At CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that disability can affect every aspect of your life. We also believe that social security is a human right. You should not face financial ruin or the inability to provide for yourself for reasons that are outside of your control.
If you or a loved one are disabled and are navigating the social security claims process for the first time, or if you are dealing with a new issue in connection with your disability claim, our legal team is here to help. We have worked with individuals and families in Orlando for over 25 years, and are pleased to continue our practice and benefit our community through honesty and excellence.
If you have been recently disabled in Orlando, FL, you are likely to have many questions and concerns about your future. While there are many options available to people with disabilities in Orlando, it can be overwhelming to try and parse through different programs or make decisions about any one of them when you are unsure of how they may affect your future.
It’s never too late or too early to speak with a social security disability lawyer. We know, because the legal team at CJ Henry Law Firm has provided assistance to hundreds of people at many stages throughout their claims. Speaking with an attorney is the fastest and easiest way to gain accurate insight to claims processes as you navigate your social security disability benefits.
Many people work to file their social security disability (SSD) claim on their own without the help of an attorney. While that is perfectly normal, it’s important to know that it can be incredibly helpful to consult with an accomplished disability lawyer as your first step. SSD lawyers are widely knowledgeable about the many options available to you and the specifics of each program.
While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is only granted to current and former workers with disabilities (or their disabled family members) it is not the only disability program available. If you have never worked, or have not paid into the Social Security system in the last five years, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI is a federal program that provides basic financial assistance to individuals who have limited access to income and other resources. Anyone who is not able to hold a full-time position due to their disability, in addition to elderly people and children with disabilities, may be eligible for financial assistance through this program.
SSDI and SSI are the two most common social security disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
SSDI is a financial support program for people with disabilities who have a qualifying employment history, or are able to qualify through the work credits of a spouse or parent. People with disabilities who qualify for SSDI are automatically eligible for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments.
SSI eligibility is determined by a person’s age and disability status, in addition to factors such as their income and access to resources. It provides basic financial help to elder adults and people with disabilities with limited means. People who are able to qualify for SSI in Florida are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage.
The process of filing for social security disability benefits can be a complicated process. When dealing with the emotional toll of navigating your personal health concerns, the last thing many people want to do is consider their finances or the application process for SSD, which can be incredibly stressful. Knowing the requirements is key to securing social aid.
When you apply for social security disability in Orlando, you are submitting to a process by which you must document your disability in a manner that meets federal requirements.
There are two main components to SSDI eligibility, both relating to your work history: Have you worked enough (paid into social security tax enough) to apply for social security disability? Have you worked for at least five out of the last ten years?
The amount of work credit (or work quarters, as it’s referred to by the Social Security Administration) you need to have in order to qualify for SSDI benefits is dependent on your age. This means that the older you are, the more work quarters you need to have in order to have “paid into” the system you are now seeking benefit from. The basic rule is that if you have paid into SS for the majority of your life, you will very likely have enough credit. If you have worked under the table or have not been employed, you will have no history of work quarters or SS tax payments. This would render you ineligible for the program.
Have you worked for a total of at least five out of the last ten years? Bear in mind, you don’t need to have worked these five years consecutively. If you have worked, but stopped working at a point in the past for any reason, and do not have five years worth of work history within the past decade, you will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
The top reason these cases get denied has to do with medical issues. This is in reference to the fact that you need to have medical evidence that will show what your disability is. In addition, your medical records must show that your health conditions are critically disabling, rendering it impossible for you to hold any position you have had in the past, or any job at all.
It is very common for medical records to show diagnosis and treatment of any number of diseases or conditions. However, whether or not these records plainly indicate that the symptoms of these diseases are so severe as to impair your work ability is the determining factor, above any other. This strict standard is the crux of many SSDI claim issues.
To speak with an SSDI Disability Attorney today, contact CJ Henry Law Firm, PLLC for a consultation. Our legal team is highly experienced in handling SSDI claims and can provide clarity and understanding on any questions you may have about social security disability issues.