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

Social Security lawyers in Tarpon Springs, Florida Can Help

Do you suffer from a disability that prevents you from making a living? You may be entitled to benefits under the social security disability income system. The system is designed to provide benefits to citizens who cannot work due to disability. By working with an experienced Tarpon Springs social security attorney, you stand a better chance of qualifying for social security benefits. Once you fill out the form on the site, an experienced Tarpon Springs social security attorney will call you promptly. By speaking with the attorney, you are under no obligation whatsoever.
 

The consequences of your SSI and SSDI application and appeal
 

Roughly 65 – 75% of applicants are initially denied for social security benefits. An experienced Tarpon Springs social security lawyer can increase your chance of success. Your attorney can emphasize the facts that evidence your disability in a manner that is most appropriate. Your attorney will likely be able to draw from a wealth of experienced working with the review board inspecting your application and hearing your appeal.  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.
 

What does the typical Tarpon Springs, Florida Social Security lawyer cost to hire?
 

Contrary to what people think about lawyers, Social Security lawyers tend to be very 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 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. By filling out the questionnaire on the website, an experienced Tarpon Springs Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
 

When people refer to social security disability: they may either be referring to SSDI or SSI (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income). Both programs are federal programs. Both programs provide benefits to disabled people who cannot work (for at least one year). They do have some important differences though. Its important to understand which one you may qualify for.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Tarpon Springs, 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 Tarpon Springs, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Tarpon Springs 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 Tarpon Springs, 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.
 

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) – Work with a Knowledgeable Tarpon Springs, Florida Disability Insurance Attorney Today

SSDI is a benefit program based on prior work history. For example, you must have worked a certain number of the past years (depending on your age) and paid into the social security system to receive disability payments. Some SSDI beneficiaries also qualify for Medicaid.
 

SSI – Work with an experienced Tarpon Springs, Florida 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 Tarpon Springs SSI lawyer for more details.
 

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

You can begin the application process online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, may be longer. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

The list below contains a few examples of the types of illnesses and injuries that have qualified previous applicants for a disability:
 

Local SSA Office of Tarpon Springs, FL
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Tarpon Springs, Florida
 

Hospitals in and near Tarpon Springs, Florida
 

Tarpon Springs social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Western Central 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.