Vero Beach Social Security Disability Lawyer

Our Team Can Help You Get the Social Security Disability Benefits You Deserve

We Deal with the Social Security Administration so You Don’t Have To

professional social security lawyers in vero beach

Social Security is often associated with paying retirees who are now enjoying their golden years. For many of the older residents of Vero Beach, this is exactly what it does. However, Social Security serves as more than a retirement plan for older individuals. It provides benefits for those who are no longer able to work because of disability, as well as providing benefits for their dependents.

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and other programs from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are often the main source of income for those who are unable to work. Unfortunately, this means if claims are denied, families may be left with few other options. It’s not uncommon for initial claims to be denied, but it’s important to know that an initial denial doesn’t have to be the end of the process.

You have the right to appeal your claim for Social Security. Doing so can be a daunting task, however. After all, you’re essentially making an appeal against the federal government. The Social Security lawyers in Vero Beach at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd have helped members of the local community get the benefits they deserve for over 30 years.

To speak with an experienced attorney about navigating the complex application and appeals process, call our firm at 866-460-1990 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Types of Social Security Disability Programs for Vero Beach Residents

The Social Security Administration offers three different disability programs for disabled workers and their families. Each of these has specific requirements, which the SSA will consider during their decision to approve or deny your claim.

1. Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI is available to those who are too disabled to work. This program essentially uses a portion of the Social Security contributions you made while you were still employed. You can see these contributions as “Social Security taxes” on your paystubs. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must be disabled. You must also have made a certain amount of money to qualify. This amount of money changes every year.

2. Supplemental Security Income

If you haven’t worked long enough to make the required Social Security contributions to qualify for SSDI and you meet the assets and income requirements, you may be eligible for supplemental security income (SSI). In order to qualify, you must have a medical disability that prevents you from working, and, therefore, limits your ability to support yourself.

3. Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits

While the above two programs are based on an individual’s work and ability to support himself or herself, this program is intended to help workers’ loved ones who may not meet work requirements for other programs. In order to qualify, you must be between 50 and 60 years old, have been married to your deceased spouse for at least 9 months before his or her passing, be currently unmarried, and not be entitled to a higher amount of Social Security benefits on your own.

What the SSA Considers “Disabled”

Disability can come in a variety of forms. Some keep you from working, while others are an inconvenience more than anything. As such, the SSA uses five general questions to determine if you’re eligible for Social Security disability programs. These are the following:

  • Are you working? If you’re currently working and making at least $1,220 a month on average, you’re generally not considered disabled. If you aren’t working, the SSA moves to question 2.
  • Is your condition considered severe? In order to be considered disabled, your condition must keep you from being able to perform basic tasks such as walking, sitting, standing, lifting or remembering. This condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to last that long. If this applies to you, continue to question 3.
  • Is your condition listed as a disabling condition? The SSA has a published list of “disabling conditions” that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from “completing substantial gainful activity.” If your condition isn’t on this list, your case will be evaluated by the SSA. If it is on the list, continue to question 4.
  • Are you able to do the same work you previously did? If you are able to do the same work you did before your condition arose, you won’t be considered disabled. Otherwise, continue to question 5.
  • Can you do other work? Finally, the SSA will decide if you can do other work despite your condition. Their evaluation will consider your education, work experience, age, transferable skills and, of course, your medical condition. If you can do other work, your claim will be denied.

There are special situations where the answers to some or all of these questions will be disregarded. It’s important to speak with a Vero Beach Social Security attorney about your specific situation.

What to Do if Your Social Security Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied, don’t panic. The majority of initial claims are denied. When this happens, your best option is to work with an experienced lawyer to file a request for reconsideration. Your Vero Beach Social Security Disability Law Firm has lawyers that are ready help you gather all the evidence and documents you need to make the strongest case possible.

If your claim is still denied or you believe you deserve greater benefits, you can request a hearing by an administrative law judge. If the judge still doesn’t grant the disability benefits you deserve, you can ask for a review from the Social Security Appeals Council. However, the Council is not required to hear your case.

Finally, if the above steps don’t work and you still aren’t receiving the benefits you deserve, you can take your case to federal court.

Speak to a Team of Social Security Lawyers in Vero Beach, FL Today

Dealing with the federal Social Security Administration can be a frustrating, daunting task. You may feel like there’s no one there to help you get the benefits you deserve. And when it comes to the Administration itself—that may be true.

But as Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our team of Social Security lawyers in Vero Beach are ready to help you get the benefits you’ve already paid for with your taxes. For over 30 years, our legal team has helped members of the Vero Beach community access SSDI, SSI and other programs to help them live a comfortable life.

To schedule a free, no-obligation review of your case with an experienced attorney, call us at 866-460-1990 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Address
2101 15th Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960

We are open
Open hours: 9:00am – 05:00pm Mon-Fri

Phone
(772) 794-7774

Fax
 (772) 794-7773

E-mail
[email protected]

 
 
 




    Locations


    Ft. Pierce Office
    302 South Second Street
    Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
    Phone: (772) 464-4600
    Fax: (772) 465-4747
    Port St. Lucie Office
    1555 NW St. Lucie West Blvd
    Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
    Phone: (772) 344-7770
    Fax: (772)344-3838
    Okeechobee Office
    1910 S Parrott Ave
    Okeechobee, FL 34974
    Phone: (863) 357-5800
    Fax: (863) 763-2237
    Vero Beach Office
    2101 15th Avenue
    Vero Beach, FL 32960
    Phone: (772) 794-7774
    Fax: (772) 794-7773