Social Security Disability Attorneys

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) Benefits are often needed after being off work because of an injury. After an injury, a person is simply less employable and is often overlooked by prospective employers who also have non-disabled applicants.

You should not try to appear at your Social Security Disability hearing alone. You need someone to help you convince the Judge that you are in entitled to SSDI benefits. We can help! If you need help getting your social security disability benefits, call us today at 727-796 - 8282 for a free case consultation or click here to complete our short case review form. We have Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyers in Clearwater, St Petersburg, Tampa, Spring Hill and New Port Richey, FL.

Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSD) Benefits

The following are answers to questions most people ask about applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

How disabled do I have to be in order to be eligible to apply for social security disability benefits?

By law, Social Security has a very strict definition of disability. To be found disabled:

• You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death.

If my doctor says I am disabled, is that good enough to apply for and receive social security disability benefits?

No. You cannot get disability benefits solely because your doctor says you are disabled.

If I have been found disabled by my disability insurance carrier, am I automatically entitled to apply for social security disability benefits?

No. Social Security disability laws are different from most other programs. For example, Social Security does not pay benefits for partial disability.

How long does it take to make a decision?

It typically takes about 3 to 5 months for Social Security to make an initial decision. This depends on how much time it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. However, if your claim is denied and requires a hearing, it takes about 18 months to 2 years to get a hearing date in most situations.

How does social security decide if you are entitled to social security disability benefits?

Social Security will send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions. The state has medical and vocational experts who will contact your doctors and other places where you received treatment to get your medical records. The state agency may ask you to have an examination or medical test. You will not have to pay for any examination or test. If the state does request an examination, make sure you keep the appointment.

Do I need an attorney to help me obtain social security disability benefits?

An attorney is most beneficial at the hearing stage. The attorney will be able to review the medical records and present your claim to the Judge in a fashion to support your entitlement to social security disability benefits.