Myrtle Grove, FL SSD Lawyer
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to be a safety net for disabled people and terminally ill people who are unable to work and meet their own needs. It protects them from the economic hardships associated with disability-related unemployment and loss of income and provides access to essential healthcare services.
Yet, for many disabled individuals, the path to obtaining the benefits they rightfully deserve is riddled with obstacles. Countless deserving applicants find themselves denied the financial assistance they desperately need due to the complexity of the SSDI application process.
At Quin Baker Law, we have a team of exceptionally qualified Myrtle Grove, FL SSD lawyers who have more than 20 years of experience in helping disabled people get the social security benefits they deserve. We have extensive experience in handling different types of SSDI claims and have represented clients from Myrtle Grove, Gulf Breeze, Century, Jay, Pensacola, and surrounding areas. If you want to file for SSDI or if you want to appeal a denied claim, we can help you.
Call us today at 850-433-0888 for a free SSDI benefits evaluation by one of our attorneys.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for SSDI Benefits in Myrtle Grove, FL
The primary criteria for applying for SSDI benefits include:
Work Requirement
You must have worked in jobs covered under Social Security and earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. The number of work credits needed depends on the age at which you became disabled or diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Medical Condition
You must have a severe long-term disability, illness, or disorder that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. The impairment in question must be expected to last at least one year or result in death and must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
What is Substantial Gainful Activity According to the SSA?
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is a term used by the SSA to describe a level of work activity and earnings that can disqualify you from receiving SSDI benefits.
Any kind of work activity that involves significant physical and/or mental exertion and results in earnings above a certain threshold ($1,550 per month for non-blind people and $2,590 for blind people) can be considered SGA.
If you engage in SGA and earn above the SGA threshold, the SSA might consider you to be capable of working and sustaining yourself, as a result of which you might not qualify for SSDI benefits.
Why Hiring a Myrtle Grove, FL SSD Lawyer Can Significantly Increase Your Chances of Qualifying for SSDI Benefits?
A Clear Understanding of the Eligibility Criteria
We can help you understand the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits and assess whether you meet all the necessary requirements. We can review your medical and work history to determine if you have sufficient evidence to support your disability claim.
Completing the Application Correctly
SSDI applications require detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. We can help you complete the application accurately and ensure that all necessary information is provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in a timely manner.
Collecting and Submitting Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is critically important for establishing the nature and severity of your impairment and its impact on your ability to work. We can collect comprehensive medical records, treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and opinions from treating physicians to support your claim. We can make sure that the evidence is organized and submitted to the SSA in a format that strengthens your case.
Addressing Potential Issues or Obstacles
We can identify potential issues or obstacles that may arise during the application process and develop strategies to address them proactively. This might include addressing gaps in medical treatment, ensuring there is sufficient evidence to establish your work history and functional limitations, providing additional information to the SSA as and when needed, and more.
Advocating for Your Rights
We can aggressively advocate on your behalf throughout the SSDI application process and protect your rights. We can communicate with the SSA, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or questions that may arise.
Preparing for Possible Denials or Appeals
Even with thorough preparation, your SSDI application might be denied initially. We can help you prepare for the possibility of a denial by developing a strategy for appealing the decision. We can gather additional evidence, prepare legal arguments, and represent you throughout the appeals process to maximize your chances of success.
Can I Return to Work While Receiving SSDI Benefits?
Yes, you can. The SSA offers several options and work incentives for SSDI recipients who want to return to work. These incentives are designed to encourage you to enter or re-enter the workforce without risking the loss of your SSDI benefits. Your options include:
Trial Work Period (TWP)
The Trial Work Period allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) while still receiving full SSDI benefits – regardless of the amount earned. The TWP provides you with the opportunity to gauge your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) without jeopardizing your SSDI benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
Following the completion of the TWP, you can enter the Extended Period of Eligibility, which lasts for 36 consecutive months. During the EPE, you can continue to work and earn income above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. At the same time, you can still receive SSDI benefits for any month in which your earnings fall below the SGA threshold.
Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
If your benefits are terminated due to earnings above the SGA level, but you are unable to work again within a certain timeframe due to your disability, you may be eligible for Expedited Reinstatement of benefits without having to reapply for SSDI. This provision allows you to have your benefits reinstated quickly if your medical condition deteriorates and you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity.
Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work Program provides you with access to employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services to help you return to work or increase your work activity while receiving benefits. Participation in the program is voluntary and it allows you to explore employment opportunities without risking the loss of your SSDI benefits.
What are the Work Incentives Available for Blind SSDI Recipients?
If you are blind, you might be eligible for certain additional work incentives like the Substantial Gainful Activity Threshold Increase (SGATI) and the Blind Work Expenses (BWE) exclusion.
Substantial Gainful Activity Threshold Increase (SGATI)
For non-blind SSDI recipients, the SGA threshold is set at $1,550 per month. For blind SSDI recipients, the threshold is set at $2,590 per month, thanks to the SGATI provision. The SGA threshold is set higher for blind SSDI recipients due to the additional challenges they might face in finding and maintaining employment.
Blind Work Expenses (BWE) Exclusion
The BWE exclusion allows you to deduct certain expenses related to your disability while calculating your earnings for the purpose of determining SGA. These expenses might include guide dog expenses, transportation costs, specialized equipment or technology, expenses for personal assistance services, and more.
By deducting these expenses from your earnings, you can work and earn income above the SGA level without jeopardizing your SSDI benefits in any way.
Our Myrtle Grove, FL SSD Lawyers Can Help You Get the SSDI Benefits You Deserve
Applying for SSDI benefits or appealing a denied SSDI claim is a complex process that requires the expertise of a seasoned SSD lawyer. At Quin Baker, we focus exclusively on SSDI claims and have dedicated our practice to helping disabled individuals get the benefits they need to support themselves and live with dignity.
Our Myrtle Grove, FL SSD lawyers bring more than two decades of experience to the table and a track record of success that few others can boast of. From physical disabilities to chronic conditions, mental health conditions, and terminal illnesses, we have successfully represented clients with different types of impairments.
We provide personalized attention and responsive service to all our clients. We will update you constantly and make sure you feel supported and informed throughout the SSDI claims process. Call us today at 850-433-0888 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an accomplished Myrtle Grove, FL SSD lawyer.