There are thousands of hard-working American taxpayers living in Temecula, California. These individuals go to work each and every day, earning a living to provide for themselves and their families. They often live paycheck to paycheck, relying on their income to make ends meet. Unfortunately, in some situations, these workers are faced with unexpected disabling conditions that prevent them from continuing their employment activity.
The resulting lack of income can be financially devastating. It is in cases such as these that Social Security Disability benefits are supposed to help. The problem is, actually obtaining the benefits a disabled worker is entitled to isn't as easy as one might expect. If you have suffered a long-term or permanent disability and need Social Security Disability benefits, you should consider consulting with a Temecula Social Security Disability attorney before filing your initial disability claim.
About Temecula, California
Temecula, California is located in Riverside County. Since 2009, the city has experienced a significant population growth of more than 50 percent. The city's median household income is $83,480. While the median household income is well above the national average, it is important to note that the cost of living in the city is also much higher, coming in at 43.9 percent higher than the U.S. average.
Some of Temecula's most prominent employers include Abbott Laboratories, the Temecula Valley Unified School District, Professional Hospital Supply, International Rectifier, Costco, Macy's and Southwest Traders.
By California standards, Temecula is a relatively small city, being home to just a little more than 100,000 residents. In the State of California, approximately 2.9 percent of the population receives Social Security Disability benefits. The average Social Security Disability payment received by a California disability recipient is $1,083.80 per month.
While this monthly payment can definitely help offset some of the financial stress caused by a disability, the fact that it takes the average Temecula applicant a total of 393 days to complete the disability claim process is somewhat concerning. When a disabled Temecula worker is unable to earn an income, waiting more than a year before disability benefits begin is not financially feasible.
Disability Benefits in Temecula, California
Why does it take so long for a Temecula disability applicant to complete the disability claim process? The extensive processing times are due to the fact that the majority of disability claims are denied by the Social Security Administration during the initial stage of the application process. This results in the need for a disability appeal, which usually involves a hearing before an administrative law judge.
If a Temecula disability applicant needs to appear before an administrative law judge before being awarded disability benefits, it means waiting an average of 10 months for a hearing to be scheduled.
Is there any way to avoid the need for a Social Security Disability appeal, thereby avoiding the need for a hearing before an administrative law judge? The truth is, the only way to avoid a disability appeal is to be awarded benefits during the initial stage of the application process. This is where the services of a qualified Temecula Social Security Disability lawyer can help.
Hiring an Attorney in Temecula, California
When you work with a Temecula Social Security attorney during the initial stage of the application process, he or she will work with you to gather the medical evidence that will be necessary to prove your disability to the Social Security Administration. Your attorney can also help you fill out the disability claim forms, ensuring that you provide accurate and detailed answers that will help support your claim for disability benefits.
If, for some reason, your initial Social Security Disability claim is still denied by the Social Security Administration, your Temecula Social Security lawyer can represent you through each stage of the disability appeal process.
A disability appeal will normally consist of two stages. The first stage is called a Request for Reconsideration. Unfortunately, more than 80 percent of these requests are not granted by the Social Security Administration. The second stage of appeals is called a disability hearing. This is when you appear before an administrative law judge to plead your disability case.
This is also when you have the best chance of overturning the SSA's decision to deny your disability benefits. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of disability applicants are awarded benefits as a result of a disability hearing. Your chances of a successful hearing outcome are even greater with proper legal representation. If you are denied at the hearing as well, you can file for an appeals council review, followed by a federal court review.
If you have already applied for disability benefits without the help of a Temecula Social Security Disability attorney and that application has been denied, it is still not too late. You do, however, need to speak with a Temecula Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible so he or she can begin preparing your disability case and the proper appeal paperwork.
A Temecula Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Riverside County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, Kern County, Imperial County, and Ventura County: Murrieta, Wildomar, Rainbow, De Luz, Fallbrook, Lake Elsinor, Sedco Hills, Sun City, Perris, Winchester, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Beach.
For more on disability benefits in California, see How To Qualify For Disability In California.
