30+ years of filing and appealing disability claims in Fort Pierce
Are you filing for Social Security Disability benefits in Fort Pierce? Have you been recently denied Social Security Disability in Fort Pierce? At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability lawyers have successfully filed and appealed hundreds of Social Security Disability claims.
Take the first step. Contact our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability law firm today for a free consultation.
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you start the application or appeal process as soon as possible.
How can our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability Attorneys help you
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or appealing a denied claim can be a complex and intimidating process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict criteria and procedures, and many applicants find themselves overwhelmed or frustrated by the system.
This is where our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability lawyers can help. Here are a few of the ways we support clients through the SSD claims process.
We can help you file your initial application: Filing the initial application for Social Security Disability benefits in Fort Pierce involves extensive paperwork and detailed documentation. Our Fort Pierce disability attorneys can help you complete these forms accurately and comprehensively. They will ensure that your application includes all necessary medical evidence and clearly outlines the extent of your disability and how it prevents you from working.
We can help you appeal a denied claim: If your initial application is denied, don’t lose hope. Many applications are denied initially, but a significant number of these denials are overturned on appeal. Our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability attorneys can represent you through each stage of the appeals process, which may include:
Reconsideration: A complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the first decision.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): Our Fort Pierce social security disability attorneys will prepare you for the hearing, present your case, question witnesses, and address any issues raised by the judge.
Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability law firm can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council.
Federal Court Review: If necessary, our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability Law Firm will take your case to federal court to seek a favorable outcome. We have the expertise and resources to prepare a case for trial and feel confident in our abilities to win approval.
We can help expedite processing for severe cases: If your disability is severe or you have a terminal illness, our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability lawyers can request expedited processing of your claim to help you get benefits as fast as possible. We know the urgency of these situations and will do everything in our power to move the claims process as quickly as we can.
We will provide compassionate support and advocacy: Throughout the Social Security Disability benefits process, our attorneys will provide you with compassionate support and advocacy. We will keep you informed of the status of your claim, answer any questions you may have, and provide personalized guidance every step of the way.
Our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability lawyers can be valuable advocates in your quest for disability benefits. From the initial application to navigating the appeals process, their expertise and support can make a significant difference in securing the benefits you need and deserve.
If you’re considering applying for SSD benefits or have been denied, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney in Fort Pierce.
Call us today at (772) 464-4600 for a free consultation to discuss your case, or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.
If your claim is not approved, you do not have to pay for our services.
One of the most common misconceptions is that hiring a disability attorney is unaffordable. However, we only charge a fee if we win your case and your claim is approved.
If you need assistance with applying for Social Security or Veterans’ Disability benefits, or if your application has been denied, contact our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability law firm immediately. Our firm is available 24/7, and you can schedule a free consultation at any time.
We take the stress out of Social Security Disability claims
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are invaluable and critical for many individuals who are unable to work due to a disability or medical condition. These benefits provide essential financial support, stability, and access to necessary resources for individuals who are unable to earn a living through traditional employment.
For many disabled individuals, SSD benefits are their primary or sole source of income, allowing them to cover basic living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, and medical care. Without these benefits, disabled individuals may struggle to meet their basic needs and maintain their health and well-being.
However, applying for Social Security benefits is a complicated and confusing process. In fact, approximately 70 percent of all Social Security applicants are initially denied due to errors in the application process.
That’s where our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability attorneys can help. We take the stress out of the application and appeals process.
We have helped hundreds of Fort Pierce residents get the benefits they need and deserve. We will not give up until you and your family have the compensation you deserve.
The three main types of Social Security Disability programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers three main disability benefits programs. Each one is intended for people in different situations and has different criteria.
Review the types of SSA disability programs available below to ensure you know which one best fits your case.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI is intended for those who have worked long enough to pay into their full Social Security obligation through payroll and income taxes. Applicants must be disabled through a qualifying condition. Their dependents may be eligible for additional auxiliary benefits if they meet the qualifications.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is available for those who have not worked enough to pay off their Social Security contribution, including those who have never worked at all. Applicants must meet strict requirements for maximum monthly income and have less than $2,000 in total assets ($3,000 for married couples).
Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits: This program is intended for those caught in a “benefits gap” because they do not qualify for other programs and are not old enough to claim Social Security yet. They must have been married at least 9 months before the passing of their disabled spouse, and they must not be eligible to receive a higher amount of benefits through another Social Security or disability program.
What are the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition. To qualify for SSDI, applicants must meet several stringent criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here are the key eligibility requirements:
1. Work credits
To be eligible for SSDI, applicants must have accumulated sufficient work credits through their employment history. Work credits are earned based on the applicant’s annual income and the number of years they have worked.
Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
2. Qualifying medical condition
An applicant must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This means the condition must be severe enough to prevent the applicant from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA).
As of 2024, earning more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 if you are blind) typically disqualifies you from being considered disabled by the SSA.
Want to know if your condition is in the SSA Blue Book? Find out here.
3. Duration of disability
The disabling condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary or short-term disabilities do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
4. Inability to perform previous work
An applicant must be unable to perform the work they did previously. The SSA will review the applicant’s work history and determine if their condition prevents them from doing the jobs they have held in the past 15 years.
5. Inability to adjust to other work
The SSA will also assess whether the applicant can adjust to other types of work. This assessment considers the applicant’s age, education, work experience, and transferable skills.
If the SSA determines that the applicant can perform other work despite their condition, they will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
6. Application and documentation
To apply for SSDI, an applicant must complete the necessary forms and provide comprehensive medical documentation to support their claim. This includes medical records, doctor’s reports, and any other evidence that demonstrates the severity and impact of the disability.
Meeting the eligibility requirements for SSDI can be challenging, but understanding these criteria is the first step in securing the benefits you need. If you believe you qualify for SSDI, or if your initial application has been denied, consulting with a knowledgeable Fort Pierce Social Security Disability attorney can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
How to appeal a denied SSA claim in Fort Pierce
The above requirements are really quite narrow, and determining them can be complex. For instance, the SSA may use a definition of alternative work options that you have not considered or may not have known were possible.
As a result of the SSA’s extensive eligibility requirements, applications for disability benefits are denied all of the time. Applicants have the option to resubmit their claim, and they can schedule a hearing with an administrative law judge after a second rejection.
If the hearing is unfavorable, the applicant can attempt to get a review from the Social Security Appeals Council, or he or she can file a case through the federal court.
Appealing a denied Social Security Disability claim in Florida can be a complex and lengthy process, but persistence is key. Each stage of the appeal offers a new opportunity to present your case and provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Given the complexity of the process, having an experienced Social Security Disability attorney in Fort Pierce can significantly increase your chances of a successful appeal.
How a Fort Pierce Social Security Disability attorney can improve your odds of approval
However, handling all of these matters can be extremely tough, especially if you have a severe disability. Hiring a Fort Pierce Social Security Disability lawyer from Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd can significantly increase your likelihood of securing disability benefits—especially if they were denied after your initial application.
Statistics show that without legal representation, less than 30% of initial applications for Social Security Disability benefits get approved, but with a Fort Pierce Social Security Disability law firm, approval odds are over 60-70%. That’s nearly double the success rate!
Why? Our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability law firm offers more than just representation.
Their expert insights are invaluable, helping you secure the comprehensive benefits you deserve. They guide you through the complex application and appeals process, equipping you with the right tools and strategies to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
Get the Benefits You Need With the Help of Our Fort Pierce Social Security Disability Law Firm
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd provides assistance for clients in Fort Pierce seeking Social Security disability benefits. Whether you are submitting your first application, trying to appeal a rejection, or are worried about receiving a notice that your current benefits will be changed, we can help you.
You can speak with a team of experienced Fort Pierce Social Security lawyers for free during your first appointment when you schedule a free consultation today. Call us at (772) 464-4600 or contact us online to get started.
We’ll review your case for free—no cost, no obligations.
As the law firm Florida has trusted for over 40 years to fight on their behalf, we are more than ready to represent you. Put our experience and reputation to work. If you need help with any legal matter, whether it’s a personal injury, workers’ compensation, disability or bankruptcy case, contact us now. The consultation is absolutely free.
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