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Get The Social Security Disability Benefits You Deserve

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    3.  – SSDI Frequently Asked Questions

Social Security Disability Insurance In Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

For most people seeking Social Security Disability benefits, the process is complicated and frustrating. The good news is that help is available from attorney J. Michael Matthews in Longwood. You have a much greater chance of getting the benefits you need when you have help from an experienced disability law attorney, and J. Michael Matthews, P.A., is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

For a free consultation, please call us at 407-278-8418 or complete our contact form. We serve clients throughout Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties and the surrounding areas.

My initial application was denied. What should I do next?

After an initial denial, many people make the mistake of filing a new claim. Instead of doing that, your next step should be to appeal the denial, rather than starting all over again. The reality is that the vast majority of applications are rejected on the fist try, and there is a process for appealing a rejected claim. A rejected application is not the end of the road. We can help you start the appeals process and represent you every step of the way.

What factors does the Social Security Administration consider when approving or denying disability benefits?

There are multiple factors that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider when you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To prove your claim for benefits, you will need to provide evidence of the following:

  • The type of disability, its severity and its expected duration: To learn more about the specific qualifications, please see our overview of medical and nonmedical requirements for Social Security Disability.
  • Your work history: Typically, you must have worked at least five out of the previous 10 years and paid into the SSDI system through paycheck deductions, or paid into the system directly if you were self-employed.
  • Your lifetime earnings: The SSA will want to know whether you have paid enough into the system, based on your earnings over the years.

If you don’t have sufficient work history for SSDI benefits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To learn more, please see our overview of SSI benefits.

Do I need an attorney to handle my claim?

Short answer: Yes. Statistics show that you are less than half as likely to succeed if you try to handle your SSDI or SSI claim on your own. The SSA approves only about 22% of initial applications for disability benefits, but the likelihood of an approval increases greatly in the appeals process when you have an experienced disability law attorney on your side.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Please call J. Michael Matthews, P.A., in Longwood at 407-278-8418 or complete our contact form to arrange a free consultation. We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we secure benefits for you.