Winter Haven, FL Social Security Attorneys | Winter Haven, FL Social Security Lawyers | Polk County, Florida Social Security SSI SSDI Law Firms

Is it time you spoke with a Social Security lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida?

Living with a disability can be impossible. The social security disability system was designed to help those who are unable to work because of a disability. Qualifying is not always easy. That is why it is important to work with an experienced Winter Haven social security attorney when you apply or appeal a case. Winter Haven social security attorneys can walk you through the application and appeal process. Start now by filling out the form on the site.
 

Helping you move forward: SSI and SSDI benefits
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications are denied nationally. Importantly, you do not have to be among the number of people who do not qualify for benefits. If you have a disability, you can increase your chances of qualifying for social security benefits by contacting an experienced Winter Haven social security lawyer. Your attorney can help you make your case for SSI or SSDI benefits. You do not have to work alone. Winning your claim can mean the difference between homelessness and no medical care, and having a safety net of a monthly benefit payment and life-saving medical care. Those who qualify could potentially receive the following in addition to monthly payments: Medicare, Medicaid, and Food Stamps, depending on your circumstances.
 

Qualified Winter Haven, Florida Social Security lawyers: are they expensive?
 

Contrary to what people think about lawyers, Social Security lawyers tend to be very affordable. When you hire a social security attorney, you only pay them attorney fees if you win your claim. So, you only pay if you get paid. Social Security regulations set a cap for attorney fees.  As of June 2009, the cap is $6,000. Also, attorneys can only receive their money from the past due benefits awarded to you, a max of 25%. So, the most a social security lawyer can charge is: the smaller amount of 25% of your past due benefits or $6,000. By filling out the questionnaire on the webpage, an experienced Winter Haven Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Education: SSDI versus SSI
 

The Social Security system was created in part, to provide disability payments to our most vulnerable citizens: those who cannot work due to an injury. The injury must keep you from working for at least a year or more. Under the system, there are two types of disability programs: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Both are explained below.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Winter Haven, 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 Winter Haven, Florida is that a factor? - If you are working in Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven, 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 Winter Haven, Florida Disability Insurance Attorney Soon

Claimants can qualify for SSDI if they are disabled and have previously paid into the social security system through their taxes. So, you must have worked and paid social security taxes to qualify. The government also requires you to have worked a percentage of the previous years, contingent on your age. Some SSDI claimants also qualify for Medicare if they are disabled under the SSDI program for 2 years. Learn more by contacting an experienced SSDI attorney.
 

(SSI) Supplemental Security Income - Contact an experienced Winter Haven, FL Disability Attorney
 

The SSI system is designed to provide a minimum threshold of income to those who are disabled, blind, or 65 and older, who do not make much money. Those who qualify receive a monthly check (usually much less than SSDI amounts). You may also receive more money from your state. Unlike SSDI, claims are paid from general tax revenues. Thus, you do not need to have paid into the social security system to qualify for SSI payments. Those who qualify for SSI also may receive Medicaid coverage from the government (Medical Care). Fill out the form to contact an experienced Winter Haven SSI lawyer.
 

How do I apply, what can I expect? - Winter Haven, Florida Disability Appeals Lawyer
 

You can start your application online. You can also apply in person, or start the process over the phone. The initial review can take four to six months. 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.
 

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

Local SSA Office of Winter Haven, Florida
 

Low Cost Hospitals in and near Winter Haven, Florida
 

Hospitals in and near Winter Haven, FL
 

Winter Haven social security disability lawyers serve clients throughout Central Florida, including Auburndale, Bartow, Combee Settlement, Cypress Gardens, Eagle Lake, Gibsonia, Highland City, Inwood, Kathleen, Lake Alfred, Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands, Medula, Orangedale, Polk City, Socrum, Wahneta, Winston, Winter Haven, and other communities in Polk County.