The Orlando Law Group

Social Security Disability

The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group understand the importance of being awarded your Social Security Disability benefits and how denials can negatively impact the individual applicant and the entire family. The majority of initial applications for Social Security disability are denied; however, an initial denial does not necessarily mean that the applicant is not entitled to benefits.

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Florida, or have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please contact The Orlando Law Group at (407) 512-4394. A Social Security attorney will review your claim and determine whether you are eligible for benefits and/or an appeal.

How do I apply?

We recommend you speak with a Social Security Disability attorney before beginning the application process. An attorney will be able to explain the process on filing for benefits and gather the appropriate documents and necessary medical records needed to submit a claim.

You should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can apply for SSD benefits by scheduling an appointment with a Florida Social Security Administration representative or by applying online. The claims representative assigned to your case will answer any questions you may have about the application process. He or she will also handle the paperwork needed to send your claim to Disability Determination Services (DDS), which will make an initial determination as to whether you are considered disabled under the SSA’s requirements. The claims representative will also determine the disability programs for which you may be eligible, as well as the amount of benefits you could receive based on your work history.

How long will my disability claim take?

1st APPLICATION:

This stage could take up to six months. At this point your claim will be in Tallahassee. Your Disability Determination Examiner will order your medical records. They may call and ask for updates on your medical condition. You may be sent out to a consultative examination that will be paid for by the state and/or you may be asked to complete questionnaires.

2nd REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION:

This stage could take up to 5 months. At this stage, your file will return to Tallahassee and your Examiner will update your file. This will include ordering any medical records that were not received at the initial stage or ordering updates from your doctors or hospitals. If you did not complete any questionnaires or go to a consultative examination, you may be asked to do so at this time. Most people are turned down a second time. Do not get discouraged, keep fighting!

IF A DENIAL LETTER IS RECEIVED PLEASE CONTACT US.

3rd REQUEST A HEARING:

This stage could take as long as a year before you are able to go in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Once a hearing date is scheduled, we will get a copy of your file and order any medical records that the Social Security Administration hasn’t already received; this will include updates from any doctors that you see on a regular basis.

DECISION FROM THE JUDGE:

Most claims are approved at this stage. If the judge finds that you are not disabled, there are additional appeal levels that can be taken.

Discuss your case with us

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    (407) 512-4394