Social Security Lawyers in Fruit Cove, Florida | Fruit Cove, FL Social Security Attorneys | Saint Johns County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms

Social Security Benefits Questions? Fruit Cove, Florida Social Security Attorneys Have Answers

Has a disability affected your ability to work? You may be eligible for payments through the Social Security system. Understanding the nuances of Social Security laws and regulations can feel like an impossible task. Some people qualify upon completing an initial application while others take a longer appeal process. Regardless of where you are in the Social Security benefits application process now, the assistance of a Fruit Cove Social Security lawyer will probably help you. Learn more about the social security disability system today. Don’t wait any longer. Contact a skilled Fruit Cove Social Security disability lawyer today by filling out the questionnaire on the site.
 

Your SSI or SSDI Application: Get it Right the First Time
 

Statistically, between 65% and 70% of initial applications for Social Security benefits are denied nationally. You can dramatically increase your odds of winning your benefits claim, however, by working with an experienced Fruit Cove Social Security attorney. This is because most Social Security lawyers have learned what criteria the review board is looking for through years of handling applications for benefits through the Social Security system. The consequences of losing your social security claim can have far-reaching impacts for you and your loved ones. Those who qualify will receive monthly payments to help defray the cost of living. In many cases, may also be able to get Medicare or Medicaid. These benefit payments and other potential benefits can often mean the difference between survival and homelessness for people afflicted with serious disabilities.
 

What Does the Typical Fruit Cove, Florida Social Security Attorney Charge?
 

You do not have to have big bank account to afford a Social Security attorney. The typical fee structure used by Social Security law firms is designed to be affordable for people who are not employed. In almost every case, Social Security attorneys work on what is called a “contingency” fee. This means they only get paid if you win your Social Security benefits claim. Your social security lawyer is limited in how much he or she can charge you. The federal government has capped attorney fees in Social Security cases at 25% of your back pay, up to a total of $6,000. Even then, the government has to approve the final award of attorney fees. So, a claimant is always getting a fair deal. Contact an experienced Fruit Cove Social Security lawyer today by filling out the form on the webpage.
 

Educate Yourself: The difference between SSDI and SSI
 

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

1.    How is disability defined in Fruit Cove, Florida? - In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration's
        standard for disability.
        a.    The term disability is defined as being unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] due to a of a physical or mental impairment which has lasted
                - or is expected to last - for a minimum of 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
2.    Is working in Fruit Cove, Florida a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Fruit Cove and the work meets the definition of
       substantial gainful activity, you are considered able to work and, therefore, you are not disabled and would not qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
       In 2012, if you earn more than $1010 per month (after taxes), you are probably not eligible for Social Security, unless there special circumstances exist.
3.    Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - In order to be considered severely impaired, you must have a medical problem that significantly limits your physical or
       mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or result in death.
4.    Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - The Social Security Administration (SSA) has promulgated a list of medical conditions
        ["Listing of Impairments."] of such great severity that the SSA considers people who with the conditions disabled;
        1.    If your condition is not included in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, you have to ask yourself the following question in regard to obtaining Social Security
               Disability Benefits:
               1.  Am I able to do the same type of work I was able to do before the onset of the disability? - If the SSA determines that you are able to continue doing the same
                    work as you did before your medical condition you may have difficulty proving eligibility. The measure of how capable you are at doing your job after the
                   onset of your disability as opposed to before the onset of the disability is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). In determining your eligibility for
                   benefits, the SSA compares your current 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." If you are not able to perform any of your past jobs,
                   then ask yourself:
5.    Despite Your Medical Condition, Can You Do Other Work? - If you are unable to perform work similar to what you have done in the past, then the SSA will
       determine whether you are able to perform other types of work rather than collect benefits.
 

Can Children in Fruit Cove, Florida 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 Insurance (SSDI) – Talk to an Experienced Fruit Cove, FL Disability Income Lawyer 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.
 

Supplemental Security Income: A Welfare-based Program
 

SSI, unlike SSDI, is a welfare-based program that pays a benefit to those with disabilities, regardless of their work history. In order to qualify for SSI, claimants must make less than a minimum threshold of income (a very small amount). Those who qualify may also be eligible for food stamps, and Medicaid. Learn more now and contact an experienced Fruit Cove SSI lawyer.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Fruit Cove, Florida Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

Applicants can begin the process in a number of different ways: online, over the phone, and in person by visiting a local Social Security office. Expect to wait between four and six months for a determination of eligibility. If you are denied Social Security benefits, you can always appeal the decision, which will take longer. If you are considering an appeal, contact a skilled Fruit Cove Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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

Local SSA Office of Fruit Cove, Florida
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Fruit Cove, Florida
 

Pharmacies near Fruit Cove, Florida
 

Fruit Cove Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Fruit Cove social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout North Florida including Butler Beach, Bakersville, Elkton, Flagler Estates, Fruit Cove, Nocatee, Palm Valley, St. Johns, St. Augustine Shores, Hastings, Marineland, St. Augustine, Switzerland, Marshall Plantation, Pine Bluff, Mandarin, Loretto, Hibernia, Laurel Grove, Neilhurst, Orange Park, Plummers, Camp Echockotee, Beauclerc Gardens, Beauclerc, Goodbys and other communities in St. Johns County.