Social Security Lawyers in Largo, Florida | Largo, FL Social Security Attorneys | Pinellas County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms
Contact a Social Security lawyer in Largo, Florida today
Does your disability prevent you from working? 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 Largo social security attorney can help you. Largo social security attorneys help our most vulnerable citizens qualify for social security disability benefits.
SSI and SSDI: your safety net
The vast majority of the initial applicants are denied social security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70%. Presenting proof of your disability is an important step toward qualifying. An experienced Largo social security lawyer can help you make your most compelling case to the review board. Your chance of success increases this way. The consequences of losing your social security claim can have serious consequences. Those who qualify get monthly payments to live off. In many cases, you can also get Medicare or Medicaid. These payments and other potential benefits often mean the difference between survival and homelessness for those suffering from disabilities.
How do I pay a qualified Largo, FL Social Security lawyer? I don’t have any money!
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. Social security attorneys are paid according to a strict fee schedule. They can only be paid if they win your case for you. That makes sense because claimants usually have no expendable money. 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 Largo Social Security lawyer is as easy as filling out the questionnaire on the website.
Social Security: Who qualifies for SSI and SSDI
Disability benefits under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are given to applicants who cannot work due to a disability. Generally, the disability must prevent you from working for a year or more or result in death. Benefits under SSI and SSDI are different.
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What is the Standard for Disability in Largo, 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 Largo, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Largo 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 Largo, 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.
Do you qualify for SSDI? – Work with a Knowledgeable Largo, Florida Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
SSDI provides disability payments to Americans who can demonstrate a work history of paying taxes into the social security system. To qualify, you must prove (1) the existence of a disability that prevents you from working for at least one year, and (2) that you worked and paid social security taxes over the course of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Contact an experienced Largo SSDI lawyer now to learn more.
The federal SSI program – work with a qualified Largo Disability Attorney
Unlike SSDI, you do not have to demonstrate a work history to be eligible for SSI. To qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a disability that prevents you from working for a year or more, and make less than a minimum threshold of money. SSI checks are paid monthly. In addition, you may be eligible for more money from your state, Medicaid, and food stamps. Call your Largo SSI lawyer for more details.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Largo, FL Disability Appeal Attorney
You can apply online, in person, or over the phone for social security. You will be prompted to fill out a series of questions that require you to substantiate your disability. If you have been denied, you can appeal your case. At appeal, you will have to prove that your condition qualifies as a disability. If you do not feel comfortable appearing on your own behalf, an attorney may present your case for you.
Below is a list of some of the types of illnesses and injuries that can qualify for a disability under Social Security:
Hereditary telangiectasia Peripheral neuropathies Alport’s Syndrome Gastritis Depressive Syndrome |
Adrenal gland disorders Cerebral Palsy Recurrent Arrhythmias Systemic sclerosis Schizophrenia |
Kidney cancer Loss of visual efficiency Pneumoconiosis Severe arthritis Loss of speech |
Local SSA Office of Largo, FL
Social Security Office 10200 49 Street N Clearwater, Florida 33762 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals in and near Largo, Florida
Community Health Centers 12420 130th Avenue Largo, Florida 33774 (727) 587-7729 |
Clearwater Community Health Centers 707 Druid Roadd E Clearwater, Florida 33756 (727) 824-8181 |
Hospitals in Largo, FL
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 901 Clearwater Largo Road N Largo, Florida 33770 (727) 586-2999 |
Largo Medical Center 201 14th Street, Southwest Largo, Florida 33770 (727) 588-5200 |
Largo Social Security Lawyers serve clients throughout Southwestern Florida, including Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, 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.