Kissimmee Social Security Disability Attorney
The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a helping hand to those who are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Without this help, many people would fall into poverty and be unable to support themselves.
The main program providing benefits is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which most people pay into while they are working. Take out your pay stub and check to see deductions for Social Security tax—these are taxes you are paying into the system. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is another program that provides means-tested benefits to those with few assets and a limited income.
Obtaining the benefits you are entitled to is difficult. Fortunately, a Kissimmee Social Security Disability attorney can help.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
This is the main benefits program for those with a disability that is expected to last at least a year or end in your death. It must also prevent you from performing gainful employment.
Only workers with a sufficient work history will qualify. You must have paid into the Social Security system for many years, depending on your age, and your work experience must be recent. Fortunately, SSDI is not means tested, so you can have as many assets as you want.
The application process is confusing, and it might not be obvious whether you qualify. Younger workers, in particular, need fewer work credits but their employment history must still be recent. Contact a Kissimmee SSD attorney today to review whether you can obtain benefits.
Supplemental Security Insurance
Many people who receive SSDI might also qualify for SSI. However, this program is means tested. You must have limited income and resources and be disabled or blind. You can apply for SSI at the same time you apply for SSDI. If you qualify, you can receive a monthly check to help you pay for your basic needs.
How Our Law Office Can Help
In our experience, many applicants are denied because the government doesn’t believe their disability is serious enough. Probably 6 out of 10 have their initial application rejected, but applicants can appeal any denial—sometimes more than once.
Let us help. Proving an injury or illness is serious requires that you gather sufficient evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Test results
- Witness statements
- Physician opinions
It takes time and legal know-how to gather everything and present it in a coherent fashion. Many Floridians do not receive benefits until they present their case to an administrative law judge, which can be intimidating if you have never handled an administrative hearing before.
Social Security Disability is Not Workers’ Comp
Florida’s workers’ compensation system pays out benefits to those injured on the job. If a heavy object falls on you or if you get carpal tunnel syndrome from your job, then you can make a workers’ comp claim.
SSDI is broader, however. Your illness or injury does not need to be connected to a job. You can be injured out on a boat or through toxic exposure outside the workplace Some people qualify for both benefits, but they are distinct.
Want to Learn More? Contact a Kissimmee Social Security Disability Attorney
The Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A. has assisted many applicants get the benefits they need to thrive. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
