Social Security Lawyers in Panama City, Florida | Panama City, FL Social Security Attorneys | Bay County, Florida SSI SSDI Law Firms

Social Security Attorneys in Panama City, Florida Can Assist You

Is a disability rendering you unable to work? You may be entitled to monthly checks from the government while you are disabled. An experienced Panama City Social Security lawyer can increase the chance that you will win your Social Security application. Qualifying individuals may be entitled to monthly payments as well as medical care and additional resources from your state government. By filling out the questionnaire on the website, you can contact an experienced Abilene Social Security attorney with whom you can discuss your specific disability and situation. Don’t wait any longer; it is time to get the help you need.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Your Safety Net
 

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. A skilled Panama City Social Security attorney can increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Your attorney can help you frame your disability and the attendant circumstances in the most effective and appropriate manner. Your lawyer will draw from his or her wealth of experience working with the Social Security review board inspecting your application and hearing your appeal to ensure you present the best evidence of need possible. Being forced to live with a disability can make it practically impossible to function in society. If you are disabled and qualify for social security benefits, you will be entitled to monthly payments from the government. You may also qualify for medical coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, if your circumstances necessitate it. Social Security is an essential security blanket for those not able to work due to disability. The consequences of not qualifying can be severe.
 

What Does the Typical Panama City, Florida Social Security Attorney Charge?
 

You may be surprised to learn that hiring a Social Security attorney is quite affordable, even without a source of income. Social security attorneys are generally paid according to a strict fee schedule on a contingency basis. This means they can only be paid if they prevail in your claim. That makes sense because claimants often are not able to afford an attorney with the money they have. The federal government caps the amount that a Social Security lawyer can charge. They are generally limited to a maximum of 25% of the back pay owed to you (as opposed to future payments). That means that if you are owed $10,000 in payments from the months prior to your decision, the attorney can only make $2,500 – 25% of your back pay. The law goes on to state that a Social Security attorney cannot make more than $6,000 from your case in total. All you have to do to contact a Panama City Social Security lawyer is fill out the questionnaire on the site.
 

Educate Yourself: The difference between SSDI and SSI
 

Generally, when people refer to Social Security, they are referring to either SSDI or SSI (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, respectively). Both programs are federal programs that provide benefits to disabled people who cannot work for a minimum of one year. While SSI and SSDI accomplish the same thing, there are some important differences between the two programs. It is important to understand the differences to know which one you may be eligible to receive.
 

1.    How is disability defined in Panama City, 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 Panama City, Florida a factor in obtaining Social Security disability benefits? - If you are working in Panama City 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 Panama City, 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): The Federal Program for Those With a Work History – Get Help From a Knowledgeable Panama City, FL Disability Insurance Lawyer Immediately

SSDI is a program for disabled Americans with an employment history. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have a qualifying disability, and have worked and paid into the social security system for a minimum percentage of the previous years (the number of years depends on your age). SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare. If you believe you qualify for SSDI, contact an experienced Panama City SSDI lawyer to discuss your options.
 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Experienced Panama City, Florida Disability Lawyers Help
 

Supplemental Security Income, called SSI for short, is available to people who suffer from a disability regardless of work history. SSI pays less in benefits than SSDI but unlike SSDI, you don’t need to have a work history in order to qualify. SSI beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid and Food Stamps and other state welfare programs. Contact an experienced Panama City Social Security SSI attorney today to learn more.
 

From Application to Appeal: The Social Security Process - Panama City, FL Social Security Disability Appeals Law Firms
 

You can apply online, in person, or over the phone for Social Security. You will be asked to fill out a series of questions that require you to substantiate your disability. Be ready to wait anywhere from three to six months for a decision on your application. If you have been denied Social Security, 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 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 in Panama City, Florida
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Panama City, FL
 

Pharmacies in Panama City, FL
 

Panama City Weather (Monthly Averages)
 

Panama City social security disability attorneys serve clients throughout Northwestern Florida including Cove, Glenwood, Millville, Saint Andrew, Cromanton, Magnolia Beach, Long Point, Callaway, Lynn Haven, Panama City, Parker, Springfield, Laguna Beach, Pretty Bayou, Upper Grand Lagoon, Fountain, Santa Monica, Sunnyside, Youngstown and other communities in Bay County.