Social Security disability provides income for people whose physical or mental health condition prevents them from working and earning a living. If you are unable to work for at least 12 months because of a disabling condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most initial applications. If you are considering filing for disability benefits or if the SSA has denied your claim, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. A Social Security disability lawyer in Palm Bay, FL may be able to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Call 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida
No one plans for a disability, but it can happen to anyone at any time.
The Application Process Is Complicated
Filing a Social Security disability claim is not a simple process. SSA expects you to provide ample evidence of a disability. Millions file for disability benefits each year, and the SSA denies many deserving people. This can be frustrating, but a denial of an initial claim or a reconsideration is common.
We Can File a Strong Appeal on Your Behalf
When this happens, you can request a reconsideration of your claim. If the SSA upholds its decision, we can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Your chances of obtaining disability benefits can be stronger at this stage of the process, but it can take several months or even years to get a hearing date.
The judge will look at all the evidence in your case including medical records and letters from doctors. They will ask you questions about your condition. It may be in your best interest to have a Social Security disability lawyer to speak for you and guide you through the process.
Even if the judge upholds the denial of your claim, you have the option to request a review by the Appeals Council. Our team can help, regardless of where you are in the process.
Social Security Disability Eligibility Requirements
There are two different programs available to those unable to work due to a disabling medical condition.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain length of time. You must have a specific amount of work credits to qualify. The required credits depend on your age.
You must also show that your condition has prevented (or will prevent) you from obtaining substantial gainful activity (i.e., making over the SSA’s limit for the year) for 12 months or longer.
SSA has strict standards for determining whether your condition meets the criteria. It will consider your medical history, test results, doctors’ notes, and any relevant medical evidence before approving or denying your claim. It will consider the following to determine your inability to work:
- Your age
- Education
- Transferrable skills
- If you can do the same work as before
- If you can do other types of work
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that provides income for blind, disabled, or elderly individuals with limited income and limited assets. With SSI, the same standards for disability apply, but you must prove you have limited means or assets to qualify for the program.
Unlike SSDI, you may be eligible for SSI even if you have never had a job or paid taxes. If you think you may qualify for SSI, you should speak to a Social Security disability lawyer who thoroughly understands the SSA disability rules and requirements.
Our Social Security disability lawyers in Palm Bay, FL have helped many people get the disability benefits they deserve. Let us handle all the red tape and get to work for you. Call our team at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
You Have a Limited Time to File an Appeal
Time is a factor. If you disagree with SSA’s decision or you receive a denial, you must file an appeal within 60 days. If you fail to do so, you lose your right to appeal and must begin the application process again.
If you would like help with the claims or appeals process, contact a Social Security disability attorney in Palm Bay, FL. We would love to speak with you about your claim.
Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Palm Bay, FL
Filing for Social Security disability is a complicated process. It is time consuming and requires thorough documentation to prove your disability. SSA denies most initial claims leaving many deserving people without the benefits they need.
For this reason, having a Social Security disability lawyer to help you through the process can be very important.
Whether you are considering filing for disability for the first time or you are choosing to appeal your denial, we can take a look at your claim and discuss the next best steps. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine today at 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
