How To Protect Your Rights To Florida Social Security Disability Benefits In 2025
Whether you are currently applying for Social Security disability benefits in Florida or are already approved and receiving payments, you may have concerns about the future. Dire reports of dwindling funds and rumors about post-election changes to the system have many people on edge.
There is no reason to panic, but it is always good to be prepared. Our Orlando Social Security disability lawyer has a proven history of success helping clients get claims approved and offers tips to protect your rights to benefits in the year ahead.
Protect Your Rights When Applying To Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida
Disability benefits you may be entitled to from the Social Security Administration (SSA) offset lost income if injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions prevent you from working for a year or longer. If you are applying for benefits, well-meaning friends or things you read online may have convinced you these benefits are in jeopardy.
While debates over Social Security make headline news, the only immediate actions are 2.5 percent cost of living increases, confirmed by the SSA in October 2024. However, that does not make it any easier to get benefits now, as the SSA typically denies up to two-thirds of initial applications. To protect yourself and your rights to benefits, our Orlando Social Security disability lawyer recommends the following:
- Make sure you have a confirmed disability diagnosis from your doctor, along with their prognosis for the future;
- Get copies of all medical tests, specialists, and treatments, as well as medications you are currently taking;
- Keep a journal documenting your disability and how it impacts your life;
- Get statements for lost wages and a list of job duties from your employer, highlighting those that pose problems due to your disability.
Protecting Yourself If You Currently Receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
If you currently receive SSDI benefits, you will be happy to hear about the cost-of-living increase. However, there are still serious concerns with the program. The SSA expects that trust fund reserves, used for disability and retirement benefits, will be depleted by 2037. Politicians are debating the problem and pushing proposed changes for the years ahead. To protect your rights and prevent benefit disruptions, there are steps you can take now:
- Continue to carefully document your condition and the impact it has on your life;
- Visit the SSA website and log in or create an account to keep track of your benefits and any proposed changes;
- Track any earnings received from part-time jobs and be aware of SSDI income limits;
- Respond right away to requests for additional information or other correspondence you receive from the SSA.
Consult Our Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you have concerns about Social Security disability benefits and your rights in a claim, contact Farrell Disability Law. Our experienced Florida Social Security disability disability lawyer has a proven history of success helping clients and can guide you in getting the benefits you deserve. Request a consultation today in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability
choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2024-10-23-update-2025-cost-of-living-adjustment.html\
ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/
floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-determinations/index.html
