Florida Teachers Denied Social Security Disability Benefits: What To Do Next

Being a Florida teacher is physically and mentally demanding. You spend long hours on your feet, managing classrooms, engaging students, and keeping up with lesson plans.

Long-term disabilities can happen that make performing this work too difficult. Social Security disability benefits can help offset losses, but getting approved isn’t easy. Our experienced Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer explains common reasons teachers get denied and what to do next.

Common Reasons Florida Teachers Get Denied Disability Benefits

Being a teacher may be rewarding, but it also carries certain risks. The National Education Association (NEA) warns that burnout, falls, hearing or vision problems, and musculoskeletal disorders are common.

When a Florida teacher suffers an injury or chronic health condition that prevents them from working for a year or more, they may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. However, before approving claims, the SSA looks closely at whether your condition prevents you from doing your past work or adjusting to other jobs. Common reasons for denied benefits include:

• Medical records don’t clearly explain how your condition impacts your ability to work.
• Social Security doesn’t believe you are completely disabled and thinks you can do other types of work.
• Your condition is more of a short-term disability and is not expected to last a year or more.
• Your work history or accumulated credits don’t meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements.

Another challenge teachers face is that their jobs involve a wide range of duties. However, just because you can sit behind a desk and do lesson plans or grading for short periods doesn’t mean you can manage a classroom all day.

What Florida Teachers Can Do When Denied Social Security Disability Benefits

In evaluating Florida teacher disability claims, the SSA considers your work activity, the severity of your condition, whether you can adjust to other jobs, and other factors. If you get denied (which the SSA reports happens to up to two-thirds of all claims), you can generally file an appeal. To protect your rights throughout the process, take these steps:

• Review the denial letter, which should clearly state the reason for the denial.
• Gather recent medical records, test results, treatment notes, and statements from healthcare providers.
• Document how your condition affects specific job tasks.
• Track symptoms, treatment, missed work, and changes in your ability to function.

Keep in mind that there are strict deadlines for filing a Social Security disability appeal. If you are a Florida teacher who’s been denied benefits, get professional legal help today.

Consult Our Experienced Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer

Teaching is one of the most noble professions, but it can take a lot out of you. When chronic conditions prevent you from doing your job, our Florida Social Security disability lawyer provides the trusted legal help you need.

Farrell Disability Law has the experience to protect your rights and the legal knowledge needed to deal with the SSA. Contact us today to request a consultation in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.

Sources:

ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html

neamb.com/family-and-wellness/how-to-cope-with-common-educator-health-problems