Pensacola Social Security Disability Attorneys

Your Guides for the SSDI & SSI Benefits Processes

If you have been injured and can’t work, then what can you do to keep yourself financially afloat? Depending on your situation, you may qualify for important governmental benefits through Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The process of getting benefits through these systems is notoriously complicated, though, so it is not recommended that you attempt it alone.

When you want to file for SSDI or SSI, start by calling (850) 779-1188 and connecting with the Pensacola SSDI lawyers of Michles & Booth. We have a team of legal professionals dedicated to handling SSDI cases, claims, and lawsuits. Whether you want to see if you qualify for SSDI or SSI, need help writing and filing a claim, or need to challenge an unfairly denied claim, we are the only legal team that you need by your side. Let us stand with you during this complicated process.

Find out more about your options and our legal services. Click here to request a FREE initial consultation.

Do You Qualify for SSDI or SSI?

SSDI and SSI are designed to help people keep a regular income of sorts when they can’t work or can only complete lightwork due to a disability. The concept is fairly simple, but the process of getting the benefits is not. Many people who apply for SSDI are denied initially, and we can assume that many others never realize that they might qualify, so they never apply at all. Allow Michles & Booth to help with your case from the start, so we can quickly see if you qualify and should apply.

Disability requirements in Florida typically include:

• SSDI: You may be able to get temporary or permanent benefits as a disabled worker through SSDI. To qualify, you must have paid Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes and have a “serious” medical or qualifying condition. You may also be required to have worked consistently in the last several years or longer.
• SSI: If you have not paid FICA taxes, you may qualify for SSI. Eligibility usually depends on a diagnosis of a “serious” medical condition or disability and a low annual income or earning ability.

What is the SSD Benefits Application Process?

The process of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits may not feel very straightforward if you aren’t familiar with the intricacies and rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Even the slightest mistake on an application form can cause it to be denied or delayed. For this reason, many first-time claims are denied due to clerical errors or timing issues. To confidently fill out and file an SSDI application, we recommend you let our attorneys handle everything.

We can help you apply for SSD benefits, which will usually involve the following:

• Filling out an application correctly, including information about your work history, disability, education, income earning ability, etc.
• Submitting your application at the nearest SSA office, by phone, or online, all before any deadlines.
• Responding to any requests for additional information that the SSA may send before accepting or denying the application.

Please be aware that a successful, first-time SSD benefits application can still take up to three months on average to be accepted and concluded. After it is approved, your benefits should be received shortly.

Why are Some SSDI Claims Denied?

As mentioned, SSDI claims are denied frequently and for a variety of reasons. When our Pensacola SSD lawyers are on your side, you can trust that our experience will help reduce the risk of a claim denial. If your claim is denied for any reason, then we can investigate why and choose the next best course of action to set things straight.

Common reasons why SSDI claims are denied are:

1. Not enough medical evidence: If medical evidence does not show that an injury or health condition is disabling, then the claim could be denied. It is important to make sure your doctor creates detailed notes in your medical record about your disabling condition.
2. Unqualified medical condition: Not all disabling conditions and permanent injuries can qualify you for SSD benefits, even though your day-to-day life might have been forever changed.
3. Too much income: Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income are meant to support people who absolutely need it. If you are still earning a reasonable income amount after a disabling condition affected your work, then your claim could be denied by the SSA.
4. Brief employment history: An SSD claim could be denied if you were not in the workforce for long and did not contribute to FICA taxes much or at all. At that point, SSI might be available, but nothing is guaranteed.

Can a Denied SSDI Claim Be Appealed?

Do not worry too much if your SSD claim is denied after the initial filing. We can review the denial notification and see if there is room to file an appeal, which is likely. Leave all steps of the appeal process to us while you rest.

The steps to appeal a denied SSD claim usually include:

• Reviewing the denial letter to understand the SSA’s reasoning.
• Submitting a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the denial.
• Filing a Request for Hearing within 60 days if the Request for Reconsideration is denied.
• Attending a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with your attorney present.

We will do our best to keep your appeal case moving without delays. However, you should know that it is not unusual for it to take up to 12 months to get a chance to argue your case before an ALJ after first submitting the Request for Hearing.

Learn More – Request a Free Consultation Today

At Michles & Booth, we appreciate that every SSD case is unique, which is why our Pensacola SSDI attorneys give every client the personalized attention they need to succeed. We recognize that you’re a local in need of strong legal counsel more than ever after suffering an injury or disability that is preventing you from working. It would be our honor to fight for you in and out of court. Please give us that opportunity by reading out today.

Schedule a FREE initial consultation by dialing (850) 779-1188 at any time.

We also handle SSD cases in the surrounding areas of Alabama, including Lillian, Foley, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Atmore, Flomaton, Brewton, and Dothan.

SSDI Resources

• Apply for Benefits
• Request a Reconsideration or Hearing
• SSDI Statute – CFR part 404
• Social Security Rulings
• Disability Evaluation “Blue Book”
• Medical Vocational Guidelines (GRIDs)
• Adult Listing of Impairments
• Get your Social Security Statement
• List of Social Security Forms
• Locate your local Social Security Office
• Information on Working with a Disability
• Appointed Representative Website
• Contact a Dedicated Social Security Representative
• Information about SSDI from Social Security Administration