How to Qualify for Disability in Florida Through SSDI

Sustaining an injury from an accident can be incredibly overwhelming, not just because of the physical pain and discomfort but also because of the unexpected costs. Many victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, which can be difficult to manage.

If you struggle to pay off medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Florida. To qualify for disability benefits in Florida, you must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

What Is Social Security Disability (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability is a government-sponsored program that benefits disabled adults and children who cannot work because of an injury or illness.

The SSDI program pays benefits to individuals and certain family members if the individual worked long enough and pays Social Security taxes on their earnings. You will receive monthly benefits if you have a medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or beyond and meet the other requirements.

What Is the Process for Applying for Social Security Disability?

The process of applying for disability benefits can be complicated. You will need to provide medical evidence of your disability and proof of your work history, including the following:

• The Severity of the Condition or Injury 

To qualify for disability in Florida, your injury or condition must prevent you from performing the required job functions of your previous position and must have prevented you from working for at least a year.

• Disabling Conditions 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists disabilities and impairments that qualify for benefits. You may have difficulty getting benefits if your injury or condition is not on that list. However, each case is considered individually. When you apply, the SSA will compare your injury or illness to the ones on its list of disabling conditions.

• Employment Status 

You may run into some issues if you are still working while also trying to file for SSDI benefits. This is because there is a limit to how much money you can make each month to qualify for benefits. So, if you make too much money, you will not be able to get help from SSDI. It is best to speak with a lawyer to determine if your income is too high.

• Ability to Perform Similar Work

To be eligible for SSDI, the applicant must be unable to work at the previous job. If the applicant can still work their previous job, they are ineligible. If the applicant’s condition keeps them from doing similar work, the application will move on to the next step.

• Ability to Perform Different Work 

There are a few things that the SSA will consider when determining if you are disabled. One is if your condition is expected to last for at least one year or if it is terminal. They will also examine whether or not your condition prevents you from doing work that you used to do and if it prevents you from doing any other type of work.

• Eligibility Tests 

To qualify for disability benefits in Florida, applicants must take two work eligibility tests, the duration of work test and the recent work test. These tests are intended to determine whether an applicant’s injury or condition prevents them from being able to work. If you have questions about the application process or qualification requirements, contact a skilled disability attorney for help. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the entire process and can help you appeal if your claim is denied.

Conclusion

Suppose you are a Florida resident who cannot work due to a disability. In that case, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits through the federal government. To do so, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a qualifying disability and having previously worked enough covered quarters. If you think you may qualify for SSDI, you should contact the Social Security Administration to begin the application process.

The Social Security Disability lawyers at Avard Law have over 30 years in the business of helping people file Social Security Disability claims in Florida and throughout the United States. Our team of attorneys and paralegals will work tirelessly to prepare your case and present it before the judge. When you hire Avard Law, your attorney will be with you every step of the way and will be with you in court on the day of your hearing. If you are concerned about your Social Security Disability case, contact us for help and information.