Vero Beach Social Security Disability Lawyer

30+ years of filing and appealing disability claims in Vero Beach

Do you need help preparing your application for Social Security Disability benefits in Vero Beach? Was your Social Security Disability claim recently denied in Vero Beach?

Our dedicated team of experienced Vero Beach Social Security Disability lawyers is here to help you every step of the way. We understand the challenges and frustrations that come with a disability, and we are committed to helping you secure the financial support you deserve.

Contact our Vero Beach Social Security Disability law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and are ready to fight for your rights to receive the compensation you and your family need.

How our Vero Beach Social Security Disability Attorneys can help you

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits process can be overwhelming, particularly when you are already dealing with the challenges of a disability. A dedicated Social Security Disability attorney in Vero Beach can be an invaluable ally, providing the expertise and support you need to successfully file for benefits or appeal a denied claim.

Here’s how an experienced Social Security Disability attorney at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd can help you:

1. We will help you understand the SSD application process. Applying for SSD benefits involves a complex set of rules and regulations established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). From gathering extensive medical documentation to completing intricate forms, the process can be daunting. Our attorneys, who specialize in Social Security Disability law in Vero Beach, understand these complexities and can guide you through each step with confidence.
2. We provide comprehensive case evaluations. Our disability attorneys will start by conducting a thorough evaluation of your case. This involves reviewing your medical history, work records, and any previous applications or denials. By understanding the unique aspects of your situation, our attorneys can tailor their approach to best present your case to the SSA.
3. We can help you file an initial SSD application. Filing an initial application for SSD benefits requires meticulous attention to detail. Many claims are denied due to incomplete or inaccurate information. Our Vero Beach Social Security Disability attorneys will help you complete the application correctly, ensuring that all necessary medical evidence and documentation are included. This increases the likelihood of your claim being approved on the first submission.
4. We can help you appeal a denied SSD claim. If your initial SSD application is denied, do not despair. Many claims are denied initially, but a significant number of these are approved upon appeal. Choosing our Vero Beach Social Security Disability law firm grants you a guide through the various stages of the appeals process, which include reconsideration, where you submit your claim to be reviewed by a different SSA examiner, and preparing your case to be submitted for an Administrative Law Judge review, Appeals Council Review, and even to Federal Court Review.
5. We will represent you at important hearings. One of the most critical stages of the appeals process is the hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Having one of our disability attorneys represent you at this hearing can make a significant difference. They will present your case effectively, question witnesses, and address any concerns raised by the judge. Their expertise can improve your chances of a favorable decision.
6. We have local expertise in Vero Beach. A Social Security Disability attorney in Vero Beach brings the added advantage of local expertise. They understand the nuances of the local SSA offices and have experience working with local judges and administrative staff. This familiarity can be beneficial in navigating your case more efficiently and effectively.

Dealing with a disability is challenging enough without the added stress of navigating the SSD benefits process alone. By hiring a knowledgeable and compassionate Vero Beach Social Security Disability attorney, you can focus on your health and well-being while your attorney handles the legal complexities of your claim.

Our Vero Beach Social Security Disability lawyers can provide the guidance, expertise, and support needed to file a successful application or appeal a denied claim. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone—contact our Vero Beach Social Security Disability Law Firm today at (772) 794-7774 for a free consultation to discuss your case, or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.

You will not have to pay for our services if we don’t win benefits for you.

Many people incorrectly assume that they cannot afford to hire a disability attorney to represent them or help them appeal a denied claim, but that is not true! At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we only charge a fee if we win your case, and we only take a small percentage of the back-pay benefits you win.

If you need assistance with applying for Social Security or Veterans’ Disability benefits in Vero Beach, or if your application has been denied, contact our Vero Beach Social Security Disability attorneys immediately. Our firm is available 24/7, and you can schedule a free consultation at any time.

We will help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve

People need Social Security Disability benefits because life can sometimes take unexpected turns, leaving them unable to work and support themselves due to serious illnesses or injuries. These benefits provide a crucial safety net, offering financial stability and peace of mind during some of the most challenging times.

For many, SSD benefits mean being able to afford essential medications, pay for housing, and put food on the table.

However, it’s important to understand that approximately 70 percent of all Social Security applicants are initially denied due to errors in the application process. That’s how our Vero Beach Social Security Disability attorneys can help you.

With a deep understanding of Social Security law and a compassionate approach to client service, we are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. We have helped hundreds of Vero Beach residents get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve, and we are ready to do the same for you.

The three main types of Social Security Disability programs

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers three main programs to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disabled Widow/Widower benefits. Each program has distinct eligibility criteria and benefits. Here’s an overview of each program:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Eligibility:

• Work Credits: SSDI is designed for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient period. To qualify, applicants must have earned enough work credits, which are calculated based on their earnings and work history. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits.
• Disability: Applicants must have a severe, long-term, or permanent disability that prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Benefits:

• Monthly Payments: SSDI provides monthly financial benefits based on the applicant’s average lifetime earnings prior to becoming disabled.
• Medicare: After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare, regardless of age.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Eligibility:

• Financial Need: SSI is a needs-based program designed to assist individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. To qualify, applicants must meet strict income and asset limits.
• Disability, Age, or Blindness: Applicants must be disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. For disabled individuals, the same definition of disability used for SSDI applies.

Benefits:

• Monthly Payments: SSI provides monthly payments to help cover basic living expenses. The federal benefit rate is standardized, but some states may supplement the federal amount.
• Medicaid: SSI recipients often qualify for Medicaid, which provides comprehensive health coverage.

Disabled Widower/Widower Benefits

Disabled Widower/Widow(er) Benefits, also known as Disabled Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits, are available to individuals who are disabled and have a qualifying relationship with a deceased worker.

Eligibility

• Marital Status: The applicant must have been married to the deceased worker for at least nine months before their death unless an exception applies, such as death due to an accident or in the line of duty.
• Age Requirement: The applicant must be between the ages of 50 and 60 (or 50 and full retirement age if the deceased worker was receiving reduced Social Security retirement benefits). In addition, the applicant cannot have remarried before reaching age 50. Remarriage after age 50 does not affect eligibility.
• Not Entitled to Equal or Higher Benefits: The applicant cannot be entitled to equal or higher benefits based on their own work record or the work record of someone else.
• Not Currently Receiving Certain Benefits: The applicant cannot be currently receiving certain Social Security benefits on their own work record, or the benefits payable to them must be less than the benefits they would receive as a disabled surviving spouse.

How to know if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) involves assessing several factors, including your medical condition, work history, and financial situation. Here’s a general overview of the criteria used to determine eligibility for SSD benefits:

1. Medical eligibility

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Your medical condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working.

Want to know if your condition is in the SSA Blue Book? Find out here.

2. Work history

To qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. Work credits are earned based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income.

The number of work credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled. In general, you need 40 credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits.

3. Duration of disability

Your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Short-term or temporary disabilities typically do not qualify for SSD benefits.

4. Inability to perform previous work

An applicant must be unable to perform the work they did previously. The SSA will review the applicant’s work history and determine if their condition prevents them from doing the jobs they have held in the past 15 years.

5. Inability to work

You must be unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your disability. The SSA uses strict criteria to evaluate your ability to work, considering factors such as your age, education, work experience, and the severity of your impairment.

6. Financial need

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income, a needs-based program, you must meet strict income and asset limits to qualify.

If you believe you meet the criteria for Social Security Disability benefits, you can apply online, by phone, or in person at the Vero Beach Social Security office. Keep in mind that the application process may require providing detailed medical records, work history, and other documentation to support your claim.

Consulting with a knowledgeable Vero Beach Social Security Disability attorney at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

What to do if your SSD claim is denied in Vero Beach

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 Vero Beach Social Security Disability lawyer to file a request for reconsideration.

Our Vero Beach Social Security Disability Law Firm has lawyers who are ready to 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.

Contact our experienced Vero Beach Social Security Disability Law Firm 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 at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our team of Vero Beach Social Security Disability lawyers 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 Vero Beach Social Security Disability lawyer, call us at (772) 794-7774 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.