Initial And Reconsideration Determinations
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide Social Security Disability assistance to people who are currently employed, already receiving SSDI benefits or have not been declared unable to work by a medical professional.
Filing a claim for Social Security Disability appears to be a simple process, but it is more complicated than it looks. Many people are denied their rightful benefits due to simple clerical errors or lack of knowledge about the process. It is critical to get legal help from a team of attorneys you can trust.
At Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we have been serving clients throughout Florida in all types of Social Security matters for decades. Our lawyers know the law and the procedures involved, and we help each client through the process personally to provide the best chance possible of obtaining benefits.
Initial Application For Social Security Disability
You can start the process of filing for disability one of three ways:
- Fill out an application through the mail.
- Schedule an appointment either online or over the phone.
- Schedule an appointment in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
Whatever way you choose to proceed, there will be an application form (either filled out by you in person or by the SSA representative) that you will have to sign. A lawyer cannot sign this form on your behalf, though a lawyer may assist you in filling out the application.
Who Determines Disability?
It might surprise you to learn that the SSA does not determine disability. After you file your application, your claim will be transferred to a contracted state agency that will determine eligibility. In most cases, the disability examiner will be a doctor or other medical professional, but not always. Once the agency submits its opinion, the SSA generally adopts the determination.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
If your claim for disability benefits was denied, you are not alone. Many people have their benefits denied upon the initial application, even those with viable claims. The good news is that you still have options.
In Florida, you can appeal the denial of your claim, which is called a request for reconsideration.
The reconsideration proceeds with a different team than the one that handled your initial application. However, you should know that most reconsiderations are denied. If the reconsideration does not succeed, you can still appeal your case to an administrative law judge (ALJ).
It is a difficult road to obtaining SSD benefits. Our lawyers know that there is no guarantee of success. But we also know how to do everything possible to give the best chance to get the benefits you need.
Schedule A Free Consultation About Social Security Disability Benefits
There is too much at stake to risk losing your chance at getting the benefits you need. The best thing to do is get one of our attorneys helping you right at the beginning of the process, as it is usually easier to succeed right from the start than try to get a denial reversed. We offer free initial consultations, so there’s no risk to you in talking with a lawyer from our team.
Call us at 800-200-7546 or contact us online.
