Suffer Long-Term Disabilities In Florida? How Social Security Determines When You Are Unable To Work

Physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions you suffer from can cause serious impairments. Long-term disabilities are those that are expected to prevent you from working for a year or longer. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer explains your rights to Social Security disability benefits and how the SSA determines when you are unable to work and, therefore, eligible.

Your Rights To Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida

Aside from what is available through employer-provided or privately purchased policies, Florida does not offer residents long-term disability coverage. However, you may be entitled to benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

These benefits are funded through taxes you pay out of your income, and can help in compensating up to two-thirds of your lost wages. However, getting approved is often a long and difficult process. The first step is determining your eligibility. You may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits in Florida if you meet the following requirements:

• You suffer a qualifying condition, as listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments;
• You have earned the required 40 work credits;
• You have earned 10 of these credits in the past ten years;
• You complete all required forms and provide the appropriate supporting documents;
• Your condition prevents you from working for a year or longer.

How The SSA Decides You Are Unable To Work

Disabilities can have short or long-term impacts on your health. A short-term disability may leave you temporarily unable to work for a period of months, but you are expected to eventually recover. A long-term disability is one that prevents you from working for a year or more and is likely to eventually result in your death.

Under SSA guidelines, there are several factors representatives will review in determining whether claimants are unable to work and eligible for benefits. These include:

• Can you do the work you previously did? Difficulties in walking, bending, pushing, lifting, standing on your seat, dealing with high-stress environments, or other problems can easily prevent you from performing your prior job.
• Can you do any other work? In addition to determining whether you can do your prior job, the SSA will determine whether your long-term disabilities prevent you from performing other types of jobs that are generally done as part of the national economy.

To avoid having your claim denied or delayed due to disputes over whether you are able to work, provide the appropriate supporting documents upfront. This should include medical records, your official diagnosis and prognosis for recovery, statements showing lost wages, and testimony from your employer.

Request A Consultation With Our Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer

Long-term disabilities can have major impacts on your ability to work. Social Security disability benefits help to make up for lost income you suffer. To discuss your qualifications and how to get your claim approved in the quickest amount of time possible, contact Farrell Disability Law, Request a consultation with our Florida long-term disability lawyer in our Jacksonville or Orlando office today.

Sources:

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

ssa.gov/disability/step4and5.htm?tl=4%2C5