If you filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and received a denial, you have the option to appeal, and we can help.
Bogin, Munns & Munns represents clients in the appeals process to receive Social Security Disability benefits. When reviewing your case, we’ll go over your initial claim to identify potential errors or missing information.
Don’t get discouraged if you get denied—our Orlando Social Security Disability lawyers can explore your options and handle your appeal from start to finish.
Benefits Available Through the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs for providing benefits for those who are unable to work: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The best program for you depends on your situation, including your work history and disability’s nature.
Our lawyers in Orlando help claimants pursue:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits for people who have earned enough work credits by working and paying Medicare and Social Security taxes. The general rule to determine eligibility for SSDI benefits is whether you worked five out of the last ten years, earning a minimum amount as set forth by the SSA. You should be eligible if the answer is “yes.”
You can also check your eligibility by looking at your annual Social Security earnings statement sent to you by the SSA. Your prior earnings will determine the benefit amount.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are benefits intended for people with less work history, children, or non-payment into the Social Security system. As this is a needs-based program, benefits are affected by the financial assets, household income, or other benefits/income received.
It should also be noted that there are limits to household income/assets. The SSA changes this number from year to year. Exceeding the limits could potentially cause a medically disabled person to be unable to qualify for benefits.
Challenging a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits
You have a right to challenge a denial of your SSDI or SSI claim. You should receive notice of your denial within three to five months, and from then, you have 60 days to file an appeal.
Our attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns represent clients throughout each phase of the SSA appeals process:
Reconsideration
Reconsideration is the first step in the appeals process. We can review your Social Security Disability application, make amendments and additions, and file your appeal before the 60-day deadline expires.
Another official, aside from the one who originally handled your claim, will review the evidence of your claim. You may also submit new evidence for review.
Hearing
If the reconsideration process does not approve your appeal and grant you benefits, you can ask for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At this point, our attorneys will review all the documentation the SSA has on your case and prepare to represent you at the hearing. Hearings are generally scheduled for two years from the date of your request.
Review by the Appeals Council
If you disagree with the administrative law judge’s decision, you can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council within 60 days. This council may send your case back to the ALJ for further review or make an independent decision.
Federal Court Review
Sometimes, filing an official appeal is all that is needed to address the issue. If the Appeals Council does not grant your appeal, you can take legal action by filing a civil suit in a federal district court.
Whether you have to proceed through each of these phases depends on many factors. One thing’s for certain: your disability attorney in Orlando can stand by your side.
Why Partner With a Social Security Disability Law Firm?
Our attorneys in Orlando aim to secure benefits as soon as possible. Yet, the SSA is strict when it comes to evaluating applications. It denies 67 percent of applications when they’re first submitted. It generally takes three to five months to hear back from the SSA about your disability claim. If rejected, you could wait years before receiving the benefits you need.
When you partner with our disability attorneys in Orlando, you can get:
- Prompt answers to your case-related questions
- Support from our team on a contingency-fee basis
- Representation at all case-related hearings
- Advocacy that comes with years of experience
Our firm shares your goal of getting the compensation you need. We’re eager to evaluate your disability case and fight for benefits.
Work With the Lawyers at Bogin, Munns & Munns
Our attorneys are happy to assist with your Social Security Disability claim appeal and reduce some of your worries. At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we work to ensure your Social Security matter is handled with the care you should expect from a firm that has been around for over 40 years.
We can meet you in the location that is most convenient for you. Our main office is in Orlando, but we also have 11 other locations throughout Central Florida, including Clermont, Daytona, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Melbourne, Ocala, Orange City, St. Cloud, Titusville, and The Villages.
