Yolo County: Crockett, Selby, Benicia, Tormey, Rodeo, Martinez, Fairfield, Napa, Petaluma, Concord, Hercules, Richmond, Novato, and Suisun City.
For more on disability benefits in California, see How To Qualify For Disability In California.
