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We currently have two offices within the Inland Empire to serve you. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call our office. You may also send us an email with the form provided below. We look forward to service you!

Call Our Offices:

Riverside

Riverside

4780 Arlington Ave

Riverside, California 92504

United States (US)

Phone: 951-343-3400

Victorville

Victorville

15437 Anacapa Rd

Victorville, California 92392

United States (US)

Phone: (760) 245-8984

San Bernardino

San Bernardino

198 North Arrowhead Ave.

San Bernardino, California 92408

United States (US)

Phone: (909) 888-7000

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The Reasons You Were Denied Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are an important way for our society to give and receive help when people face tragedy or are in need. However, it can be frustrating if you’re denied Social Security benefits when you believe you are entitled to receive them.

Luckily, in many circumstances when you’re denied, there is still something you can do. In this post, we’ll look at some of the possible reasons that you were denied Social Security benefits and what you can do about it:

You Earn Too Much Income

Social Security benefits are not available to everyone. Their purpose is to provide for the material needs of individuals and families, and one of the main ways eligibility is determined is by looking at the amount of money you earn.

If you earn too much income to qualify, then you will be denied Social Security benefits. Those who earn less are more likely to be prioritized for Social Security benefits because of their financial need.

Your Disability Isn’t Severe or Prolonged Enough

One of the more controversial reasons why you might be denied Social Security benefits is that your disability doesn’t qualify you for aid. If the SSA feels that your disability is not severe enough, or that you have not been affected by it for a long enough period of time, they may decide you are not entitled to benefits.

In order to qualify for SSDI benefits according to their regulations, your disability must be severe enough to last at least twelve months; if not, you could be denied benefits.

The SSA Can’t Reach You

Sometimes, getting denied is more a matter of administrative snags than anything else. For example, if the SSA is unable to reach you because you’ve moved or your contact information is otherwise out of date, you might not receive the benefits you’re entitled to. You should make sure that you are easily reachable and that your contact information remains updated if you’re trying to claim benefits.

You Haven’t Supplied the Necessary Medical Documents

You’ll need to prove you have a disability in order to claim benefits. If you fail to provide proof by not issuing the proper medical documents when you are asked to, the SSA cannot issue benefits in your behalf. Keep all your documents organized and handy so that you can produce them as and when necessary.

Your Disability Is Related to an Addiction

If your disability is related to a drug or alcohol addiction, that may be enough for the SSA to deny your claim. A person using these substances isn’t automatically disqualified from receiving benefits, but if the SSA feels alcoholism or drug use is a major contributing factor in your disability, they can deny benefits. It is unfortunately quite common for this to happen, but if you can prove that you would still be disabled even if you stopped using substances, there is no basis to deny your claim.

You Have a Criminal Record

In some cases, a criminal record will disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits. If you were convicted of a felony and are currently imprisoned, were injured while in prison, or were injured while committing a felony, you will not be eligible to receive SSDI benefits.

You Refuse to Follow Prescribed Treatment

If your doctor or physician has given you a specific treatment or therapy to follow to help your disability improve but you are not following it, that is usually enough to be denied benefits relating to that disability. You need to make sure that you are following all prescribed therapy and treatment in order to receive benefits.

If Your Claim for Social Security Benefits Is Denied

A Social Security lawyer is a great resource for those filing for SSDI benefits as he or she can help you navigate your qualifications and how to correctly file a claim and submit medical records to the SSA. In the event that the SSA has wrongfully rejected your claim for Social Security benefits, a Social Security attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does It Cost for a Social Security Attorney?

When you find yourself in need of an attorney, one of your first concerns is most likely the potential cost. But there is generally an affordable way to get the help you need, especially if you’re looking for a Social Security attorney.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the costs and fees of a Social Security attorney:

Hiring Fee-Free

First, how much do you need to pay your attorney right away? In the case of Social Security disability lawyers, the answer is usually nothing. The fee will generally be paid entirely out of payments you will receive should you win your case, so there is often no immediate payment to hire a Social Security attorney.

Contingency Fee

When you hire your Social Security attorney, you will sign a contingency fee agreement. This agreement will entitle your attorney to an amount of up to, but no more than, 25% of past-due benefits you are awarded. So if you win, your attorney’s base fee will be taken directly out of the amount of money you are already owed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA will have the task of making sure that the agreement falls within guidelines and protocols, which helps to ensure that your attorney receives what they are entitled to, but no more than that. So in addition to protecting your attorney, this agreement also helps to protect you.

Other Costs

Despite the fact that much of your attorney’s costs will be paid for out of the disability benefits you are awarded, there may sometimes be other costs that you’ll have to pay for, so it is a good idea to be fully aware of these from the start.

If your attorney needs to see any medical, school, or work records, for instance, then you have to produce these—and if there’s a price to have them sent, you will be responsible for that cost. Similarly, you will have to pay for things like copying and postage for those documents, if necessary.

It’s always good to get a sense of what costs your specific case is likely to have before the case starts, so make sure you ask your attorney what other costs might arise that you would be responsible for.

How Disability Benefits Are Determined

When you have been successfully approved for Social Security benefits, the SSA will have the responsibility of fully calculating the total amount of benefits that you are owed, including any back pay.

This will usually go back to the date that your disability began, so in some cases this could add up to a large sum of money. Or, it might be calculated from the date you were approved for benefits, back to the month after you applied for benefits. This is when the contingency fee will be taken out and paid to your attorney by the SSA, and then you will receive the rest.

What You Can Expect Your Social Security Attorney To Do

A Social Security attorney can argue your case for you, working out the reasons you are owed Social Security pay and benefits and compiling the evidence to prove your claim or appeal an unfair denial.

At the Law Offices of William M. Kuntz, we operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay any up-front fees—you only pay us if you win. With the help of an experienced Social Security attorney, you are much more likely to bring your case to a successful resolution and receive the compensation you deserve.

Who Qualifies for SSI?

Modern societies can do an excellent job of giving their citizens the tools they need to create a comfortable life. While most people have the means to look after themselves, not everyone is able to cover the costs of living on their own, but this group is still looked after. SSI plays a large role in this across many states, including California, providing a lifeline for those who need it most. But what exactly is SSI? And how can you tell if you qualify? Here’s what you need to know about SSI:

What Is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and is a federal program that is designed to help people with finances when they are disabled under the Social Security guidelines and do not qualify for their own Social Security benefits. Part of this money is contributed by the federal government, along with a supplement from the state you live in. Payments are made each month, but there are strict requirements which dictate who can claim SSI, limiting the number of people who can access it.

Who Is SSI For?

As stated, SSI isn’t handed out to everyone, and there are strict requirements for those who would like to claim it. To start, SSI is designed to help those over the age of 65, disabled, or otherwise unable to work for other reasons out of their control. This ensures that only those who need SSI the most are able to receive it, though this is just the start. You need to be a legal US citizen who has little to no income or financial resources. The value of your possessions will be assessed to make sure that you don’t own a lot which could be sold, though they usually won’t consider your home or your car when they do this. The value of the things you own should be less than $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for married couples. This service is heavily regulated to make sure that people aren’t able to take advantage or claim benefits that they don’t need.

What Does SSI Offer?

The government works hard to be able to provide as much as possible to those in need of SSI in accordance with the limitations mentioned above. In 2019, the maximum SSI for an individual living in California is approximately $900 per month. You will find SSI available in all states except Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia.

How Can I Apply for SSI?

Applying for SSI has been made very easy across the US. You don’t have to go to an office and stand in lines for hours—instead you can complete your application online or by phone. You can find the online application on the SSA website, or give them a call at 1-800-772-1213. Most offices will be happy to make an appointment if you’d prefer to go and see them. Once you’ve gone through the application process, you will be contacted by a local social security office, and you will be taken through the next steps. Not every application is successful, and you may have to make an appeal if you aren’t accepted the first time around.

How Can a Social Security Attorney Help?

Here at the Law Offices of William M. Kuntz, a Social Security Attorney in California, we’ve got a lot of experience working with SSI appeals, along with helping countless applicants to file their initial application. This experience has given us a unique insight into this field. We take an aggressive and effective approach with each of our cases. If you’re looking for help to file your SSI claim or appeal a denied claim, give our office a call at 951-373-3404. Our dedicated and friendly team will be happy to help with whatever you need, providing you with the quality results we’ve built a reputation on. All of our SSI services operate on a no win no fee basis.

How to File for SSDI in California

When you’re in need of aid, it’s important that you seek it. Social security is a wonderful resource that helps many keep up with their cost of living requirements while temporarily or continually disadvantaged.

Any taxpayer is, by definition, entitled to rely on the system when they need it. This is true for citizens who have an injury, illness or harmful life event translates to a temporary or long-term disability. In this case, you should look into applying for Social Security Disability Insurance.

What Is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a monthly cash benefit given to those unable to work due to a long term disability lasting over one year. Note that it is not to be confused with State Disability Insurance (SDI). SSDI is a federal cash benefit, while SDI is a California state benefit.

The difference between them is that SSDI is for those impeded by long-term disabilities expected to prevent employment for over a year or until the end of life. Comparatively, State Disability Insurance is aimed at those with only one year or less of expected inability to work due to disability. However, those currently enrolled for SDI can eventually transition to SSDI support should needs change.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance as a Medicare-associated federal program is for those under 65 who have worked, paid taxes, and now need to rely on a federally given monthly cash payment. There are two major requirements you need to qualify for in order to be considered for this:

You need to prove prior working history and tax contributions. SSA will determine if you’ve worked long enough up to that point. SSDI is an insurance program meaning that you needn’t have to prove financial hardship to qualify.

The Social Security Administration must verify that you are disabled, as evidenced by the medical reports assigned by your physician.

Without these two basic necessities, you may not qualify for SSDI. However, if you are under the age of 19, it could be that your familial tax contributions can qualify for child benefits instead. Additionally, you may also apply if a spouse qualifies or had qualified for SSDI through a prior verified arrangement.

SSA will be sure to assess your means, the severity of your illness, verify your medical records and use your prior working history to come to a decision. They take each and every case on its individual merit.

How Can I Apply?

If diagnosed with a disability that leaves you unable to work, it’s important to file for SSDI as soon as you can. Doing so will help with the validity of your application. You can apply online via the Social Security Administration’s website, or call via their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. Those with hearing difficulties may also call through TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Remember to hold proof of your social security number and age. You will also need to give your name, address, your physician’s contact information, and information relating to your recent hospital visits or healthcare appointments.

You will need to list the medication you may be taking as well as give proof of medical records. Not only that, but holding a comprehensive list of your employment history as well as contact information will be important, and this includes a W-2 or copy of your prior tax returns.

What Additional Benefits Are There?

Those receiving SSDI payments for over two years can be eligible for Medicare, usually being enrolled in the program automatically. This entitles you to the insurance you need, which can be a true relief for those seeking long term care.

Perhaps the most positive outcome of those relying on SSDI is for them to heal and once again become eligible for employment, you can attempt to return to work without losing your payments. This is provided you earn less than a defined amount, usually less than $1,220, although this number does fluctuate over the years. This provides a necessary transition period for those hoping to get back on their feet. Although, be aware, that any attempt to work can also demonstrate that you are no longer disabled. Thus, any decision to attempt to return to work must be very carefully considered.

Getting Help from a Social Security Attorney

Additionally, it is important to know that when making your application you are able to provide and verify all qualifying materials. Legal counsel from a social security attorney can help assist you with filing an application, especially if your claim is denied and you need help preparing an appeal.

If you need assistance filing for SSDI or have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, call the Law Offices of William M. Kuntz.

File for Disability in Victorville, CA

The best way to file for a Social Security disability claim is to visit the nearest Social Security office in your area and file the claim in person. You may have to wait for a few hours before someone can see you to receive your claim.

If you are unsure if you qualify or need help filing a disability claim, the leading Social Security Attorney in Victorville, CA, William Kuntz, may be able to help you file and win your claim. If he isn’t able to help you, he will not charge you any fees.

So, to get started, begin the application process or call Kuntz now.

In Victorville, the Social Security office is located at:

SOCIAL SECURITY
13955 PARK AVE
VICTORVILLE, CA 92392

If you are unable to visit your local Social Security office, you may also file your claim over the telephone at 1(800) 772-1213 or online.

Contact Us

Call Our Offices:

Riverside

Victorville

San Bernardino

Send us an Email:

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Latest News

The Reasons You Were Denied Social Security Benefits

How Much Does It Cost for a Social Security Attorney?

Who Qualifies for SSI?

How to File for SSDI in California

File for Disability in Victorville, CA

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Riverside

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