What happens when you become injured or develop a chronic illness that leaves you unable to earn a living?   How will you pay your mortgage, feed your family, and handle your medical expenses?

Individuals with a disability find themselves in situations like this every day.  Such difficulties are often why they apply for federal or state disability benefits.  These programs provide a monthly income for those unable to secure one because of medical problems.

How We Can Help

The Law Offices of Laurence F. Padway can assist you in obtaining the following benefits:

• Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB): You may be entitled to DIB if you are unable to perform what is considered substantial work (or work that earns more than $900 a month), and have a disabling condition expected to exist for at least one year.  In addition, you must also have a sufficient earning history and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) contributions.  The benefit amount is then based on your earning history and contributions made to the FICA program.

• Disabled Widows or Widowers Benefits (DWB): You may be able to receive disability income based on the Social Security eligibility of your spouse or former spouse if you are a disabled widow or widower aged 50 or older.  You must provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, as well as the death certificate of your spouse or former spouse in order to be considered for DWB.

• Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC): You may apply for DAC if you are a disabled adult child of deceased or disabled parents.  You must demonstrate certain criteria in order to secure benefits, including the following:

• A physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial work
• A disabling condition that existed, or is expected to exist, for at least one year
• Proof that you did not work and make substantial earnings for an extended period after turning 22 years old

• Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits.  Were you classified as disabled and deemed entitled to Social Security disability benefits?  Did you qualify for DIB, DAC, or DWB payments?  If so, you may also be eligible for Medicare or Medi-Cal coverage.

Contact Us Regarding Your Disability Benefits

If you have difficulty obtaining disability benefits, we want to help.   Contact the Law Offices of Laurence F. Padway online or at 510-814-6100 to discuss your disability income.  We serve clients throughout Northern California, including Hayward, Fremont, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Contra Costa County.