SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS IN DELAND, FL

If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim was denied, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. Many hardworking DeLand residents who’ve spent years paying into the system find their claims rejected on the first try. The process is frustrating, confusing, and emotionally draining. But a denial doesn’t mean the end of your case.

At Morgan & Morgan, we help Floridians appeal denied claims and fight for the disability benefits they’re entitled to. Whether you’re facing a serious illness, a long-term injury, or a degenerative condition that prevents you from working, our attorneys can guide you through every step, from filing your initial application to representing you at a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are often mentioned together, but they serve different groups of people. SSDI is designed for individuals who’ve worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI provides support to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Knowing which program you qualify for is essential. Our attorneys can review your work history, medical documentation, and financial situation to determine your best path to benefits.

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, meaning you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically documented condition expected to last at least a year or result in death.

The SSA uses five criteria to evaluate eligibility:

• You earn less than a set monthly amount ($1,620 for most individuals as of 2025).
• Your medical condition limits basic work functions such as lifting, standing, or walking.
• Your condition appears on, or is comparable to one on, the SSA’s list of recognized disabilities.
• You cannot return to any of your previous jobs.
• You cannot reasonably transition to another line of work given your age, education, and experience.

Work history also plays a role. SSDI eligibility depends on the number of work credits you’ve earned, which are based on annual wages or self-employment income. The longer you’ve worked, the easier it is to qualify, but even short or interrupted work histories can be sufficient in some cases.

The SSA recognizes hundreds of qualifying conditions across physical and mental health categories. In DeLand and across Florida, some of the most commonly approved diagnoses include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and spinal injuries
• Cardiovascular diseases and stroke after-effects
• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy
• Chronic respiratory disorders like COPD or severe asthma
• Severe depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder

Even if your condition isn’t explicitly listed, you may still qualify if it causes comparable limitations. Medical records, test results, and expert opinions can make the difference between approval and denial.

Applying for disability benefits is more than filling out a form; it’s a detailed, evidence-driven process. Applicants must provide extensive documentation, including:

• Recent medical records and physician statements
• Work history and earnings reports
• Medication lists and treatment summaries
• Statements from employers or caregivers describing daily limitations

Our attorneys help DeLand residents assemble stronger applications by identifying gaps and ensuring every requirement is met before submission. 

Once your claim is filed, the SSA typically takes 3 to 6 months to issue an initial decision. Unfortunately, many first-time applications in Florida are denied. That’s where an experienced legal advocate becomes essential.

A denial doesn’t mean your case is weak; it means the SSA needs more proof. The appeals process includes several stages:

• Reconsideration: We’ll request a new review by an SSA examiner who wasn’t involved in the original decision.
• Administrative Hearing: If reconsideration fails, we’ll represent you at a hearing before a judge in the Orlando or Daytona Beach SSA hearing office, depending on your county.
• Appeals Council: If the judge’s ruling isn’t favorable, we can petition the Social Security Appeals Council for further review.
• Federal Court: When all else fails, Morgan & Morgan has the resources and trial experience to take your case to federal court.

Each stage has strict deadlines; you generally have 60 days from the date of your denial notice to file an appeal. Missing that window could force you to restart the process, delaying benefits for months or even years.

If your case reaches a hearing, you’ll appear before an administrative law judge, often via video conference or at a nearby hearing office. During the hearing, you may be asked about your medical condition, daily routine, work history, and limitations. Medical and vocational experts may also testify.

Our attorneys thoroughly prepare clients, including mock hearings, evidence organization, and witness preparation. When we stand beside you, we ensure your story is told clearly, confidently, and credibly.

Many valid claims are denied because of avoidable issues such as:

• Incomplete or missing medical documentation
• Insufficient proof of long-term impairment
• Continued employment despite claimed disability
• Errors in work history or income reporting
• Missed filing deadlines

Our team reviews every detail to correct these problems and strengthen your case before resubmission or appeal.

Yes, but only within strict limits. The SSA allows “substantial gainful activity” up to a certain monthly income threshold. If your part-time earnings exceed that limit, your claim may be denied. However, occasional or low-income work doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We help clients document their hours, wages, and limitations accurately to stay within SSA guidelines.

If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to back pay covering the months or even years you waited for approval. The SSA can also issue retroactive benefits dating back to when your disability began, up to 12 months before your application date. Morgan & Morgan ensures you receive every dollar owed, not just future payments.

Navigating the SSDI process alone can feel impossible, especially when you’re already dealing with health challenges. Our attorneys have handled thousands of Social Security cases across Florida and understand what local judges and examiners look for.

We gather detailed medical evidence, prepare clients for hearings, and manage every deadline and communication with the SSA. Our goal is to simplify the process and maximize your chance of success, whether at the initial stage or deep into an appeal.

For decades, Morgan & Morgan has stood For the People, not the powerful. With more than 1,000 trial-ready attorneys and $25+ billion recovered for clients nationwide, our firm has the strength and experience to go the distance.

If your disability benefits have been denied, or if you’re starting your application and don’t want to risk mistakes, Morgan & Morgan may be able to help.

Fill out our free case evaluation form today and find out why there’s only one Morgan & Morgan.