Disability help for anyone in Florida

Who can get disability benefits

If you are unable to work due to a physical or mental medical condition that is expected to last at least a year, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To determine your eligibility, the Social Security Administration evaluates every claim using a standard five-step process:

1. Are you currently working?

   If your earnings exceed Social Security's monthly limit, your claim will typically be denied, though some part-time work below the limit is permitted.

2. Is your condition severe?

   Your condition must significantly limit basic work activities, such as standing, lifting, remembering, or concentrating, and be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months.

3. Is your condition on the official list of impairments?

   If your condition meets or equals the criteria of a specific impairment on Social Security’s official list, your claim may be approved at this stage.

4. Can you perform your past work?

   Social Security will review your recent employment history to determine if your medical condition prevents you from returning to any of your previous jobs.

5. Can you perform any other type of work?

   Finally, Social Security evaluates your age, education, and skills to see if you can transition to a different line of work. Age is a significant factor here, as the rules are generally more accommodating for workers over 50.

Because many claims hinge on the final two steps, comprehensive medical records and strong supporting opinions from your physicians carry the most weight in the decision.

Understanding SSDI and SSI: A Simplified Guide

If you've been denied

A denial is common, and it can be appealed. What matters most is the date on the letter.

1. Reconsideration

   A different examiner reviews the whole file again, along with any new medical records. This step happens on paper, with no meeting.

2. Hearing before a judge

   If reconsideration is denied, you can ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge. You explain in your own words how your condition affects your days, and your attorney can question any expert who testifies. Hearings are held by video, by phone, or in person.

3. Appeals Council

   If the judge rules against you, the Appeals Council can review the decision for legal or factual mistakes.

How we help

• We take the confusion out of the application process by ensuring the information provided to the SSA is relevant to your claim.
• We monitor your claim through each step to ensure that the SSA is up to date with your provider information as the claim progresses.
• We guide you through completing forms that SSA will mail you regarding your specific conditions, work history and activities of daily living.
• We provide forms and medical statements created by our office that your doctors can complete highlighting your medical conditions and boosting your claim with the SSA.
• We file all the appropriate documents needed in your appeals process.
• We communicate directly with the SSA on your behalf and offer you guidance should the SSA need to speak with you about your claim.
• If your case requires a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge we ensure all of the filings are correct, collect any outstanding medical records and verify your file is complete prior to hearing.
• We provide experienced guidance in preparing for the hearing so you understand the process and what to expect.

Our office is in Clearwater, and we help people in every part of Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys. We can handle your claim by phone, mail, and video call, so you don't need to travel to see us.

Recent disability results

Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the outcome of your case; results depend on the unique facts and legal circumstances of each matter.