Social Security Lawyers in Palm Harbour, Florida | Palm Harbour, FL Social Security Attorneys | Pinellas County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms

Should You Speak with a Social Security Attorney in Palm Harbour, Florida?

Has a disability prevented you from working? Social Security may provide the help you are seeking. The US Social Security system is not always easy to navigate. Fortunately, there are experienced Palm Harbour Social Security lawyers who understand the intricacies of the system. Whether you have previously applied for benefits and were rejected, or if this is your first time applying for Social Security, the assistance of a knowledgeable Palm Harbour Social Security disability lawyer is likely to increase your chances of success. Palm Harbour Social Security lawyers can guide you through the often-complicated application and appeal process. Start today by filling out the form on the website.
 

Moving Forward: How SSI and SSDI Benefits Can Help You
 

A significant majority of initial applicants are denied Social Security benefits: generally, between 65% and 70% of first time applications do not make the cut. Working with an experienced Palm Harbour social security lawyer can increase the chance your Social Security claim will be successful because you will be working with someone who understands the criteria that the Social Security review board is looking for and knows how to apply it to your individual circumstances. People with serious disabilities that prevent them from being able to gain employment may potentially face hunger and homelessness. A successful Social Security claim can provide a necessary safety net to some of the most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid programs.
 

What Does the Typical Palm Harbour, FL Social Security Attorney Charge?
 

Since the people who need a Social Security attorney usually do not have a source of income, Social Security lawyers charge fees that make their services affordable. Most Social Security attorneys work on a “contingency” basis: meaning that they only get paid if your claim is successful. That means, in most cases, you have nothing to lose by working with a Social Security lawyer. The Social Security Administration limits how much a Social Security lawyer can charge clients. Attorneys representing clients before the Social Security Administration are statutorily limited to charging a maximum of 25% of back pay awarded to you (up to a max of $6,000). Basically, what this means is that the lawyer can only charge you up to $6,000 for representing you in a Social Security matter – and often the amount is far less. Don’t wait. To contact an experienced Palm Harbour Social Security lawyer today and start the ball rolling on your Social Security claim all you have to do is fill out the form on the webpage.
 

Do I qualify for SSI and/or SSDI?

SSI (Social Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are two separate programs under the umbrella term “Social Security” that pay a benefit to claimants who are disabled. A qualifying disability for Social Security benefits usually must either prevent you from working for a year or more or result in death. While both the SSI and SSDI programs are federal disability programs, they are quite different from each other.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Palm Harbour, 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 Palm Harbour, Florida a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Palm Harbour 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 Palm Harbour, 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 Income (SSDI) – Contact a Knowledgeable Palm Harbour Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

If you have a work history of paying into Social Security, you may be eligible to receive SSDI payments. SSDI is a natural insurance program that pays those who are disabled and have a qualifying work history (the duration you are required to have worked to qualify depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. Learn more by contacting an experienced Palm Harbour SSDI lawyer and learn about whether you qualify for Social Security.
 

Supplemental Security Income: Your Final Safety Net
 

SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you must earn less than a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work in order to qualify for SSI. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI. Unlike SSDI, however, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for SSI payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Palm Harbour SSI attorney, fill out the questionnaire on this page.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Palm HarbourFL Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

You can start your application for Social Security benefits online today. You can also apply in person, or start the process over the phone by calling a local Social Security branch office. The initial review of eligibility can take upwards of four to six months. 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 Palm Harbour Social Security attorney as soon as possible to discuss the reasons your claim was denied.
 

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

Local SSA Office of Palm Harbour, FL
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Palm Harbour, Florida
 

Pharmacies in Palm Harbour, FL
 

Palm Harbour Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Palm Harbor Social Security Lawyers serve clients throughout Southwestern Florida, including Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, 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.