Social Security Lawyers in Palm Valley, Florida | Palm Valley, FL Social Security Attorneys | St. Johns County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms

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

Has a disability made it hard to support yourself or your family? The good news is Social Security can provide much-needed relief to qualifying individual. If you qualify for benefits, you may be entitled to monthly checks from the federal government to help cover expenses while you are unable to work due to your disability. Some may qualify for other assistance, such as: medical care coverage, food stamps, and other assistance from the state government. Palm Valley Social Security lawyers can guide you through the often-complicated application and appeal process. Start today by filling out the form on this page.
 

The Difference between Winning and Losing your SSI or SSDI Claim
 

More than half of first-time applicants are denied Social Security benefits each year. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you are required to show proof of a disability. Experienced Palm Valley Social Security attorneys understand how to present your evidence effectively to obtain the benefits you need. 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.
 

Are Qualified Palm Valley, FL Social Security Attorneys Expensive?
 

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. How can a lawyer be affordable? Social Security attorneys generally work on a “contingency” basis. That means they only get paid if your claim is successful. The Social Security system oversees the amount a lawyer can charge for representing a client in a Social Security matter. Legal fees for Social Security cases are capped at 25% of the back pay awarded to you, up to a maximum of $6,000. All you have to do to contact an Palm Valley Social Security lawyer is fill out the questionnaire on this site.
 

What is the Social Security Disability system?
 

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 Palm Valley, 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 Valley, Florida a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Palm Valley 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 Valley, 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 Valley, Florida Disability Insurance Lawyer Now
 

SSDI pays disability payments to disabled Americans with a qualifying work history. Not everyone is eligible to claim SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSDI, you will have to show, in addition to proving your disability, that you have worked a certain percentage of your previous years (the amount you need to have worked depends on your age). Medicare coverage is also available to some SSDI recipients. Contact your Palm Valley SSDI attorney to learn more now.
 

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 Palm Valley SSI lawyer.
 

The Social Security Process: From Application to Appeals - Palm Valley, FL Disability Appeals Attorneys
 

You can begin the application process for Social Security benefits online, in person, or by phone. The process can take a while because the number of applications is generally very high. Usually, you have to wait anywhere between three and six months, maybe longer before you will receive a decision on your eligibility for Social Security. If you are denied benefits, you can appeal your case. Call an Palm Valley Social Security lawyer today to discuss the merits of your appeal.
 

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 Palm Valley, FL
 

Low Cost Hospitals near Palm Valley, Florida
 

Pharmacies near Palm Valley, FL
 

Palm Valley, FL Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Palm Valley social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Northern Florida including Palm Valley, Hastings, Marineland, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, Elkton, Julington Creek, Mill Creek, Nocatee, Sawgrass, St. Johns, Spuds, Summer Haven, Switzerland, Twentymile, Ponte Vedra Beach, Durbin, Bayard, Jacksonville Beach, Hilden, San Pablo, Neptune Beach and other communities in St. Johns County.