Compassionate Help For Social Security Disability Claims
Christopher J. Smith, P.A., has been assisting clients with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims since 1989. We have helped disabled clients from Tampa and all surrounding areas. We offer more than mere experience to our disabled clients. We provide a caring and personable office environment.
We understand the emotional challenges faced by disabled individuals who are unable to work because of a physical impairment or a mental impairment. This may well be one of the most difficult times in your life. The loss of income may have caused you to lose your home or your car, strained relationships and damaged your self-esteem. Don’t despair, we can help!
Don’t Delay If Your Claim Has Been Denied
We often are contacted by individuals after their initial claims for SSD have been denied. If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied, it is crucial your appeal the denial within 60 days.
Handling And Assessing Your Claim
If you have been denied Social Security Disability Benefits and need to speak with an attorney regarding your claim, call our office and speak with our experienced attorney for an honest assessment of your case. Social Security Disability cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you have to pay no money upfront, and an attorney’s fee is only paid if we secure benefits on your behalf.
What Are Disability Insurance Benefits?
Disability insurance benefits (DIB) or Title II benefits are given to individuals who are unable to work at a “substantial,” gainful level and their condition has existed or is expected to exist for at least a 12-month period. By “substantial,” SSA means the claimant would be unable to earn over $1,000 per month (this figure usually is adjusted each year for inflation) because of the claimant’s disability.
To be eligible for this benefit, a claimant must have worked long enough and paid enough into Social Security through their FICA taxes to be “insured.” As a general rule, if a claimant worked at least five of the last 10 years, he would be “insured” for purposes of disability insurance benefit. How much a claimant receives each month if found disabled and entitled to his benefit is based on how much he has “paid into” the system during his working life.
Generally, the longer someone has worked and the higher his earnings, the more he would be paid if found disabled. Individuals found disabled and entitled to these benefits may be awarded retroactive benefits. Retroactive benefits can only go back one year from the date of the initial application. There is a five-month waiting period from the date the claimant is determined to be disabled until entitlement to these benefits begins.
Individuals approved for disability benefits are entitled to Medicare coverage two years from their first month of entitlement (five full month waiting period plus two years). We will take the time to explain how this process works and answer your questions, allowing you to have realistic expectations and know where you stand at each step of this complex process.
Contact Us Today To Learn How We Can Help
We are proud to help our Florida clients through the complexities of the Social Security system. Call our Tampa office at 813-513-0327 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation today.