Melbourne SSDI Attorneys

SSDI is an acronym for the Social Security Disability Insurance program. IT is a government-administered insurance program designed to provide financial benefits for disabled workers. A worker who has a terminal illness or a serious medical condition which prevents him or her from working for at least one year may be eligible. Florida Spouses and children of disabled workers may also qualify to receive financial benefits under this program. Filing the necessary paperwork can be taxing, and many choose to hire a Melbourne SSDI lawyer to help with the process.

To qualify for SSDI, a worker must meet the criteria of two earnings tests: the “recent work test” and the “duration of work test.” These criteria measure the age at which a worker became disabled and the duration of time that a worker was employed prior to becoming disabled. If a disabled worker qualifies for SSDI benefits, the monthly amount will be calculated based on the worker’s average lifetime earnings.

Why seek the assistance of a lawyer?

The SSDI application process can be arduous, complicated and time-consuming. Medical records and work information must be gathered and provided. Multiple forms must be completed either online at ssa.gov or at the applicant’s local Social Security office. The application process usually takes several months. If the application or any accompanying required form is insufficiently prepared, lengthy delays can occur. Let an experienced lawyer from Couture Law work closely with you to ensure that your application is properly prepared. An attorney in Melbourne will be familiar not only with the administrative rules of the Social Security Administration but with local, state and federal laws governing the Social Security Disability process. Further, if an application is initially denied, a Melbourne SSDI attorney can assist the client in determining whether appealing is an option.

SSDI is not SSI

The SSDI program is sometimes confused with the SSI program. SSI stands for “Supplemental Security Income” and is a different disability benefits program available through the Social Security Administration. Rather than the determination of benefits based on an applicant’s work history, SSI awards are based on the applicant’s financial need. A disabled worker who qualifies for SSDI may also qualify for SSI.

Disability determination factors in Florida

The Social Security Administration examines certain questions to determine whether an applicant is truly disabled. Some of these questions are:

• Is the applicant working? How much is the applicant earning?
• How severe is the applicant’s medical condition? Does it limit the applicant’s ability to perform basic work activities, like sitting, standing, lifting or remembering?
• Is the applicant’s medical condition on the list of impairments maintained and updated by the SSA?
• Can the applicant still do the work they once did?
• Can the applicant do any other work? What skills do they have? What level of education do they have?

If applicants are still working, they will likely not qualify for SSDI in Florida. If applicants have chronic medical conditions but are still able to perform basic work activities, they likely will not qualify for SSDI. However, the specifics of each applicant’s situation should be discussed with a Melbourne SSDI attorney prior to ruling out a disability claim.