Dunedin, FL Social Security Attorneys | Dunedin, FL Social Security Lawyers | Pinellas County, Florida Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Need Social Security Benefits? Dunedin, Florida Social Security lawyers can help
 

Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from making a living? You may be eligible for help from the social security administration. Social security provides monthly payments to those who qualify. Work with an experienced Dunedin social security attorney to give yourself the best chances of winning your claim. By filling out the questionnaire on this webpage, you can contact an experienced Dunedin social security attorney. It is time to get the help you need.
 

The SSI and SSDI system: a real safety net
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications are denied nationally. Often success hinges on whether you have made out the best case for your disability to the review board. Dunedin social security lawyers have experienced understanding how to present your best case. By working with an attorney, you will not have to second-guess whether you have done the best job highlighting what the social security administration is looking for. The difference between winning your social security claim and losing your social security claim are often dramatic. For example, without an alternative source of income, and without the ability to work (due to disability), many people face homelessness and hunger. The relief provided by the monthly payments from SSI and SSDI claims provide a necessary security blanket. In some cases, claimants may be entitled to medical care through the Medicaid or Medicare systems.
 

How much does it cost to hire a qualified Dunedin Social Security Lawyer?
 

Because the people who need a social security lawyer usually do not have a source of income, social security lawyers structure their fees to make their services affordable. Almost always, Social Security lawyers work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if you win your claim. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a social security attorney. The government limits how much a social security attorney can charge you. They are limited to charging the lesser of: 25% of the back pay awarded to you, or a maximum of $6,000. So, an attorney cannot make more than $6,000 on your case, nor can he or she make more than 25% of the back pay owed to you. Thus, if you are awarded $20,000 in back pay, generally the max you can be charged is $6,000. Contacting you Dunedin Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire on this site.
 

Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
 

Two separate social security programs provide disability payments to injured people: SSI and SSDI (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance). To earn disability payments under either one, you must suffer from an injury that (1) prevents you from working for a year or more, or (2) will result in death. Short-term injuries are not covered by the social security system.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Dunedin, Florida? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
   1. The term disability is that you are unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] because of a medically physical or mental impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in your death.
2. If you are working in or around Dunedin, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Dunedin and performing SGA, then you are considered able to work and not disabled. In 2012, the SGA limit is $1010 (after taxes) per month. If you earn more than $1010 per month, you are probably not eligible, unless there are special circumstances;
3. Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - You must have a medical problem which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or end in death;
4. Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - SSA has a list of medical conditions ["Listing of Impairments."] that describes medical conditions so severe that SSA considers people who have the conditions disabled;
   1. If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
      1. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Work You Did in the Past? - SSA determines what you are able to do despite your medical condition. This is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). SSA compares your RFC with the physical and mental demands of your past jobs. If you are physically and mentally able to do a job that you have held within the last fifteen years, then SSA considers you "not disabled." However, if you are not able to perform any of your past jobs, then ask:
5. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Other Work? - If you cannot perform your past work, then SSA decides whether you are able to perform other types of work.
    

Can Children in Dunedin, FL Qualify for Disability Benefits? Yes, but What is the Criteria?
 

Financially, needy children under age 18 who have serious medical conditions may be eligible for Children's SSI. A child is disabled for SSI if the child is not working and earning more than the SGA level and has a medical condition or combination of conditions that cause "marked and severe functional limitations." Medical evidence documenting the child's medical condition is essential.
 

SSDI: The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Connect with a Knowledgeable Dunedin, Florida Disability Insurance Attorney Immediately
 

SSDI is a program for Americans who have a work history. To qualify, you must be disabled, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a fraction of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you think you may qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Dunedin SSDI attorney soon to discuss your options.
 

SSI: the final safety net - Contact an experienced Dunedin Disability Attorney
 

If you have no or too little work history, are disabled, and make below a certain threshold of money, you may qualify for SSI. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a welfare-based program. The benefits are paid out of general tax revenues and are not contingent on your work history. The monthly benefit provides a basic amount, which may be enhanced by your state. You may also qualify for food stamps and Medicaid. You can contact an experienced Dunedin SSI attorney by filling out the questionnaire on this webpage.
 

Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Dunedin, FL Disability Appeal Attorney
 

You can start your application for social security online, in person, or by phone. The review process can take more than six months in some cases. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

The following are a few examples of the types of injuries and illnesses that have previously qualified as a disability:

Local SSA Office of Dunedin, FL
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Dunedin, Florida
 

Hospitals in and near Dunedin, Florida
 

Dunedin social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Southwestern Florida, including Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Egypt Lake-Leto, Gibsonton, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Lake Magdalene, Largo, Oldsmar, Orient Park, Palm Harbor, Palmetto, Pinellas, Sarasota, Seminole, South Highpoint, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Town 'N' Country, West and East Lealman, areas in the vicinity of St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport, and other communities in Pinellas County.