Social Security Disability offers many Floridians with disability with the financial assistance they need to maintain their livelihood. If you or a loved one wishes to apply for Social Security Disability or have had their application denied, our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys in Tampa at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett can help you.

What are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits are available in two different forms:

  • Social Security Disability: This provides benefits and income to people that have worked and contributed in the form of security taxes over the years but are too disabled to get gainful employment anymore.
  • Supplemental Security Income: This provides disabled individuals with income, whether or not they have been employed or contributed to security taxes.

For both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability, you need to show that your disability doesn’t allow you to find gainful employment or income. You should show records that it has been at least one year since your disability has prevented you from gaining income.

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Social Security Disability Law at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett

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Eligibility Requirements in Florida

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) provides permanent or temporary benefits to disabled workers that have paid Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes. In most cases, workers that have consistently contributed and paid taxes on their wages or income will meet this requirement. You should also have a severe medical condition, disability, or qualifying condition to be eligible for the SSDI benefits. One of our Social Security Disability lawyers in Tampa can help determine if you qualify.

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Applying for Social Security Benefits in Florida

The application process for Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability can be complicated: Almost 79% of applications received by the Social Security Administration get rejected. You need to make sure there are no errors in the paperwork, or your disability will get denied on a technicality. You should consult an experienced attorney to apply for the necessary benefits.

In some cases, legitimate claimants are denied their disability benefits because they fail to complete the forms appropriately or cannot provide convincing evidence of their disability. Your attorney will help you appeal the decision if you are denied Social Security Disability. After assessing the paperwork, they will take the proper steps to recover your benefits.

The attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have the experience to review medical records and prove that claimants deserve Social Security benefits. You will be reimbursed compensation for the benefits once the application gets approved from the time you initially applied for Social Security Disability.

Appealing a Denied Social Security Disability Claim

You will need to do the following to appeal a denied Social Security Disability claim:

  • Submit an online Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can also submit this physically at the nearest SSA office. 
  • On a second denial, you must file a Request for Hearing. Again, you must file this within 60 days of receiving the Request for Reconsideration denial.
  • You must attend a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The time between submitting the Request for a Hearing and the actual hearing can be 9 – 12 months. You must have an attorney involved from the beginning. Your attorney will take the proper steps to ensure your denial is not based on a technical error.

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Losing Your Social Security Disability Benefits

Losing SSD benefits doesn’t happen often. Considering this, your benefits may get canceled if your disability or medical condition improves to the point that the SSA determines you to be emotionally capable and physically fit to return to the workforce. Furthermore, the SSA must provide evidence that your condition has improved.

Advantages of a Hiring a Social Security Disability Law Firm

There are several benefits to working with a capable and compassionate Social Security Disability attorney in Tampa. They will aim at securing benefits as soon as possible. SSA can be strict in evaluating applications, and it takes 5 – 6 months on average to get a reply from them. This is a long period to be without a source of income. You may end up waiting years if your application gets rejected. Our skilled social security disability lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett in Florida can help you get the following:

  • Support from a professional team
  • Prompt and accurate answers to any case-related questions
  • Advocacy supported by years of experience
  • Solid legal representation at all case-related hearings
  • Personalized and compassionate attention to your case

At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, we share your goal of obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve and are ready to evaluate your case and fight for your benefits.

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Choose a Dedicated Disability Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

If you or someone you love has a disability and is looking forward to applying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, the strategy-driven and experienced attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett can assist you. You can count on us to provide robust legal representation with 125 years of collective experience. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (727) 306-0273 or fill out our online contact form.

Areas We Serve

We service all of Florida and have offices in:

Tampa
Clearwater
Bradenton
St. Petersburg
New Port Ritchie
Spring Hill

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