Certain facts about the application process for social security disability benefits tend to strike people as surprising. For instance, did you know that only 30 percent of initial applications for benefits are approved by the Social Security Administration? The vast majority, 70 percent, will have to embark on a complex appeals process that can take as many as 4 steps.
There is also another statistic that many find unexpected: those who file their applications with the help of an attorney have a statistically significant advantage in the process as against the chances of those who do not have a lawyer. If you are disabled and getting ready to draft your initial application, or if your initial application has been rejected and you are preparing for the appeals process, utilizing the Santa Rosa Social Security Disability Resources available to you would undoubtedly be a wise choice.
About Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County in California, has a population of about 167,396 residents. Santa Rosa is a small but vibrant city that has an active economic and cultural life. Outside of the public sector, the healthcare industry is the single largest economic sector in Santa Roma.
Tourism also plays a major role in the area, with people coming from far and wide to experience the historic city center as well as the vibrant shopping, theater, and nightlife and the surrounding vineyards. The area is also home to such charming attractions as the Charles M Schulz Museum and Research Center, the Annadel State Park, and numerous historic homes that survived the 1906 earthquake.
Applying for Santa Rosa Social Security Disability Benefits
The state of California dispensed $570 million in Social Security Disability to disabled workers and their spouses and children in the last year for which figures are available. The average payment to disabled workers was $955. (These numbers do not take into account those other workers who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a similar but separate program.)
There are approximately 10,340 workers receiving Social Security Disability benefits in Santa Rosa alone. In order to be eligible to receive benefits, an individual must be suffering from a disability that is expected to last a year or more. Furthermore, this disability—an illness, injury, or chronic condition—must be so severe that it prevents the individual from earning a meaningful income.
Finally, the individual must have accrued enough work credits over time. If a person meets all of these requirements, they stand a good chance of wining benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
However, some people may satisfy the criteria for disability without having earned enough work credits. These people may be eligible for another program termed the Supplemental Security Income program.
For more on disability benefits in California, see How To Qualify For Disability In California.
Hiring a Santa Rosa Disability Attorney
A Santa Rosa Social Security attorney can be of invaluable assistance as you begin your application process. If you are beginning to apply for either program, your lawyer can give you an initial appraisal of your case, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses. Your lawyer can, in addition, make sure that you have assembled all medical records and other evidence you may need to make a compelling case for disability benefits. In addition, a Santa Rosa disability lawyer can be helpful by making sure you stay on top of the many deadlines throughout the process. Whether by making sure you receive a fair hearing, keeping you on track, or preparing you to testify on your own behalf, a Santa Rosa disability lawyer can help you as you apply for disability benefits.
It is good news for those who might worry about their ability to pay for this legal council that the services of an attorney can be within anyone’s means. This is because your attorney simply does not get paid if you do not win your case, providing him or her with a sizable incentive to help you win your case. In addition, the amount your attorney can collect is limited—payment can not exceed 25% of your back pay or $5,000; whichever is less.
A Santa Rosa Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Sonoma County, Marin County, Napa County, Lake County, and Mendocino County: Roseland, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Novato, Larkfield-Wikiup, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Forestville, Guerneville, Calistoga, Angwin, Geyersville, Cloverdale, Napa, Fairfield, Vallejo, Suisun City, and Vacaville.
