Florida Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney
Florida is a coastal state located in the southeastern United States. Florida shares borders with Alabama, Georgia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida has a population of over 21 million and is the third most populous state. Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida, and the most populous city is Jacksonville. The most highly populated areas in Florida include Miami, Tampa Bay, and Orlando. With a $1.0 trillion economy, many business owners have moved to Florida. Florida is also a popular retirement location due to its mild, sunny weather and relatively low cost of living.
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Do You Have a Disability and Live in Florida?
Additionally, one out of every five Florida residents receives Social Security benefits. In the United States, over 56 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and over four million of these recipients reside in Florida. Approximately 70 percent of recipients of Florida Social Security benefits are retirees. Other recipients include surviving spouses, people with disabilities, and children.
If you or your loved one have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to work, you may have a right to monthly cash benefits from the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration provides two different disability benefits programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The Benefits of Speaking with a Florida Social Security Lawyer
The process of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits is complicated and daunting. If you cannot work due to a medical condition or disability, the best thing you can do is speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. At Disability Advocates Group, we focus our entire legal practice on helping our clients recover the Social Security benefits they deserve.
We guide our clients through the entire process of obtaining benefits, from the application process through the appeals process, when necessary. Our clients feel a sense of relief when we take over managing the application process for them. We will ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application. Should the Social Security Administration deny your application, we will file an appeal on your behalf.
The Difference Between SSI and SSDI Benefits
Both the SSDI and SSI benefit programs provide disabled recipients with cash benefits, but the eligibility requirements are different. SSI benefits are means-tested, and when an applicant earns too much or owns too many assets, he or she will not qualify. SSI benefits are only available to individuals with low incomes who have never worked or haven’t earned enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits.
On the other hand, SSDI benefits are available for applicants who have earned enough work credits. SSDI applicants must show that they’ve paid enough into the Social Security trust in the form of FICA Social Security taxes through their paycheck contributions. SSDI applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 65 and must prove that they have a qualifying disability or medical condition. A disabled individual’s spouse and minor dependents are also entitled to partial dependent benefits, known as auxiliary benefits.
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
SSDI applicants must prove that their medical condition or disability prevents them from performing any work which they’ve previously performed. The applicant must also prove that he or she cannot work in any other job or industry for which you could reasonably be trained given their age, education, and degree of mental and physical fitness. Most applicants will need to prove that they worked and paid into the Social Security system for at least five out of the last ten years, especially for applicants under 50.
Applying for SSDI Benefits
Applicants should apply for SSDI benefits as soon as they discover that they have a long-term disability. Applicants will need to prove that their medical doctors expect their medical condition or disability to last at least one year or end in death. At Disability Advocates Group, we will ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted properly.
Appealing an SSDI or SSI Denial
The Social Security Administration denies most first-time SSDI and SSI applications. If the Social Security Administration has denied your claim, you are not alone. However, you must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial. Should you fail to file a notice of appeal, you will lose the opportunity to appeal the denial.
In many cases, the Social Security Administration denies benefits when the application is incomplete or inaccurate. Nearly half of all SSDI and SSI denials are technical denials due to the applicant’s failure to meet the legal or financial requirements. At Disability Advocates Group, we will review the reason for your SSDI denial and assist you in appealing your denial.
Contact an Experienced Florida SSDI/SSI Lawyer Today
Applying for SSDI and SSI benefits is difficult, and you should not go through the process alone. At Disability Advocates Group, we have helped many clients successfully obtain the SSDI and SSI benefits they deserve. We will carefully review your financial situation, medical records, education, past work experience, and medical history to better understand how your disability affects you. Our team will assist you to complete your SSDI or SSI application, providing you with the best chance to qualify for benefits. Contact our Florida law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.