Jacksonville Social Security Disability Lawyers
Disability FAQ
If you have become disabled, you no doubt are facing an overwhelming number of questions, not just about your health but about the type of benefits you can receive so you can continue to contribute to a family income. The Jacksonville Social Security attorneys at Farah & Farah can help answer the many questions and provide a helping hand to make sure none of the important tasks fall between the cracks.
Be sure to apply for disability benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or begin the application process online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Here are some of the questions we frequently encounter:
Who can get disability benefits?
If you have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or longer or result in death, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. You must have recent work based on your age at the time you became disabled and a duration of work to show you worked long enough to qualify under Social Security law.
What do I need to know about my disability?
You must be able to answer questions about your medical condition such as when it began, how it limits your ability to work, what medical tests and treatment you have received, and what they conclude.
You will be asked if you are working. If you are and make over a certain amount each month, you generally will not be considered disabled. You must be able to answer whether or not your medical condition limits what you can do. For example - can you sit, walk, and talk? Can you remember what you are told?
Lastly, it will be determined if your medical condition is on a List of Impairments that describe disabilities so severe that you are automatically qualified as disabled by law. They include impaired growth, musculoskeletal system impairment, and sense and speed impaired.
I was hurt in a car accident but should be able to return to work. Should I file for Social Security disability benefits?
Yes, if you expect that your injuries will keep you out of work for at least a year you should file for Social Security disability benefits.
How will they determine if I am disabled?
Social Security will look at your medical records and consider your health problems, your age, education and work experience. It will be up to Social Security to determine if you can do the same work you did in the past. If you are unable to fulfill the requirements of the job you previously held, Social Security is supposed to decide whether there might be some other job you can do considering the limitation of your health, age, education, and work experience.
What if I disagree with the findings?
You do have the opportunity to appeal any decision you disagree with. Do not be surprised as only about 40% of claims are approved. If you are turned down and still do not expect to return to work in the near future, you should file an appeal, that is, a request for reconsideration. Your case then goes to a different disability examiner to make a new decision. Expect a denial at this stage as well because on average, about 80% of reconsideration decisions are also denied.
You have the right to a Social Security attorney in Jacksonville and Farah & Farah will be honored to discuss your case. If you plan to appeal, you must file that request in writing within 60 days after you get the letter denying your claim.
There are four levels of appeal and it is at this point that you should have an experienced Jacksonville Social Security disability attorney by your side because the stakes are high.
Please visit our Jacksonville Social Security Disability Website for more information.
Our personal promise: Accident victims have specific rights, but by law you have a limited time to take action. When you use our team at Farah & Farah, there are NO up-front charges.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
We personally promise that you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We promise to keep you up to date and informed as to developments in your case. Your case is important to us, regardless of size.
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