Social Security Lawyers in Fleming Island, Florida | Fleming Island, FL Social Security Attorneys | Clay County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms
Is it time you spoke with a Social Security lawyer in Fleming Island, Florida?
Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from making a living? Social security disability income, or “SSDI” for short, and “SSI”, supplemental security income, was created for those who cannot work due to suffering from a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system can be difficult to navigate. Whether you are a first time applicant or whether you have been previously rejected, an experienced Fleming Island social security attorney can help you. Fleming Island social security attorneys help our most vulnerable citizens qualify for social security disability benefits.
The consequences of your SSI and SSDI application and appeal
More than half of the initial applicants are rejected for social security every year. An experienced Fleming Island social security lawyer can increase your odds of success. Your attorney should understand how to make your best case. Your attorney can also represent you on appeal. An experienced Fleming Island social security lawyer will look over your file, and help you make any additions and corrections necessary to best highlight the nature of your disability. 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.
Qualified Fleming Island, FL Social Security lawyers: are they expensive?
If you think you can’t afford a social security attorney, think again. They’re not as expensive as you probably think. Why are they affordable? Answer: they work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if you get paid. The social security administration carefully monitors how much a social security attorney charges. The attorneys are statutorily limited to charging a max of 25% of back pay awarded to you (up to a max of $6,000). That means that in most cases you can only be required to pay money that was already owed to you before you received your social security benefits, and even that amount is limited. Contacting you Fleming Island Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire on the website.
Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
There are two separate programs that provide disability benefits in the social security system. They are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Generally, to qualify for disability payments, you must have an injury that prevents you from working for one year or more or an injury that will result in death. Both programs pay on a monthly basis.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Fleming Island, Florida? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
- 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.
- If you are working in or around Fleming Island, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Fleming Island 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;
- 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;
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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;
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
- 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:
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If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
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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 Fleming Island, 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: Federal Workers Insurance for the Disabled - Contact a Knowledgeable Fleming Island Disability Insurance Attorney Today
SSDI is a federal insurance program that pays disability benefits to people who have paid into the social security system. To qualify, you must be disabled and have a work history of paying social security taxes. Thus, not everyone can qualify. Those who do qualify may also be eligible for Medicare coverage, depending on the duration of your disability. Contact an SSDI attorney to learn if you may qualify.
SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Fleming Island, Florida Disability Attorney
The SSI system provides monthly payments, of a minimum amount, to disabled people. The benefits are paid regardless of whether you previously paid into the Social Security System. Although payments are generally lower under SSI, the funds help those who critically need it. In addition, successful claimants may also qualify for medical care through Medicaid. Fill out the form to contact an experienced Fleming Island SSI lawyer.
How does the application and appeal process work? - Fleming Island Disability Appeals attorney
Applicants can begin the process in multiple ways: online, over the phone, and in person. The government takes around four to six months to review your case. In the event that the government denies your social security application, you can appeal your case. At the appeal, you can represent yourself or your attorney can represent you.
The following are a few examples of the types of injuries and illnesses that have previously qualified as a disability:
Kidney cancer Seizures Bronchiectasis Cystic Fibrosis Multiple Myeloma |
Leukemia Liver Damage Affective disorders Hallucinations Autistic Disorder |
Lymphoma Schizophrenia Soft tissue sarcoma Mental Retardation Lung Infections |
Local SSA Office of Fleming Island, FL
Social Security Office 7185 Bonneval Road 1 Jacksonville, Florida 32256 (904) 296-1991 |
Low Cost Hospitals near Fleming Island, Florida
Azalea Health 100 Commercial Drive Keystone Heights, Florida 32656 (352) 473-6595 |
Green Cove Springs Family Medical Center 1305 N Orange Avenue Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043 (904) 284-5904 |
Hospitals near Fleming Island, FL
Orange Park Medical Center 2001 Kingsley Avenue Orange Park, Florida 32073 (904) 639-8500 |
Naval Hospital Jacksonville 2080 Child Street Jacksonville, Florida 32214-5000 (904) 542-7637 |
Fleming Island Social Security Lawyers serve clients throughout Northern Florida including Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Belmore, Clay Hill, Fleming Island, Lake Geneva, Lakeside, McRae, Middleburg, Oakleaf, Orange Park, Jacksonville, Palm Valley, Saint Augustine, Palatka, Gainesville, Lake City, Ocala, Russell, Camp Echockotee, Laurel Grove, Holly Point, Fruit Cove, Ridgewood, Marshall Plantation, Mandarin and other communities in Clay County.