If you have a condition that renders you unable to work, you may be considering applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must have the work experience that was covered by Social Security. The ailment or condition you have must fall within the definition of what Social Security uses to describe a “disability.” You cannot secure SSDI if you are only partially disabled. You must be completely disabled and unable to perform the work previously were able to do before your condition. Additionally, your condition must prevent you from changing professions and doing any other job, and you must have had the condition for a minimum of one year.

How Does SSDI Determine Who Gets The Benefit?

When you apply for Florida SSDI, the agency will go through a multi-step process to figure out if you are disabled under their terms. 

• The first thing they will assess is your current work status. If you are working and your earnings exceed $1,260 every month, you will not qualify. When you have been unable to work due to your condition, your application will move forward and then continue to be examined.
• The Disability Determination Services office will look at your condition and if it prevents you from doing everyday basic tasks for at least a year, this will allow your application to proceed forward. The tasks they will assess include walking, standing, lifting, sitting, and the strength of your mental cognition. If you can perform these tasks, then you will not qualify for benefits.
• The DDS office has a list of medical conditions that are used to help with outlining what conditions are considered disabling. If your condition is on the list you will qualify for benefits. If your condition is not listed, then further inspection of your condition will ensue.
• The DDS office will look at your previous job and decide if your condition stops you from performing the work. If the office believes you cannot perform the duties of your job then your application will continue on. If the office believes that you can do your job, you won’t qualify.
• When the DDS office believes that you can’t do your old job, they will then figure out if there are other employment options you can do. If it is decided that you can do other work you won’t qualify. But, if it is determined that you can’t do other work your application will be successful and you will be deemed disabled and eligible to receive benefits.

Speak to a Florida SSDI Attorney Today

The overwhelming majority of initial applications for SSDI are denied. The best way to ensure that your application has a fighting chance of being accepted is to work with an experienced Florida SSDI attorney. Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. has over 35 years of experience assisting Floridians with their Florida SSDI claims. Speak with a Tallahassee SSDI lawyer today. Call Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. at (850) 906-9599 and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.