Securities
If you have an illness, injury or disability that limits or prevents you from employment, you may be eligible to receive government assistance in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI pays benefits based on the wages that you have earned during your lifetime of employment. The Social Security Administration decision to award benefits is based on complex government statues and Social Security Rulings.
Knowledge of these volumes of codes, rulings and cases are what separate a skilled attorney from other lawyers who say that they engage in Social Security Disability Insurance representation. The attorneys at Gordon & Doner, P.A. have the experience, understanding and resources to help you file a successful SSDI claim. Whether you are filing your initial claim, or fighting for benefits that have been denied or reduced, we can help to protect your right to the full payment benefits.
To get disability benefits from Social Security, you must apply to one of two separate but related programs.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is an “insurance” program that pays disability benefit to persons (as well as to their certain disabled dependents) that have paid into the Social Security trust fund through Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA taxes). The employers of these insured individuals make equal FICA contributions on behalf of the employee.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a financial aid, or needs-based program that provides a basic income for disabled people who meet specific low-income guidelines. Regardless of your lack of employment history and age, you can receive SSI benefits when you become disabled.
How much a person receives as a benefit depends on his or her work history, resources, and other available income.
SSDI provides cash benefits on a monthly basis for persons who are totally disabled. In most cases you must be suffering from a condition that has or will prevent you from being employed for at least twelve months or a condition that will result in your death. While only 30-40% of disability claims are approved initially, did you know that working with an attorney who understands the benefits system and Florida law can help to improve your chances of compensation by as much as 50%?
If you have been denied eligibility for SSDI, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to request an appeal, of which there are typically four levels:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing by an administrative law judge
- Review by the appeals council
- Federal court complaint
Do not be discouraged if you have been denied. Just call Gordon & Doner, so we can begin preparing your case and gathering evidence. Our team of attorneys, legal assistants, a professional investigator and a registered nurse will analyze and discuss your case with you in easy to understand terms. Attorney fees in SSDI cases are based on a percentage of any amount recovered with a maximum fee amount that can be charged established by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration must approve any attorney fee requests.
At Gordon & Doner, we believe our system of justice works best when skilled attorneys that have the resources to fully prepare and try a case represent both sides. Please complete our online contact form or call us toll free at 1-888-ForTheInjured (1-888-367-8434).
For more information, please see the following related page on our
website:
Social Security Disability FAQs
