Florida Disability Lawyer

Navigating the Social Security system is not easy. If you are unable to work due to a health condition, a Florida disability lawyer at Chermol & Fishman, LLC can help. We provide legal assistance with disability claims, helping our clients through the benefits process. From claim evaluation to claim approval, an experienced attorney is with you each step of the way.

Social Security Disability attorneys in Florida play a crucial role in helping individuals with their disability cases. An experienced lawyer offers legal knowledge and guidance to accurately and efficiently complete the application process. We ensure that all required medical documentation is gathered and presented effectively, in addition to protecting your legal rights.

Contact our disability attorney now for a free consultation.

Understanding the SSDI program in Florida

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program that provides long-term support for millions of Americans who can no longer engage in gainful work due to the impact of a qualifying disability.

SSDI offers monetary benefits to U.S. workers suffering from disabling conditions that prevent them from earning a living. Workers who have experienced a disabling illness or injury and are unable to return to their jobs may be eligible to receive monthly benefits to cover their basic expenses.

Florida Disability Benefits: SSDI vs SSI

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two benefits programs: SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Like SSDI, SSI provides monetary benefits to certain disabled people based on their financial needs. 

SSDI benefit payments are based on your prior income. SSI monthly benefits are capped, with a maximum of $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2024.

To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must meet a certain number of work credits. SSI does not have this requirement. Rather, SSI eligibility is based on age/disability and financial resources. Additionally, there is no waiting period for SSI benefits. You must wait at least 5 months from the date of disability to receive SSDI.

Your Florida disability lawyer can help you understand your eligibility and which program will best meet your needs.

Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability in Florida

To be eligible for SSDI you must meet both the work credit and disability requirements. Your disability must render you unable to perform your previous job and other types of work. You will need medical evidence of your condition. Once you determine that you have a qualifying condition, you will need to determine if you have an adequate work history.

Those seeking disability support through the SSDI program, will need to have a sufficient number of work credits based on their age. Work credits are calculated based on annual wages or self-employment income. You can obtain a maximum of 4 work credits per year.

Based on your age you will need the following work credits:

• Ages 21 to 24: Must have accumulated six credits in the preceding three years.
• Ages 24 to 31: Must have credits equal to the amount earned during half of the time they have worked since age 21.
• Ages 32 to 42: Must have earned twenty credits over the past 10 years.
• Age 43 and Older: Must have earned between 22 to 40 credits, depending on their age with twenty of those credits earned during the preceding 10 years.

A Florida SSD attorney at Chermol & Fishman, LLC can assess your eligibility, streamlining the claim process, and helping you get the benefits you need.

How To Apply For Disability Benefits in Florida

Accurate and comprehensive documentation is critical to SSD claims. You will need to gather the appropriate information, medical records, and paperwork in order to file a complete application.

Filing for SSDI benefits involves a series of steps, including:

• Disability Evaluation: The first step is determining whether your disability is a qualifying condition. Your SSDI lawyer can assess your situation, helping you understand whether you qualify.

• Work History: You will need to meet the work credit requirements for your age group.

• Initial Application: You can start your application online on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or by visiting a local SSA office. You will need to provide all necessary documentation of your disability and work history. A disability lawyer can help you with your application and gathering essential documents.

• Review and Evaluation: Your application will be reviewed by the Florida Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, a state agency working in conjunction with the SSA.

• Medical Evaluation: The SSA may request that you have an examination or interviews with medical professionals as part of the evaluation process.

• Decision: You will receive a letter from the SSA notifying you of their decision regarding your disability claim. If your claim is approved, you will receive information about your benefit amount and payment schedule. If your claim is denied, you have options.

• Appeals: If your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. Your Florida claims benefits appeals include a reconsideration, hearing, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review if necessary.

  If you need appeals representation, contact our experienced appeals lawyer. We can help you navigate the appeal process and evaluate the reason for your disability denial.

• Continuing Eligibility: If your claim is approved, you must continue to meet the SSA’s disability criteria. They may periodically review your case to ensure you still qualify for benefits.

If you need benefits assistance, do not hesitate to contact our Social Security lawyer. We are here to provide you with legal help so you can get the SSD benefits you need.

What Should I Do If My Disability Claim is Denied?

A disability denial can be a frustrating experience. It’s important to understand why the SSA denied your claim and your disability rights. Don’t be afraid to seek clarification. Getting legal advice may also be crucial at this point.

If your claim was denied, our social security lawyers in Florida are here to help. They can assess the reason your claim was denied, creating a plan to strategically address the SSA’s concerns. You don’t need to navigate a disability appeal alone.

When Should I Hire a Florida Disability Attorney?

Having disability representation significantly improves your chances of disability approval. It’s essential to hire a Florida disability attorney as soon as possible. Having legal representation early on can help you avoid common mistakes on your benefits application that may cause denials or delays.

Lawyer assistance can also provide you with peace of mind. Our SSD attorney will handle the paperwork and communicating with the SSA, so you can adjust to a major change in your life.

In the event of a claim denial, your benefits lawyer will help you file an appeal and represent you at your disability hearing. Appeals can be complex. Our Florida attorney will help you navigate the four-step appeals process, providing you with advice and a benefits strategy.

What Disabilities Does a Florida Disability Lawyer Handle?

A Florida disability attorney can help you assess whether your condition qualifies for disability benefits. At Chermol & Fishman, LLC, we provide legal assistance for various conditions, including:

• Chronic fatigue

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Schizophrenia

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Herniated Discs

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Lupus

• ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Our Social Security disability attorneys in Florida are here to help you apply for disability benefits. Contact us now for a free evaluation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Disability Lawyer in Florida?

We understand that cost is a concern when you are already struggling. The SSA caps the amount of fees that a disability claims lawyer can charge. Therefore, disability lawyers in Florida are paid based on the amount of benefits you receive.

As of April 2024, the fee is capped at $7,200 or 25% of the amount of back pay you receive, whichever is less. For example, if you receive $10,000 in back pay, you would pay $2,500.

Moreover, at Chermol & Fishman, LLC, we never request reimbursement costs from veterans or individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Why Do You Need a Disability Lawyer in Florida?

Disability claims can be challenging. The assistance of an experienced disability lawyer in Florida can be immeasurable. The team at Chermol & Fishman, LLC stands ready to be your disability advocate.

We provide a wide range of legal support, helping you confidently navigate the claims process from beginning to end. Our team will help you:

• Complete your application
• Gather required documents
• Submit your completed application and supporting documentation
• Handle communications with the SSA
• Appeal a benefits denial

Our seasoned Florida disability lawyer is here to help you every step of the way. Providing you with peace of mind during this critical time.

How Can I Schedule a Consultation With a Florida Disability Lawyer?

If you are unable to work due to a disabling condition, the Florida legal team at Chermol & Fishman, LLC is here to help. We can help you navigate the Florida benefits process and understand your eligibility for SSDI or SSI.

Our lawyers know the system inside and out. Schedule a consultation online or call us at 1-888-774-7243 for a free evaluation.