Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
Assisting with Disability Claims in Tampa, Brandon, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Bradenton
If you have suffered a serious injury or illness that has prevented you from working, then you need the experienced Tampa Bay Social Security Disability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton to help you file your social security disability claim so that you can get the compensation you are entitled to. If you are unsure about your eligibility, we welcome you to call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a completely free consultation so that you can get the information you need.
There are two federal programs under the Social Security Administration (SSA) called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI). These are regulated by federal law and only those that are declared medically unable to perform any type of gainful activity, like working a regular 40-hour workweek, for a prolonged period of time are eligible to obtain these benefits.
As we mentioned above, Social Security Disability is split into two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. Social Security Disability Insurance is available for those that have worked and paid FICA taxes for at least ten years. Supplemental Security Income is for disabled individuals who are also indigent. The money allotted will be based on household assets and income, but usually for a single person to qualify they must have less than $3,000 in assets, excluding their house and car.
How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for Social Security Disability?
A person is eligible for Social Security Disability if they have any medical problems that will prevent them from working for at least 12 months. In their initial application, they must provide valid medical documentation that proves they cannot work.
Filing a Social Security Disability Claim
SSDI claims can be filed online at www.ssa.gov., at your local social security office or even over the telephone by calling 1-800-772-1213. Our Tampa Bay Social Security Disability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to meet with us before you file an application on your own as most first time applications are denied. We can help walk you through this process and make sure you have all the documentation needed to ensure a prompt approval.
If your claim is denied, then there may be an error with the paperwork you supplied or the administration office misinterpreted your paperwork to read that you are not completely disabled. Our Tampa Bay Social Security Disability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will work with you and your doctors so that your medical records show exactly what is needed so that you can be approved and start collecting your monthly benefits. If you are denied Social Security Disability, then you have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to start the appeals process.
The appeals process has four steps:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge
- Repeal by the Appeals Council
- Federal Court Complaint
Our Tampa Bay Social Security Disability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you if you have been denied social security disability or have any questions. We are familiar with all the steps of the appeals process and social security system, so we are happy to assist with your appeals process so that you can start receiving your social security disability benefits.
It has been found that having a Social Security Disability lawyer on your side can increase your odds of getting the Social Security Administration to accept your claim. We strongly recommend that you call us today at 727-823-0000 for a free consultation or contact us online.
We don’t want you to worry about paying for an attorney. We only get paid if we are able to get your claim for benefits accepted. You don’t pay anything up front and attorney’s fees are regulated by federal regulations set forth by the Social Security Administration. We do not charge hourly fees and our percentage must be approved by the SSA.
Let us help you get your Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits in Tampa Bay. Call us now at 727-823-0000 or contact us online so that you can request a free consultation. We can help you in Tampa, Brandon, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, and everywhere else in between. If you are unable to come into one of our offices to meet with us, then we are happy to come to you. The application and appeals process for Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be lengthy and complex, so we urge you to contact us today to get started.