Published on: September 29, 2014
Filing for disability benefits in the state of Florida can pose a number of unique challenges for applicants and these disacan addi to the pre-existing hardships that they are already dealing with. When dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and disability applications, over 60% of first-time claimants are denied their needed benefits.
In many cases, this isn’t because an applicant’s specific conditions do not qualify them for benefits; rather, failed claims can often be traced back to poor application handling and insufficient evidence. Even if you have been denied disability benefits in Florida, do not give up on your claim. Contacting a seasoned disability expert in your area can make all the difference for your application.
When applying, it’s important to clearly prove to the SSA how your condition actively affects your ability to work and earn in the same capacity as prior to the onset of your disability.
Identifying Disability
To receive disability benefits in the state of Florida, your condition must be officially recognized and diagnosed by a reputable, licensed medical professional, and fall under what the SSA deems as “disabling;” the SSA makes this judgment using their referential Blue Book, a kind of guide the administration uses when reviewing applications; this publication lists all disabilities for which benefits may be awarded.
Generally, the Social Security Administration will consider approval of benefits to those suffering from the following conditions, and to such an extent that it severely limits their ability to sustain themselves and their family:
- Mental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety
- Immune system disorders, including arthritis and HIV/AIDS
- Respiratory illness
- Cardiovascular disorder
- Speech and sensory impediments
- Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy
- Liver, kidney and heart disease
How Do I Know If My Condition Qualifies?
In order to receive benefits in Florida for a disability, your condition must be officially diagnosed by a licensed practitioner, and significantly limit your work performance or meet a Social Security listing in the Code Of Federal Regulations. In most cases, merely having a disability or medical condition is not enough to be eligible for benefits.
To receive benefits for a disability in Florida, conditions must tangibly affect a person’s ability to work and sustain a normal lifestyle, and be expected to last at least one year or have already lasted one year. These are all things that must be proven with ample supporting evidence in your application for benefits. Very often, failed disability applications are the direct result of insufficient evidence or unclear diagnoses. To find out if your condition is eligible for full benefits through the SSA, and for the best results with your application, contact a disability professional in your area. Local disability experts can help you gather the right information for your claim and improve you chances of getting benefits, even if you have been previously denied.
Evidence and the Application Process
Medical and work evidence plays a huge role in the success of Florida disability benefit applications. It’s from these sources that the SSA will almost entirely determine your eligibility for benefits.The amount of financial support you can get from the SSA is directly affected by how much your condition inhibits your average earnings; this is also relative to your previous contributions to Social Security through paycheck taxes in the form of credits.
In various states and municipalities, various agencies will review disability applications to determine eligibility to benefits. In Florida, the Florida Division of Disability Determination is largely responsible for eligibility decisions.
If the Florida DDD has denied you, the Social Security Administration will also deny your application. If this is the case, don’t lose hope! There are still steps you can take to get the benefits you need, despite prior determination.
Who You Can Talk to for Help
If you have been previously denied benefits, or feel unsure about your disability application in Florida, one of the most helpful things you can do is contact a trained disability expert in your area. These professionals can consult with you and help guide your claim through the disability application process, and manage conversations with the SSA; in many benefit applications, local disability experts often become invaluable assets.
Even if you’ve been denied, a disability professional in your area can help you effectively appeal that decision, and get you the benefits you need to make up for lost work and wages. Living with a disability is hard enough on its own; don’t make matters more difficult by applying for Florida disability benefits alone.
