Tarpon Springs SSDI Lawyer
Disability affects Americans of all ages, occupations, and economic backgrounds. Twenty percent of Americans live with some form of disability—more than half of whom suffer from severe disability. Disability can take many forms, including injury, chronic disease, and mental illness.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an entitlement program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is a federal governmental agency. SSDI is funded by payroll contributions of workers and their employers.
A person who becomes disabled may qualify for SSDI benefits based on the amount they earned during covered employment. However, not all people who are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits actually do.
If you or a member of your family is disabled, a Tarpon Springs SSDI lawyer can help determine whether you should be receiving SSDI benefits. Get in touch with a tenacious personal injury lawyer who can fight for you.
Disabilities Covered by SSDI
There are many categories of disability which may trigger eligibility for social security disability benefits. Some of these categories include:
- Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders such as HIV and lupus
- Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders such as spinal injuries and degenerative disc disease
- Neurological problems such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis
- Respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic pulmonary insufficiency
Facts About SSDI
The SSDI program provides disability benefits not only to workers themselves but also to workers’ spouses and dependents, including disabled adult children. Generally, in order to qualify for SSDI benefits, one’s disability must be expected to last for one year or to result in death.
In some cases, an SSDI beneficiary who is able to begin working again may continue to receive SSDI benefits until the beneficiary’s income exceeds the applicable limit.
In Florida, workers and their families receive an estimated total of $8.4 billion in SSDI benefits annually. Low-income SSDI beneficiaries may also be eligible to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if they qualify.
Navigating the Application Process
If someone is unable to work due to a serious injury or chronic illness, they may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits which can help them pay their bills during a difficult time.
The SSDI application process can be difficult and complex. The majority of SSDI applicants are denied disability benefits during the initial application process. Hiring a Tarpon Springs SSDI lawyer can increase the chances that a person’s disability claim will be approved.
A lawyer can help evaluate the strength of an SSDI application in the initial stages of a claim and advocate for the claimant throughout the entire appeal process.
SSDI Denials
Sometimes a disabled worker’s claim for SSDI benefits is denied, at which point the claimant has 60 days to file an appeal. The appeal process sometimes involves a hearing before an SSA Administrative Law Judge. Some appeals continue on to the Appeals Council and even the federal courts.
SSDI lawyers in Tarpon Springs are familiar with Florida’s Administrative Law Judges and may have insight on the best way to present their clients’ cases. A good SSDI lawyer will fight tirelessly for their client beginning at the initial application phase, and continuing all the way through any appeals at the higher courts.
Contact a Tarpon Springs SSDI Attorney Today
If you would like more information about how a Tarpon Springs SSDI lawyer can help you and your family, contact an attorney today.