St. Petersburg Social Security Disability Lawyer
When Americans are disabled and can no longer work, they rely on Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. This social safety net was created to ensure that people who have worked throughout their lives are not left in financial ruin if they become too injured or ill to stay in the job force. Different than Social Security retirement benefits, there is no age requirement for Social Security disability benefits. So long as you have worked long enough and have contributed enough to the system, you will be covered. However, the majority of citizens who apply for Social Security disability are denied. In fact, two thirds are denied on their first attempt. According to the Social Security Administration, only 28 percent of first-time applicants are approved for benefits. During reconsiderations, only three percent of applicants are approved for benefits, while just 13 percent are approved during hearings and appeals. Overall, 53 percent of applicants never end up receiving the benefits that they so desperately need. Because this process is technical, time consuming, confusing, and in some ways rigged against you, it is always essential to secure legal counsel as an advocate on your behalf. Contact one of our St. Petersburg social security disability lawyers at the law offices of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian today at 1-800-227-2275 for help with your case.
Explaining Social Security Disability Benefits
With each paycheck you have earned, a very small portion was taken out and contributed to the Social Security retirement and disability funds. Indeed, 6.2 percent of your paycheck is contributed to Social Security’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, while an additional 6.2 percent is contributed by your employer on your behalf. Over time, you accumulate a credit if you ever need to rely on Social Security disability in the event of an illness, injury, or mental condition that is “expected to last one year or until death,” according to the Social Security Administration. As such, short-term disabilities, such as an injury that was caused recently and is expected to heal within the year, will not qualify you for SSD benefits. Additionally, if you were injured on the job, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation, which is an entirely different type of benefit not provided by the federal government, but through your private insurer’s insurance company.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits in St. Petersburg
Applying and successfully receiving benefits is a challenge, particularly without legal assistance. The Administration will look at your work history, education, skills, age, and your medical certified physical or mental disability, with proven medical history. It must be determined that you are permanently disabled or that your disability will significantly decrease your earning ability. Additionally, your earning history must qualify you, which is dependant on how long you have worked, the amount, and the time period; you must have worked at least five of the last 10 years.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you wish to find out more about SSD benefits and how to apply, call the St. Petersburg social security disability lawyers of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian for immediate assistance today at 1-800-227-2275. We will help you throughout each step of your case.
