Understand the Two Main Types of Disability Benefits

Before you apply for disability in Florida, it's important to know which program you are eligible for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify. The amount of your benefits depends on your work history and earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program is based on financial need and does not require a work history. SSI benefits are for individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 and older and have limited income and resources.

Both SSDI and SSI require applicants to meet medical and financial eligibility criteria.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

For SSDI:

• Work History: You must have worked for a sufficient number of years and paid Social Security taxes. Generally, you need to have worked for at least 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. The SSA will evaluate your work history based on your credits, which are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes.
• Disability: You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
• Age Consideration: SSDI is available to workers of all ages, but the number of work credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled.

For SSI:

• Financial Need: To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In Florida, the resource limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a couple is $3,000. Resources include things like cash, bank accounts, and property (other than your home).
• Disability: Like SSDI, you must have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from working or performing daily activities. Your condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S. to qualify for SSI.

Medical Requirements

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI in Florida, you need to meet the SSA’s medical requirements for disability:

• Severity of Condition: Your disability must be severe enough to interfere with basic work tasks. The SSA uses a Listing of Impairments, which outlines a wide range of medical conditions that can qualify for disability. If your condition is not listed, the SSA will assess your case based on its severity and how it prevents you from working.
• Documentation of Disability: You will need to provide medical evidence to show that your condition meets the SSA’s criteria. This can include:
• Doctor’s notes and treatment records.
• Diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs).
• Hospital records or surgical records.
• Statements from specialists or therapists.
• Duration of Disability: Your condition must last for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Short-term disabilities are not eligible for benefits.

Application Process

The application process for disability benefits in Florida follows the same steps as the national process:

• Step 1: Gather Documentation: Before applying, collect your medical records, employment records, and information about your income and resources (for SSI applicants). Having these documents organized will help you avoid delays in your application process.
• Step 2: Submit Your Application: You can apply for Social Security Disability online, over the phone, or in person at your local SSA office. The online application is usually the fastest and most convenient option.
• Apply Online: Visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov to start your application. This is the easiest way to apply for both SSDI and SSI.
• Apply by Phone: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment or apply over the phone.
• Apply in Person: You can visit a local SSA office in Florida to apply in person. Visit www.ssa.gov to find the nearest office.
• Step 3: Wait for the SSA’s Decision: After you submit your application, the SSA will review your case. This can take several months, and you may be asked to provide additional information or attend a medical evaluation. Be patient, and make sure to stay in touch with the SSA throughout the process.
• Step 4: Appeal a Denial: It’s important to know that many initial disability claims are denied, even if they are valid. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves several stages, including requesting a reconsideration, requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and potentially requesting a review by the Appeals Council.

Work with a Disability Attorney

While you can apply for Social Security Disability on your own, working with a disability attorney or advocate can significantly improve your chances of success. A skilled attorney can help you with:

• Filling out your application correctly to avoid mistakes.
• Gathering the necessary medical evidence to strengthen your claim.
• Navigating the appeals process if your claim is denied.

Attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you are awarded benefits. This can help alleviate the financial burden of hiring legal help.