Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits are available to people disabled by physical or mental impairments which can be expected to last 12 months or longer. To obtain benefits, you must first file an application with the Social Security Administration.

If your application for benefits is denied, you can follow the appeal process. Claimants who appeal get adverse decisions reversed 60 to 70 percent of the time.

If you've been denied benefits, Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, P.A. can help. Our law firm has years of experience handling Social Security Disability claims and the complicated appeal process.

The Appeal Process

Requesting for reconsideration is the first step to appeal. This must be done in writing within 60 days of receipt of the denial letter. If this reconsideration is also denied, then a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge can be requested. This is a very important part of the appeal process where an attorney can assist you.

At this hearing, you will be given the opportunity to testify concerning your disability, and a record is made for future appeals. Witnesses may be called to testify, and a lawyer may be needed to question them. If the judge denies benefits, your case can be filed for review with the Appeals Council. If denied again at this level, a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration can be filed in the U.S. District Court.

Although it is a time-consuming process, it is important to appeal an adverse decision. If the decision is reversed and benefits are awarded, you will be entitled to retroactive benefits based on the date the original application was filed.

This can result in a lump-sum "back" payment of benefits.

We handle social security disability cases for clients throughout Florida.