Social Security Lawyers in Westchester, Florida | Westchester, FL Social Security Attorneys | Miami-Dade County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms
Is it time you spoke with a Social Security lawyer in Westchester, Florida?
Has the quality of your life suffered because of a disability? Are you now unable to work because of your disability? 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 Westchester social security attorney can help you. Give yourself the best chance of qualifying for social security disability benefits by working with an experienced Westchester social security attorney today. Fill out the form on the website today.
Applying for SSI or SSDI can make a serious difference
The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. Increase your chances of winning your Social Security claim by contacting an experienced Westchester Social Security lawyer. Your attorney should have the necessary experience to understand how to make out your best case. This may include working with your doctors, or having you seek a new cost-effective examination that can help make out your case. 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.
What does the typical Westchester, FL Social Security lawyer cost to hire?
You do not have to have a pool of money to afford a social security lawyer. The usual fee structure of a social security lawyer is designed so that it is affordable for people who are not employed. 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. Don’t wait to contact an experienced Westchester Social Security lawyer. Fill out the form on the webpage.
Education: SSDI versus SSI
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 Westchester, 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 Westchester, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Westchester 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 Westchester, 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 Westchester, Florida Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
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 Westchester Disability Attorney
SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you cannot earn over a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI, but unlike SSDI, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Westchester SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire on the website.
Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Westchester, FL Disability Appeal Attorney
To apply for social security, you can start online, in person, or by calling the social security administration directly. The government can take upward of six months to review your case. 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:
Muscular dystrophy Benign brain tumors Sjogren’s syndrome Anterior poliomyelitis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
Spinal cord or nerve root lesions Gastyrointestinal hemorrhaging Cerebral Trauma Cerebral Palsy Peripheral neuropathies |
Multiple Sclerosis Immune deficiency disorders Parkinsonian syndrome Subacute combined degeneration Inflammatory arthritis |
Local SSA Office of Westchester, FL
Social Security Office 11401 W Flagler Street Miami, Florida 33174 (800) 772-1213 |
Low Cost Hospitals near Westchester, Florida
Camillus Health Concern, Inc. 336 Nw 5th Street Miami, Florida 33128 (305) 577-4840 |
Care Resource Community Health Center 3510 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 (305) 576-1234 |
Hospitals near Westchester, FL
Kendall Regional Medical Center 11750 Bird Road Miami, Florida 33175 (305) 227-5500 |
West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital LLC 2525 Southwest 75th Avenue Miami, Florida 33155 (305) 260-1805 |
Westchester social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Southeastern Florida, including Boca Raton, Carol City, Cooper City, Coral Gables, Coral Springs, Corral Terrace, Country Club, Cutler, Cutler Bay, Dania, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, Fountainbleau, Hallandale Beach, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Hollywood, Homestead, Homestead AFB, Kendall, Lauderhill, Margate, Melrose Park, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Miramar, North Miami, Oakland Park, Palmetto Bay, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Richmond West, Sunrise, Tamiami, University Park, West Little River, areas in the vicinity of Miami International Airport, and other communities in Miami-Dade County.