What Conditions Automatically Qualify You For Florida Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security is funded through your payroll taxes and serves as a safety net. In addition to retirement benefits, it provides monthly payments for people with long-term disabilities. However, filing an application and getting your benefits approved is a time-consuming and complex process, with most claims being denied on the first try.
Our Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer represents clients in these cases, guiding them through the process of filing an appeal. One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Can I automatically qualify for Social Security disability payments in Florida?” The short answer is no, but there are some conditions that are more likely to be processed and approved more quickly than others.
Qualifying For Social Security Disability In Florida
Statistics from the Florida Department of Health show that millions of people throughout the state suffer from some type of disability that impacts their daily lives. Long-term disabilities prevent you from working and are expected to last for a year or longer. They can happen due to accidental injuries, severe illnesses, or as a result of chronic health conditions.
Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits serve as a safety net and supplement the money you lost. To qualify, you must:
- Suffer from a medically documented condition that qualifies under the SSA’s Listing of Impairments;
- Have paid into the system and accumulated the required 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned over the past ten years.
Unfortunately, even if you meet these qualifications, your Florida Social Security disability claim will likely take a year or longer to process and could easily end up being denied, something the SSA reports happens to roughly two-thirds of all applications.
How To Fast-Track Your Social Security Disability Claim
Getting a Florida Social Security disability claim approved is typically a long and laborious process. However, the SSA offers two fast-track processes: Quick Disability Determinations (QDD) and Compassionate Allowances (CAL). These aim to identify people who meet eligibility criteria and have a condition that obviously entitles them to benefits, such as cancer, brain tumors, and other life-threatening disorders.
If your claim does not fall under this category but meets all other qualifying criteria, there are other ways to help fast-track your claim:
- Get a statement from your doctor detailing your disability and the impact it has on your life;
- Make a list of all medical providers, medications, and treatments you have undergone;
- Make sure to provide copies of all medical records, including test results;
- Take your time in filling out the disability application form and provide complete, concise answers to questions;
- Respond immediately to requests for additional documentation or other communications from the SSA.
To Get The Social Security Disability Benefits You Are Entitled To, Contact Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer
Disability benefits help make up for lost income when you are unable to work. Farrell Disability Law provides the professional legal help you need when applying for benefits and in appealing denied claims. To get what you are entitled to, call or contact our Florida Social Security disability lawyer online. Schedule a consultation today in our Orlando or Jacksonville office.
Sources:
floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/DHP2021DataReport.pdf
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm
ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/
