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Social Security Disability Lawyer
Social Security Disability Attorneys in Pace, FL
Guiding You Through Each Step, Easing Your Anxiety
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, we understand that navigating the application process for Social Security Disability benefits or disputing a denial can be overwhelming and stressful. Although hiring an attorney isn’t mandatory for filing Social Security claims, our 30 years of comprehensive experience indicate that clients represented by proficient Pace Social Security Disability Attorneys often enjoy a greater chance of success in their claims and appeals. Our clients find comfort in knowing a dedicated attorney is diligently advocating for their interests.
Reasons to Retain an SSD Attorney in Pace, FL
Our goal is to simplify the path to obtaining Social Security Disability benefits. Every injury lawyer at our firm is dedicated to guiding clients through the intricate Social Security system, maximizing their benefits. We genuinely care for our clients and understand the challenges they encounter. We make it a priority to keep clients fully informed about their rights and the entire procedure. We liaise directly with the Social Security Administration, assist in obtaining necessary medical documentation, support benefit applications, represent you during hearings, and prepare you for any potential inquiries.
You don’t pay any fees unless we win your case — we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our typical fee is 25 percent of any awarded-back benefits, pending Social Security’s approval.
If you’ve sustained injuries at work, consider consulting our Destin workers’ compensation attorneys at no charge.
Deciding to Apply for SSD in Pace, FL
Determining whether to apply for Social Security Disability benefits can be a difficult decision.
Consider the following factors:
You may qualify for benefits, even if you’re employed part-time. If you’ve reduced your working hours to less than 40 weekly due to a physical or mental condition and are making less than $940 monthly before taxes, it might be worthwhile to apply, especially if further hour reductions are likely.
On average, the timeline for processing a disability claim is approximately 24 months from the application to the administrative hearing before a final decision is issued.
Delaying your Social Security Disability application could mean missing out on crucial financial support.
Unlike workers’ compensation or personal injury claims, the reason behind your disability does not impact your Social Security Disability claim.
If you later find you’re able to work again, you can withdraw your application.
Primary Types of Disability Benefits
There are two primary categories of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
You may be eligible for these benefits if you have worked and contributed to Social Security taxes for at least five of the ten years leading up to your total disability.
Individuals who became disabled before the age of 30 face less stringent requirements.
It’s essential to note that coverage ends shortly after you stop working. You must demonstrate that your disability occurred before your insurance coverage lapsed; otherwise, you won’t qualify for benefits, regardless of your medical condition’s severity. If you are found ineligible for disability insurance due to delays, applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) might be a viable option, though eligibility depends on financial need, meaning many applicants may not qualify.
Timely filing of your application is crucial for maximizing your retroactive benefits or back pay, which applies only to the year prior to your application submission.
If your claim is accepted, your monthly benefits will correlate with your earnings and Social Security tax contributions throughout your work history. There’s no guaranteed minimum, but recipients can receive over $2,100+ monthly. Furthermore, benefits typically receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment, and dependent children may also receive additional benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Individuals who do not meet the necessary Social Security tax contribution requirement can still be eligible for SSI benefits. To qualify, you must meet the same disability criteria used for disability insurance or be blind or over 65. Your income and assets must be limited, as this financial aid is needs-based. Social Security assesses your household’s combined income and assets—not just your own—including any additional support (such as free housing or meals) to determine SSI eligibility. This evaluation occurs alongside the review of your disability claim. Additionally, specific children under 18 with significant disabilities may qualify for monthly benefits if family income is sufficiently low.
The maximum SSI benefit is $994 per month.
Retroactive SSI payments, referred to as back pay, only commence from the first full month following your application; payments will not be issued for months preceding the application.
Alternative Disability Benefits
Disability Widow/Widower Benefits
This service aids qualified disabled widows and widowers, relying on the Social Security taxes contributed by their deceased partner. To be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, applicants must generally be at least 60 years old (or 50-59 if disabled) and must have been married for a minimum of 9 months. For divorced spouses, the marriage must have lasted no less than 10 years. Remarrying before reaching age 60 (or 50 if disabled) usually nullifies eligibility.
Additionally, you must prove that your disability was of the required severity within seven years following your spouse’s passing, though there are exceptions for those already receiving other Social Security benefits. If successful, your monthly benefit will be calculated based on your late spouse’s earnings and contributions. Typically, a surviving spouse can access their pension at age 60, regardless of disability status.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits
To qualify for these benefits, you need to be the biological or adopted child of a person who is receiving Disability Insurance Benefits or Retirement Benefits or of a deceased individual who was covered by Social Security. You must be over 18 and show evidence that your total disability began before age 22 and is ongoing. The monthly benefit amount varies and is based on a percentage of the parent’s benefit rate.
The SSD Application Process
Once you decide to apply, it’s crucial to act swiftly to avoid losing any benefits.
You can submit your application for Social Security Disability via the internet, by calling 800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. For residents in the Pace and Milton area, appointments are necessary at our office located in Pensacola, FL. Although processing times vary, most applications are reviewed within 30 to 180 days. If denied, you have 60 days to appeal.
The appeals process can differ by state. In Florida, it has three levels: the initial application, reconsideration, and the administrative hearing. In Alabama, there are just two levels: the initial application and the administrative hearing.
Reconsideration appeals in Florida typically take 30 to 180 days on average. A written decision will follow. If the result is unfavorable, you must apply for an administrative hearing within 60 days after the denial.
Once you request an administrative hearing, expect a wait of about 16 months for it to occur. During this hearing, you’ll present your case to an administrative law judge, who may allow professional testimonies. A written decision will be provided approximately 30 to 90 days after the hearing.
How Will Social Security Assess My Claim?
The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation to review claims:
STEP 1: Are you currently employed?
You may qualify as disabled while working if your work isn’t considered substantial. Generally, earning over $1,690 monthly or working more than 40 hours weekly is seen as substantial.
STEP 2: Is your condition severe?
Your condition must greatly hinder fundamental work activities for your claim to be evaluated.
STEP 3: Is your condition listed as disabling?
The SSA maintains a list of serious medical conditions that are automatically seen as disabling. If your condition isn’t on the list, it will be compared against those that are. If deemed equally severe, you will be classified as disabled.
STEP 4: Can you perform your past job?
If your condition is severe but not on the list, it will be determined whether it prevents you from executing your previous job. If it doesn’t, your claim will be denied.
STEP 5: Can you do other work?
If you cannot perform your past role, the SSA will explore whether transitioning to different work is possible, considering your medical conditions, age, education, work history, and transferable skills. If adjustment isn’t feasible, your claim will be granted; if it is feasible, your claim will be denied.
Pace Social Security Disability Attorneys You Can Rely On
The process of securing Social Security Disability benefits can be intricate and protracted. You don’t need to navigate this journey alone. Allow us to manage the complexities for you. We’ve successfully governed hundreds of SSD/SSI claims for our clients.
For a FREE CONSULTATION regarding any personal injury claims with an SSD lawyer in Pace, Milton, Pensacola, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Gulf Breeze, and Fairhope, AL, reach out to Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA at (850) 500-1111 or contact us online. We are committed to providing the service you expect and the compensation you deserve. We’re here to support you.
Make Your First Call, Your Best Call.
Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, P.A.
Pensacola Office 801 W Romana St Unit C Pensacola, FL 32502 Maps & Directions
Fort Walton Beach 28 Walter Martin Rd Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Maps & Directions
Fairhope, Alabama 108 Professional Park Dr Fairhope, AL 36532 Maps & Directions
With locations in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach/Destin, and Fairhope/Mobile, Alabama, we serve clients throughout much of the Florida panhandle and Gulf Coast. We offer free consultations for all personal injury claims and consistently aim to deliver high-quality legal representation.
