Helping Okeechobee residents get the full disability benefits they deserve
For over 30 years, our Okeechobee Social Security Disability lawyers have been helping Okeechobee residents apply for Social Security Disability benefits or appeal denied claims to help them get the financial support they deserve.
If you need help filing for Social Security Disability benefits or if your claim was recently denied, contact our Okeechobee Social Security Disability law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. We will do everything we can to ensure you get the compensation you and your family need.
How our Okeechobee Social Security Disability Attorneys can help you
Our experienced Okeechobee Social Security Disability attorneys specialize in helping individuals at all stages of the Social Security Disability claims process, including initial applications and appeals. Here’s how we can help you:
We will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. The first thing we will do when you call our Okeechobee Social Security Disability law firm is conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. This includes reviewing your medical history, work records, and any previous applications you submitted or denials you have received. This allows our disability attorneys to create a personalized approach to help best to present your case to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
We will help you prepare your initial application. If you haven’t already done so, our Okeechobee Social Security Disability lawyerss will help your prepare and file your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits. We will help you gather all the necessary medical evidence and documentation and ensure you fill out each form correctly. With our Okeechobee Social Security Disability law firm on your side and providing guidance, you have a greater chance of your claim being approved on the first try.
We will help you appeal a denied claim. If your initial Social Security Disability application is denied, do not lose hope. The majority of claims are initially denied due to errors in the application process. However, the good news is that you can appeal the denial. Our experienced disability attorneys have helped hundreds of Okeechobee residents overturn denied claims and get the benefits they deserve. We can even take your case to trial if we believe the SSA is unfairly denying your claim.
We will be with you every step of the way. Throughout the claims process, our attorneys will provide you with ongoing 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.
You do not have to go through the Social Security Disability claims process alone. Our Okeechobee Social Security Disability attorneys can provide the guidance, expertise, and support needed to file a successful application or appeal a denied claim.
Contact our attorneys today at (863) 357-5800 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.
When you rely on disability benefits, rely on us to secure approval.
Social Security Disability benefits are not just about financial assistance—they’re a lifeline for individuals facing the daunting challenges of disability. For many, these benefits provide more than just financial stability; they offer a sense of security, dignity, and independence.
They ensure access to crucial medical care, help put food on the table, help pay for housing, and provide financial support that can significantly improve quality of life.
Yet, filing for Social Security Disability benefits is not easy. The process is complex and can be very confusing.
We have helped hundreds of Okeechobee residents get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Understanding the three types of Social Security Disability programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers three main programs to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disabled Widow/Widower benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance is a vital federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability. Funded through payroll taxes, SSDI offers monthly benefits to eligible workers and their dependents, offering a lifeline of support during times of hardship.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. Additionally, they must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability, which includes having a severe impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
SSDI benefits help ensure that individuals with disabilities can maintain financial stability and access essential medical care, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being without the added stress of financial insecurity.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income is a critical federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Unlike SSDI, which is based on work history and contributions to the Social Security system, SSI is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenues.
Eligibility for SSI benefits is determined based on income and asset limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI benefits are designed to help recipients meet basic living expenses, including food, shelter, and clothing.
Additionally, many SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid, which provides essential healthcare coverage. SSI plays a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence.
Disabled Widower/Widower Benefits
Disabled Widower/Widow(er) Benefits are a form of Social Security benefits available to individuals who have lost a spouse and are disabled themselves. To qualify for these benefits, individuals must have been married to the deceased worker for at least nine months before their death unless exceptions apply, such as death due to an accident or in the line of duty.
The applicant must also be between the ages of 50 and 60 (or 50 and full retirement age if the deceased worker was receiving reduced Social Security retirement benefits) and have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
These benefits provide financial support to disabled widows, widowers, or surviving divorced spouses who are unable to work due to their disability. They ensure that individuals who have lost a spouse and are coping with a disability have access to the financial assistance they need during difficult times.
How to know if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
To determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD), the Social Security Administration has five general questions to determine your eligibility. However, the best way to determine if you are eligible is to contact an Okeechobee Social Security Disability lawyer.
Are you currently working? The SSA considers making at least $1,220 a month on average through income as “working.” If you aren’t working, you may qualify for disability benefits. However, if you do make that level of income, you cannot be eligible for benefits.
Is your condition considered “severe”? For a condition to be considered severe, it must limit your ability to complete simple work-related tasks. These include remembering, standing, sitting, walking, lifting and more. In addition, this limitation must be expected to last for at least 12 months. If this does not apply to you, you will not qualify for disability benefits.
Is your condition on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions? In order to more easily help people figure out if they have a “disabling condition,” the SSA has a published list of such conditions. However, if your condition isn’t on the list, it may still be considered disabling. The SSA will evaluate your condition and decide if it’s disabling.
Can you still do the same kind of work you did before? If your condition doesn’t keep you from doing the same type of work you did before, you don’t have a qualifying disability. For instance, if you have a disabling respiratory disorder but you can do office work like you did when you were younger, you probably won’t qualify for disability benefits.
Can you do other work? Similar to question four, if there is other work you qualify for and can do, you probably won’t qualify for disability. To make this determination, the SSA will look at your age, medical conditions, work experience, education and transferable skills. If you can’t do other work, you’ll be considered disabled. If there is other work you can do, you won’t be eligible for benefits.
What to do if your SSD claim is denied in Okeechobee
Over half of all initial disability claims get denied. This may be caused by the fact that your condition isn’t on the SSA’s list, or you may not have filed all the necessary paperwork to apply for disability benefits.
No matter the reason, if your claim is denied or you receive less than you should in benefits, you can appeal the decision.
In Florida, the first step is to file a Request for Reconsideration. If your initial claim was denied, you will file for a reconsideration of the original claim.
This process is a review of your entire claim to determine if you’re eligible. However, if you have been receiving benefits, but they stop for whatever reason, you would request a reconsideration of continuing disability.
Regardless of the type of reconsideration request, it’s a good idea to hire a team of Social Security disability lawyers in Okeechobee.
If you are denied again after the reconsideration process and you wish to consider the appeals process, you will need to request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ) within 60 days of your second denial. If the ALJ denies your claim as well, you may be able to gain a hearing with the Appeals Council.
However, they randomly select cases to review, so you may not be able to get a hearing.
Your final option is to take the case to federal court. If you haven’t hired an attorney by this point, it’s crucial that you do now.
The federal judge may approve your claim, but more likely than not, they’ll send the case back down to the SSA, saying all the evidence wasn’t considered. While federal court can be effective, it’s a costly and time-consuming process.
Your attorney will try to take other steps to resolve the case if possible.
Should you hire a Social Security Disability attorney in Okeechobee?
If you believe you qualify and deserve Social Security disability benefits, but your claim is denied, you should contact our Okeechobee Social Security disability attorneys right away.
Why you should hire our Okeechobee Social Security disability attorneys:
We work on a contingency fee. This means you do not have to pay out-of-pocket for our services. We take a small percentage of the back payments you are due. And, if we are unable to secure your benefits, you do not have to pay us anything.
We have a high success rate. Most people who resubmit their applications are denied again. Having an Okeechobee Social Security Disability lawyer will significantly increase your chances of appealing your case. Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys know exactly what to do to make sure you receive benefits if you are eligible.
We can help you get your benefits faster. Because our attorneys know exactly what to do and what you will need to appeal your denied claim, we can help you get your benefits faster. You won’t have to waste time submitting your application again and again only for it to be repeatedly denied. It’s important to know that some claims do take longer, but for the most part, we make the process as short and stress-free as possible.
Contact our Okeechobee Social Security Disability Law Firm today
Our highly experienced team at our Okeechobee Social Security disability law firm specializes in applying for and appealing denied Social Security disability claims. We are here to help you.
If your SSD claim was denied or you have questions about the application process, call our office to speak with an attorney. We offer free consultations for anyone who has questions about their denied SSD claim.
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.
Get the answers you need. We’ll review your case today, for free.