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One of the most important factors in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) disability determination is whether your statements are consistent. This is precisely why you should consult with a Florida disability lawyer prior to filing your claim and getting adequate help to prepare your application. The disability examiner will evaluate the consistency of your statements in describing your pain and other symptoms in your application for benefits, to your doctors, and to anyone else you speak with. If the disability examiner finds any inconsistent statements, it will be a red flag that you are being untruthful about your medical impairment and/or the extent of your pain and symptoms. As such, your Florida disability lawyer will advise you to be honest…Read More
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, one of the preliminary factors that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers in determining whether you are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits is whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity. To determine substantial gainful activity, the SSA evaluates the claimant’s wages and the nature of his or her medical condition. An Ocala, Florida Social Security attorney will help you determine whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity. What Is Substantial Gainful Activity? Substantial gainful activity is determined by how much the claimant is earning per month while applying for Social Security disability benefits. As of 2013, if a claimant earns more than $1,040 in a month, he or…Read More
Social Security disability lawyers see it too often: People applying for Social Security disability benefits fail to appeal when they are turned down. Ocala, FL Did you know that most people do not appeal their initial denial of benefits? That is a costly oversight that attorneys don’t want you to make. When your application is denied, you have the right to request a hearing and take it to the next step in the process. Here is a second, major flub that some disability claimants make: failing to seek appropriate medical care. People just give up sometimes and don’t feel doctors can help them anymore. This is particularly true of those who are chronically ill or permanently injured. They feel helpless…Read More
Ocala, FL disability attorneys understand that applicants sometimes miss important deadlines. Did you know that you have just 60 days to appeal a denial of disability benefits? If you miss that deadline, unfortunately, you will need to complete an all-new application. In addition, that time lag can cost you in back benefits. When applying for government programs, the time to act is now. The sooner you apply and, if needed, appeal any benefits determination, the faster your case will work its way through the red tape. About the appeals process The first step in preparing your appeal is to carefully read your denial letter (Notice of Decision). You will see that the first level of appeal is known as a…Read More
An important factor in the Social Security disability claims process is the claimant’s credibility in front of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability examiner. To remain a credible claimant, it is highly advised that you hire an experienced attorney from a reputable Ocala Social Security disability appeal law firm to advise you and guide you through the disability claims process. The first step in the Social Security disability determination process is for the SSA examiner to establish that you have a medically determinable impairment that is associated with certain symptoms. Once this is established, the examiner will then need to examine the intensity and persistence of the symptoms to see whether they affect your ability to be gainfully employed. In…Read More
In order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether you are able to work, it needs to first determine what you are still able to do given the limitations of your disability. This is known as your residual functional capacity, or RFC. Your Ocala, Florida Social Security appeal attorney can provide you with more information about RFC and how it will affect your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. What Is an RFC Evaluation? RFC is an evaluation of your remaining ability to perform tasks at work, considering all of the limitations of your physical or mental impairment. The simplest way to think about this is: how much you can do, and for how long, now that you…Read More
If you applied for Social Security disability benefits and lost your case, you may feel like giving up. However, an experienced Florida disability appeal attorney can help you take the steps you need to reapply and pursue an appeal. Application and Appeal Options The traditional way to apply for Social Security benefits is in person.However, many applicants and feel that applying online or by telephone is more convenient. Applying in Person Your Florida disability appeal attorney can advise you that an applicant who wants to apply in person must call (800) 772-1213 to schedule an appointment to meet with a Social Security Administration representative. The representative can advise callers about appointment availability and the application process (including necessary documents and…Read More
Some individuals do not meet theexertional limitations—which include the ability to sit, stand and walk—outlined in the Vocational Guidelines established by the Social Security Administration (SSA)to qualify them for Social Security disability benefits. In such cases, yourSocial Security attorney in Ocala, Florida will need to prove to the SSA that you still qualify for disability benefits based on your non-exertional limitations. What Are Non-Exertional Limitations? The SSA defines non-exertional limitations as those restrictions that will limit the individual’s capacity to meet the “non-strength” demands of jobs. These are all physical limitations and restrictions that are set forth in exertional limitations under the Vocational Guidelines, also known as the “the grid.” Examples of non-exertional limitations include: - Postural limitations - Visual…Read More
Even if you suffer from a disability that prevents you from working, you do not automatically qualify to receive disability benefits. A Florida Social Security disability law firm can help you determine your eligibility for disability benefits based upon the following questions and criteria. How Many Jobs Can You Perform? If you cannot reasonably perform any jobs at all, even simple tasks, you must clearly prove your inability to work to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration does not make the process easy, and there is a good chance that it will reject your claim. However, if you hire an accomplished Florida Social Security disability law firm, your attorneys will appeal the ruling and increase your chances of…Read More
There are certain factors that the Social Security Administration (SSA) must consider to determine whether you should be awarded Social Security disability benefits for your physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working. Your Ocala Social Security disability attorney will help you provide the necessary information the SSA is looking for in considering these factors. Limitations on Mobility One of the most important factors that affect the SSA’s disability determination is your limitation on mobility. The SSA examiner will look at various aspects of mobility and determine how they affect the claimant’s ability to be gainfully employed. - Need to walk around – may be a disabling limitation depending on the frequency and duration of the need to walk.…Read More