While you do not necessarily need a lawyer to help you through the application process, working with an experienced Social Security attorney can improve your chance of approval. An attorney can also be a helpful ally if you have wrongfully been denied benefits.

If you or a family member is currently navigating the Social Security Disability system, we recommend getting in touch with a Florida Social Security lawyer as soon as possible. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we support disabled people and their family members. We can help ensure you receive the benefits you need and deserve. To schedule your FREE case review, call us today at (407) 759-7948.

Social Security Disability & Eligibility

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs designed to support those who are unable to work or make an adequate income because of disabilities.

While these programs are much-needed protections for people with disabilities, the process for obtaining benefits—and even understanding what you qualify for—can be complicated and overwhelming.

First, you need to know what it takes to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance payments, after which you can get a better sense of what you may be eligible to receive in monthly payments.

What Automatically Qualifies You for SSDI in Florida?

There are two criteria for qualifying for Social Security Disability:

1. You must suffer from a disability or blindness
2. You must have enough work history

In terms of work history, you generally must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years to receive enough work credits, unless you are under the age of 24.

Work History Qualifications

The Florida SSA office looks at how long you have worked and how recently you have worked to determine if you’re eligible for SSDI. Your length of work is measured in Social Security credits, and you get a maximum of four credits per year based on income. Your age when you became disabled determines how many credits you need to qualify.

If you are younger than 24 when you apply, you must have earned at least six Social Security credits in the three years preceding your disability. Applicants between the ages of 24 and 31 need six credits plus one additional credit for each year between their 21st birthday and the onset of their disability. 

Applicants between 32 and 40 must have earned 20 credits in the ten years before their disability, and the number of credits necessary rises as you age. Credits must have been earned within the preceding ten years if you are 32 or older when you apply.

Establishing a Disability

For the first criterion, the Social Security Administration (SSA) relies on the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security guidelines, referred to as the Blue Book. This is a full list of conditions and impairments that qualify individuals for Disability, from musculoskeletal conditions to immune system disorders. If your condition meets or exceeds the criteria listed in the Blue Book, the process for qualifying for Disability will generally be much easier.

If you are suffering from a debilitating condition not listed in the Blue Book, that does not necessarily mean you are unable to receive Disability benefits. However, it may be more difficult since you will need to be able to prove that your condition keeps you from making a living. A Florida Social Security lawyer could offer valuable guidance on how to build a strong claim for benefits. 

Other Eligibility Criteria

Your disabling condition must be serious enough to prevent you from working for at least one year. You also qualify if your condition will eventually cause your death.

You must be unable to perform your current or last job due to your disabling condition. You are not eligible for Disability if you can still perform the job duties you had when you became disabled. You are unlikely to be approved if you are able to perform a similar job. The SSA will also evaluate whether you can work at any job.

Special Rules if Your Disability is Blindness

The Florida SSA office considers you blind if your corrected vision in your best eye is 20/200 or less, or if your visual field in your better eye is 20 percent or less. Your blindness must persist or be expected to persist for at least twelve months for you to be eligible for SSDI.

Some of the rules regarding work credits and allowable earnings are more generous if your disability is blindness. Our knowledgeable Social Security disability attorneys can explain the specifics and help you compile the documentation proving you qualify.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

The Florida SSA office uses the same criteria to determine whether your disability qualifies you for benefits, whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI. The difference is that SSDI benefits are for people who have paid into the Social Security system through working. SSI is available to people of limited means who have never worked or have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

Low-income people aged 65 or older, and people of any age with blindness or other disabilities, can apply for SSI. Your income must be below a limit that changes annually, and you must have few other assets. The team at The Florida Firm can explain the income and asset limits currently in effect when you apply.

How Much Does Florida Pay for Social Security Disability?

Since Social Security Disability is a federal program, Florida does not technically pay for Disability. Instead, the federal government covers SSDI and SSI payments.

How much SSDI you are eligible for depends on several factors, including your average earnings while you worked and how much Social Security tax you have paid.  It’s a complicated calculation, so the best way to determine what you would be eligible for is to create an account and enter your information on the SSA’s website, which will then calculate your estimated monthly payments.

A few important numbers to know:

• While the maximum monthly payment for 2024 is $3,822, this is far more than what most recipients get. In September of 2024, the average monthly payment was just $1,672.65.
• When it comes to SSI, the maximum monthly payment is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. But again, how much you will actually receive depends on a range of factors and most SSI beneficiaries do not receive the maximum payment. 

If these benefits are not enough to cover your and your family’s needs, you may also qualify for assistance from programs offered by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Do You Need a Lawyer To Get Disability in Florida?

While you do not need a lawyer to qualify or apply for Disability, an attorney can help you navigate the process for you. Each year, over 2,000,000 Disability claims are submitted to the SSA, and most of these claims are denied.

Working with a Florida Social Security lawyer can help increase your chances of approval by guiding you through the process and ensuring all of your documentation and records are complete while helping you avoid mistakes that could delay your approval or lead to a denial.

Read More: When Should I Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Is Florida a Hard State To Get Disability?

Since SSDI and SSI are federal programs, how difficult it is to get Disability should not depend on which state you are in—but that’s not necessarily the case since cases are reviewed by state SSA offices.

According to research, while Florida is not one of the hardest states to get Disability, it’s also not one of the easiest with 40% of initial applications resulting in approvals. Hence, improving your chance of an initial approval may require a great deal of preparation—and possibly an appeal if your initial approval is denied.

The attorneys at The Florida Firm are skilled litigators and could present a compelling and persuasive case if your initial application was denied and you request a hearing.  

How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Social Security Disability in Florida?

There are a few steps required for Disability approval:

1. An SSA field office must first review an applicant’s eligibility based on non-medical requirements. This typically takes 2-3 weeks.
2. The State Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews the applicant’s eligibility based on their medical condition. On average, this takes 180 days.
3. The SSA field office approves or denies the claim. This usually happens relatively quickly.

All told it takes about 7 months on average for a claim to be approved or denied, according to the SSA.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help You?

Because of how long it takes for claims to be processed by the SSA, it is critical that your application is well-prepared. A Social Security attorney can help you do this by:

• Compiling medical documentation
• Preparing and filing your application
• Identifying and planning for any potential roadblocks

In most cases, this experience and attention to detail can improve your chances of approval. 

If your claim is denied, a Florida Social Security lawyer can help by filing appeals, representing you at hearings, gathering additional evidence, and more.

Reach Out to a Florida Social Security Lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright Today

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits or your application has been denied, the experienced attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright are here to help. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with the system, and our goal is to simplify the process for you and your family while giving you the best chance of receiving benefits. We have an excellent reputation among our legal colleagues and other area professionals, who routinely send their family members and clients to us when they need help with Social Security Disability issues.

To get started, contact Colling Gilbert Wright today for a FREE case review with our Florida Social Security lawyers. We proudly serve our neighbors in Orlando and throughout Florida.

The post Do You Need a Lawyer To Get Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida? appeared first on Colling Gilbert Wright.

The Orlando Social Security Disability lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright have extensive experience helping people get their SSDI benefits. If your claim was denied, contact our office right away. If you haven’t started the SSDI application process, we can help ensure it is completed correctly and promptly. 

10 Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Denials

Here are 10 common reasons for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) denials: 

1. You Are Not “Insured”

As the SSA explains, “[t]he SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are ‘insured.’” To be “insured” for SSDI benefits, you must have paid enough into the federal Social Security system through your employment. 

2. You Are Not “Disabled” 

The federal Social Security system has a very strict definition of what it means to be “disabled.” If you do not have a qualifying medical condition, then you aren’t eligible to receive benefits. The SSA maintains a list of qualifying conditions (provided that they significantly limit an applicant’s ability to work for at least 12 months). If your condition is not on this list, then the SSA, “must decide if it is as severe as a medical condition that is on the list”—and this can add to the challenges of filing a successful claim. 

3. Your Disability Application is Incomplete

To receive consideration for disability benefits, you must submit a completed application to the SSA. If your application is incomplete in any respect—whether you left out information about your medical condition or you forgot to sign at the end—this may cause the SSA (or Florida’s Division of Disability Determinations) to issue a denial. 

4. You Provide Insufficient Medical Evidence 

When filing your application for Social Security disability benefits, you must include medical evidence which proves you are disabled. If you fail to include this evidence, or if the government decides that your medical evidence is insufficient to prove that you qualify for benefits, this will also lead to a denial. 

5. You Fail to Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Recommendations 

The SSA expects individuals who file for disability benefits to do what they can to regain their ability to work. As a result, if you fail to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, this can also lead to a denial. However, there are some circumstances in which the SSA will excuse an applicant’s failure to obtain treatment. These include physical inability, religious objections, and inability to pay.

6. You Are Earning Too Much 

Social Security disability benefits are intended for individuals who are unable to earn enough money to support themselves and their families through employment. The SSA refers to this as being unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” or “SGA”. For 2022, the SGA income amount is $1,350 for non-blind individuals and $2,260 for blind individuals. 

7. You Don’t Respond to the SSA 

Seeking disability benefits is not simply a matter of filing an application and waiting to start receiving checks in the mail. Applying for disability benefits is an interactive process, and you may need to communicate with the SSA at various stages. If you do not provide the information the SSA requests, the SSA will deny your claim. 

8. You Fail to Attend a Consultative Examination (CE)

While your disability application is pending, the SSA may ask you to attend a consultative examination (CE). This is an examination performed by a doctor who works for the SSA. If you fail to attend a CE as required, this will also result in a denial of your claim. 

9. You Provided False or Misleading Information  

If you provide false or misleading information on your SSDI application, this will result in an immediate denial. This is true even if your mistake was unintentional. While unintentional mistakes can generally be corrected (as long as you appeal your denial on time), intentionally submitting false information can lead to allegations of Social Security disability fraud. 

10. The SSA or Florida Division of Disability Determinations Made a Mistake 

Finally, even if you do everything correctly, you may still find that your disability claim is denied. This is an unfortunate reality of the Social Security disability system. As a result, whether you are thinking about filing for benefits or you have received a denial letter from the SSA or the Florida Division of Disability Determinations, it is best to seek help from an Orlando social security disability lawyer who can guide you through your next steps. 

Speak with an Orlando Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free

Do you have more questions about filing for Social Security disability benefits? If so, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Colling Gilbert Wright.

See our results.

To speak with our experienced Orlando Social Security disability lawyers in confidence, call (800) 766-1000 or tell us how we can help online today.

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The Orlando Social Security Disability attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright are committed to helping our clients file for SSDI benefits correctly. Filing for social security disability benefits can be complicated and difficult. We can help ensure that you avoid common mistakes and obtain what you deserve.

7 Ways a Lawyer Can Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim

Hiring an experienced lawyer to assist with your application can reduce your risk of a denial. It can also help put you in the best position to file a successful appeal if necessary. Here are seven specific ways a lawyer can help you win Social Security disability benefits: 

1. Assessing Your SSDI and SSI Eligibility

Before you put in the time and effort to file for Social Security disability benefits, it is important to assess your eligibility. There are two main types of Social Security disability benefits, each of which has different eligibility criteria: (i) Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), and (ii) supplemental security income (SSI). 

Your lawyer can determine if you are eligible to file one or both types of claims—taking into account factors including (but not limited to) the nature of your disability and your current income. Based on this determination, your lawyer can then advise you regarding the best way to move forward. 

2. Making Sure You Fill Out All Paperwork Correctly 

When filing for Social Security disability benefits, it is extremely important to fill out all paperwork correctly. The Social Security Administration (SSA) strictly enforces the SSDI and SSI filing requirements, and it routinely denies applications that are missing information or that have technical deficiencies. 

3. Collecting the Required Medical Evidence 

When you file for Social Security disability benefits, the SSA doesn’t simply take you at your word. Instead, it requires evidence of your disability. Your lawyer can help you collect all of the medical evidence that is required, and your lawyer can assist you with obtaining additional medical evidence if necessary. 

4. Helping You Avoid Common Mistakes that Lead to Denials

There are many mistakes you can make that will result in the denial of your claim for Social Security disability benefits. Your lawyer can help you understand what not to do when filing for benefits, and your lawyer can take many of the most important steps on your behalf. This way, you won’t have to worry that something you did (or didn’t do) is the reason why you aren’t receiving the benefits to which you are legally entitled. 

5. Calculating Your Social Security Disability Benefits 

Several factors play a role in determining how much you are entitled to receive in Social Security disability benefits. When filing for benefits, it is important to make sure you know how much you are entitled to receive from the SSA. If you request too much, your claim will almost certainly be denied. If you request too little, you won’t receive the full benefits you deserve. 

If you are receiving workers’ compensation or other benefits, this could impact the calculation of your Social Security disability benefits as well. Your lawyer can help you identify and address all relevant factors so that you seek the correct amount of SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or both. 

6. Requesting and Preparing for Your Hearing (if Necessary) 

If the SSA denies your initial application for Social Security disability benefits, you may need to request a hearing. You only have a limited amount of time to make your request; and, when your hearing date arrives, you need to be prepared. 

Your lawyer can handle the task of requesting a hearing for you, and your lawyer can walk you through the questions you will likely need to answer. Your lawyer can also help you understand what to expect on the day of your hearing so that you are as comfortable as possible. 

7. Taking Your Social Security Disability Claim to Court (if Necessary) 

Finally, if the efforts to appeal your Social Security disability benefits denial with the SSA are unsuccessful, your lawyer can take your claim to court. At this point, in addition to seeking benefits going forward, your lawyer can also seek the benefits you should have received had the SSA approved your application from the beginning. 

Get Help from an Orlando Social Security Disability Lawyer Today

Do you need to know more about filing for Social Security disability benefits? If so, we invite you to get in touch. Please call (800) 766-1000 or contact us online to arrange a free and confidential consultation.

The post How Can a Lawyer Help To Win Social Security Disability Benefits? appeared first on Colling Gilbert Wright.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, our Orlando Social Security Disability lawyers have helped people throughout Florida receive the benefits they deserve. If you have questions about your social security benefits, we can help.  

7 Times You Should Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer

The process for seeking social security disability benefits can feel overwhelming. If you are thinking about filing for benefits, here are seven scenarios in which it makes sense to talk to an Orlando Social Security disability lawyer about your legal rights:

1. You Need to Know if You are Eligible for SSD Benefits

If you have recently been diagnosed with a disabling medical condition and need to know if you are eligible for Social Security disability, you should talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. Determining your eligibility isn’t easy, and there are several factors that can impact the amount of SSD benefits (if any) you are entitled to receive. A lawyer can review your employment history and medical records to determine if it makes sense for you to submit an application. 

2. You Need Help Understanding the Application Process

If you are trying to file for Social Security disability and are having trouble understanding the application process, you are not alone. The application process is complicated, and you need a lot of information in order to submit an application that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will approve. Social Security disability lawyers help people like you every day, and an experienced lawyer will be able to guide you step-by-step through the application process. 

3. The Social Security Administration Isn’t Paying Your Claim 

Many people believe (or hope) that once they file an application for Social Security disability, they will start receiving checks in the mail fairly soon. Unfortunately, this typically isn’t the case. The SSA receives an inordinate number of disability benefit applications every single day, and it says that most people should expect to wait three to five months to receive an initial decision. 

But, the process can take even longer—especially if your application is missing information or you haven’t submitted adequate supporting documentation. A lawyer can determine why your claim is taking so long, submit any additional information to help speed up the process, and communicate with the SSA on your behalf if necessary. 

4. The SSA Has Denied Your Claim

If the SSA has denied your application for Social Security disability, you should speak with a lawyer promptly. Most claims get denied initially, and many people find themselves needing to file an SSD appeal. Just like the initial application process, filing an appeal presents a variety of challenges, so it is best to have an Orlando Social Security disability lawyer on your side. 

5. You Need to File for SSD Because You Got Injured in an Accident

Are you seeking Social Security disability because you got injured in an accident? If so, this is definitely a situation in which you should speak with a lawyer. Depending on what happened, you could have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits (in addition to SSD benefits) benefits, and you could potentially have a personal injury claim as well. 

6. Your Social Security Disability Checks Have Stopped

Have your Social Security disability checks stopped unexpectedly? If so, this is another situation in which you will want to speak with a lawyer promptly. This isn’t unusual, but it is a situation that typically requires experienced legal representation. 

7. You Simply Have Questions about Filing for Social Security Disability 

Finally, if you simply have questions about filing for Social Security disability, you have nothing to lose by scheduling a free initial consultation. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we talk to people who have questions about filing for SSD benefits all the time, and we are more than happy to help you make informed decisions about asserting your legal rights. 

Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Orlando for Free

The experienced legal team at Colling Gilbert Wright has built a reputation for excellence in a range of personal injury and social security disability matters in Florida. We understand the challenges you may face when attempting to handle your SSD issue alone. We are committed to helping you through the process with honesty and integrity.

Our Orlando social security disability lawyers are ready to help. To schedule your free initial consultation, contact our office online or call (800) 766-1000 today.

The post When Should I Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer? appeared first on Colling Gilbert Wright.

If you’ve been initially turned down for your disability benefits, don’t despair. We can help you with the appeal process.

If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and need an experienced Social Security disability attorney, please call Colling Gilbert Wright’s personal injury lawyers at (407) 712-7300.

As noted above, the vast majority of initial Social Security disability claims are denied. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Insufficient paperwork
• Improper completion of necessary documentation
• Lack of representation

It has been shown that filers with legal representation are far more likely to find success than those without. If you’ve been turned down for your initial claim, it’s particularly important for you to find the right Orlando Social Security disability attorney to represent you in your appeal.

We will answer all of your questions and explain the steps to take to improve your chances.

If you want to speak to an experienced Orlando, Florida Social Security disability attorney, please contact Colling Gilbert Wright today for a free consultation.

The post Can I Appeal an Initial Social Security Disability Ruling? appeared first on Colling Gilbert Wright.

The proposed rule, which is currently in the public comment stage, is largely in response to accusations that large Social Security disability firms withhold medical information that is disadvantageous to their clients.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, our Orlando Social Security disability attorneys carefully follow all developments in the field, including new regulations.

If you live in the Orlando, Florida area and need an experienced Social Security disability attorney to help with your claim, please call Colling Gilbert Wright today at (407) 712-7300 for a free consultation.

Because most initial Social Security disability claims are initially denied, the appeals process is incredibly important. Medical records are particularly valuable evidence in an appeal.

Critics have long alleged that the Social Security disability system is overly generous to applicants, ignoring the extreme difficulty most people experience as they try to navigate the system.

Our Social Security disability attorneys are committed to representing you effectively and ethically. We follow all SSA regulations while doing everything we can to help you.

If you’re a resident of the Orlando, Florida area in need of a skilled Social Security disability attorney, please contact Colling Gilbert Wright today for a free consultation.

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1. Protect personal info. Thieves are good at disguising themselves as banks, businesses and government agencies to “phish” for info via email and Internet services. In doubt? Don’t give info out.
2. Scout the scams. The more aware you are of identity-theft scams, the better you can protect against getting taken for a ride. Here are five common cons: foreign business “deals,” rental schemes, sudden riches, overpayments and work-at-home offers.
3. Watch your Wi-Fi. Using public wireless networks exposes your computer (and info) to potential hackers. Use a virtual private network (VPN) whenever possible.
4. Get creative. When setting up a PIN for online banking, for example, don’t use highly personal information like your birthdate or initials.
5. Secure your computer. Make it harder to hack with a strong password; get a laptop security cable; don’t leave your computer unattended in a public place; always use a firewall and anti-virus; and update your ant-spyware software regularly.
6. Don’t open it. Online thieves can start stealing the second you open an email or accidently download a phishing program. So don’t open suspicious emails, don’t click on links in pop-up windows and don’t download software until you’ve verified the authenticity.
7. Shop smart. Sometimes instant gratification isn’t worth it. There are a lot of “scam” shops out there. Make sure your online store is reputable before you enter a credit card number.
8. Opt out. To prevent further sharing of your information online, opt out whenever possible. Don’t sign up for unnecessary promotions, and use the unsubscribe feature in the footer of unwanted emails.
9. Try new tech tools. There are new technology tools that can clear your entire hard drive if your computer is ever stolen.
10. Enter if encrypted. Before you enter any personal information online, ensure that the Web page is encrypted, which ensures your data is transmitted securely. Look for “https” in the URL or a padlock icon in the browser window.

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