Social Security Disability Lawyer in Lee County

Social Security Disability Benefits in Lee County:

• Social security is a government-authorized program that helps people who are unable to work due to a disability. It includes retirees, survivors, and those with disabilities.
• The SSA offers two main programs for disability:

  Aspect	Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)	Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  Eligibility	Must have a work history and earned sufficient work credits.	Must have limited income and resources; no work history requirement.
  Funding	Funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and employers.	Funded by general tax revenues.
  Who Qualifies	Disabled workers who are insured, and certain dependents.	Disabled adults and children with financial need.
  Income/Resource Limits	No income or resource limits, but cannot earn above the substantial gainful activity level.	Strict income and asset limits apply.
  Health Coverage	Medicare after 24 months of benefits (immediate for ALS).	Medicaid is available in most states upon approval.
  Benefit Start Time	Benefits begin after a 5-month waiting period following disability onset.	Benefits start the first whole month after eligibility.
  Benefit Amount	Based on prior earnings and work credits.	Based on a federal base amount, adjusted for income and resources.

• Both programs provide monthly payments to qualified individuals based on their disability. Both SSDI and SSI use the exact definition of disability.

However, the process of applying for benefits is complex, and a single mistake could result in a denial or loss of benefits. Seeking advice from an experienced lawyer is highly recommended. A lawyer can improve your chances of approval.

Meeting the Criteria: How to Qualify for SSD Benefits

The SSA requires applicants to meet the particular criteria based on work history and disability status. Here are key factors the SSA considers:

• Work History and Credits (SSDI) For SSDI, you must have worked and earned enough work credits. Most applicants need 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can help assess whether you meet the requirements.
• Medical Disability Requirements The applicant must have a medically determinable disability that is supported by medical evidence, and it must prevent the person from working for at least 12 months. The medical documentation plays a key role in your claim, and an attorney can help gather the necessary records.
• Income and Resources (SSI) For SSI, you must meet income and resource limits set by the SSA. If you have limited financial resources and are disabled or elderly, you may qualify for this program.

The SSA’s Five-Step Process:

The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate your eligibility for benefits. Here’s how an attorney can assist at each step:

1. Work Credits Evaluation They will ensure that your work history meets the requirements and assist you in gathering supporting documentation.
2. Severity of Disability They will help you provide the proper medical evidence to support your case.
3. Past Work Assessment Your lawyer will work to show that your disability prevents you from performing your past work.
4. Ability to Perform Other Work If you can still work in another job, you may not qualify for benefits. Our experienced Lawyer can help determine if other work is possible.
5. Medical and Vocational Evidence At this stage, an attorney will ensure all medical records and vocational assessments are in order, improving your chances of approval.

Understanding Disability Benefit Options

• Family Benefits: Provides support to the family members of a disabled worker, including spouses and dependent children, if the worker qualifies for SSDI benefits.
• Widow Benefits: Allows widows or widowers of deceased workers to receive benefits based on their spouse’s work history, provided the deceased spouse qualified for SSDI.
• Spouse Benefits: Spouses of disabled workers may qualify for benefits, especially if they are caring for a child under 16 or have a disability themselves.
• Children’s Benefits: Children of disabled or deceased workers can receive benefits if they are under 18 or under 19 and still in high school, or if they are disabled before the age of 22.
• Divorce Spouse Benefits: Divorced spouses can qualify for SSDI benefits based on their ex-spouse’s work history if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
• Blind Disability Benefits: Special benefits for individuals who are legally blind, offering assistance based on their inability to work due to blindness.
• Wounded Warrior Benefits: Support for military veterans who became disabled during their service, offering disability compensation and healthcare benefits.

Key Questions the SSA Asks About Ability to Work

• Are you currently working? If you are, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025.
• Is your condition severe? Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic tasks like lifting, walking, sitting, or standing, and should last for at least a year.
• Is your condition listed in the SSA’s guidelines? The SSA has a “blue book” of medical conditions. If your condition is listed, you may qualify for benefits.
• Is your condition as severe as a listed condition? If your condition is not listed, the SSA will determine if it is as severe as one that is. If it is, you may still qualify for benefits.

How an SSD Attorney in Lee County Can Help

The SSA will assess if you can do your previous job or any other work. If your condition prevents you from working in any capacity, you may qualify for benefits. However, if you can perform other work, you may not qualify.
A Lawyer in Lee County can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all criteria. The SSA also offers work incentives, like a trial work period, where you can work and still receive benefits if you meet certain conditions.

At Nationwide Disability Representatives, we’re here to help simplify the process and secure the benefits you deserve. Contact Us Today !