If you are disabled and you live in Florida, you may wonder if you qualify for disability benefits and, if so, how to apply. This is understandable – after all, being disabled can be very difficult from a financial perspective. Let’s take a closer look at the process together.
What Qualifies as a “Disability” in Florida?
Because Social Security is a federally administered system of benefits, the qualifying factors are generally the same regardless of the state in which you live. In Florida, as in other states, in order to receive disability benefits, you must have a “qualifying” disability.
This typically means that you:
- Have a health condition that the Social Security Administration recognizes as disabling.
- That the condition has rendered you unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
Those are the two primary factors that the Social Security Administration needs to consider in order to determine whether a disability qualifies under its standards. In making this determination, the Administration will often consult its “Blue Book.” This is a guide that lists various conditions as well as their accompanying symptoms.
Having a condition listed in the Blue Book will make the process of applying for benefits easier – but if your condition is not specifically listed, you should not panic. This may simply mean that you need to provide additional medical proof and documentation with your application.
What Types of Benefits Does the Social Security Administration Provide?
For those who have a qualifying medical disability, two types of benefits may be available. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits.
In addition to having a qualifying medical disability, to receive SSDI benefits, an individual must be “insured.” This means that they have worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time, through which a portion of the salary from that job has regularly been paid into the Social Security system.
To receive SSI benefits, an individual need not be “insured.” Instead, the applicant must have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. That limit typically changes from year to year in accordance with the cost of living.
How Do You Apply?
If you believe you may qualify for disability benefits, the first and most important step in applying should be consulting an attorney who knows and understands the law and can help you through the application process. Doing so will ensure that you fully assert your rights and that you don’t overlook any important steps in the process.
As a general rule, applications can be submitted online through the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. As you prepare to file your application, you will need to gather information and documentation including:
- Medical records
- Employment records
- Birth and citizenship information
- Information regarding your dependents
- A list of your medical providers and their contact information
- Other information as advised by your attorney and depending on your circumstances.
After you and your attorney gather the necessary information and submit your application, you’ll wait for an initial decision. Depending upon the complexity of your situation, a decision may be issued in as few as four or five months – or it could be longer.
In some cases, Social Security will approve an application for benefits on the first try – but this is not always the case. If you are initially denied, you shouldn’t give up. You may want to pursue an appeal, and your lawyer should be able to help you do so.
Are There Any Other Options for Disability Benefits?
While many people can and do apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, it’s important to realize that these benefits aren’t the only option. In some cases, disabled individuals may also qualify for short or long-term disability benefits provided by their employer or through private insurers.
The terms of privately-funded disability policies will vary, and receipt of those benefits will depend on your circumstances. As a result, it will be essential to review your policy with an attorney who knows and understands the law and can give you guidance regarding your personal situation. Our knowledgeable and experienced legal team at Muse Disability is here to help.
Muse Disability – Here For You
If you live in Florida and you believe you may have a valid claim for disability benefits, you need a legal team on your side that knows and understands the law. You need a legal team who will always pursue the best strategies on your behalf, and who will fight every step of the way for the benefits you need and deserve. At Muse Disability, we are that team. We are proud of our reputation for representing each and every client we serve with excellence – and we would be honored to represent you too. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.