What to Know About the Social Security Office in Tampa, Florida

Hiring an experienced disability lawyer can be a great help with obtaining SSDI benefits in Tampa. If your claim was denied, consider finding an attorney right away. Steps you can take include: 

Asking for Referrals 

If you know someone who successfully received their SSDI benefits, you could ask them whether they worked with an attorney. You can also ask friends and family members for referrals. 

Searching for Disability Lawyers Online

Internet research can help you find names of attorneys and law firms who handle SSDI claims. You could try a simple Google search or look up a lawyer on the Florida Bar’s website by using the “find a lawyer” tab.

Contact Morgan & Morgan for Help With Your SSDI Claim

You do not have to look far for the best disability lawyers. Our experienced SSDI attorneys in the Tampa area can be here for you and could help you handle a new claim or appeal against a denial. We fight hard for the rights of the disabled. Our attorneys can work tirelessly in your best interests and fight your case all the way to federal court.

Normally, claimants should file an appeal if their SSDI claim is denied. However, in some cases, it can make sense to file an entirely new claim, for example, when: 

• Your disability or medical condition has progressed significantly
• You face severe financial hardship
• There is new medical evidence of your condition 
• You suffer from a terminal illness that is progressing fast 

If you depend on a quick decision, filing a new claim can be preferable to going through the lengthy appeals process where your claim can get stuck for weeks or even months. Knowing what to do after a denial can be confusing, especially if you are facing hardship. Consider consulting with our disability lawyers. We can assess your case and advise you on your options for recovering the benefits you deserve as fast as possible.

As we have seen, disabled individuals hoping to receive SSDI benefits must have a qualifying condition and must have paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. 

In contrast, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to help low-income individuals who may not have been able to work previously due to a disability or health condition. Therefore, to qualify for SSI benefits, you generally do not need to have paid Social Security taxes or have collected work credits.

However, there are criteria you need to fulfill before receiving SSI, including but not limited to: 

• Having limited income and limited resources
• Being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident meeting specific requirements
• Living in the U.S.

Factors that can influence your eligibility for SSI benefits can include your marital status and savings.

If you are unable to work due to your health condition or disability, having your claim denied can be frustrating and worrying. However, we could help you appeal and fight vigorously for what you deserve. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), working with a disability lawyer can give you an advantage and help you get the benefits you deserve.

Morgan & Morgan’s determined SSDI lawyers can help in numerous ways, such as: 

• Protecting your legal rights
• Helping you file a claim
• Handling the appeals process for you
• Asking for a reconsideration, ALJ hearing, or Appeals Council review
• Expediting your claim, if possible 
• Gathering and organizing crucial medical evidence 
• Preparing you for appeal hearings
• Tracking your claim  
• Filing a lawsuit in federal court

With an experienced attorney by your side, you could prevent denials and receive your benefits quicker. Our disability lawyers are committed to helping disabled individuals receive the benefits they need and deserve to go on with their lives.

The SSA generally caps disability lawyers’ fees at 25% of a past-due award. This ensures that claimants have access to legal representation without seeing their benefits depleted. Attorney’s fees will not come out of your monthly benefits. Moreover, when Morgan & Morgan handles your case, you do not have to worry about out-of-pocket fees as our fee is free unless your claim is successful. We believe that all SSDI claimants are entitled to excellent legal representation.

More than half of all SSDI claims are denied at the first instance. The appeals process can be lengthy, arduous, and complicated. We understand that having your claim denied by the social security office in Tampa, FL, can be upsetting and stressful. Moreover, dealing with a physical or mental disability while worrying about supporting yourself and your loved ones can take a toll on your health. 

However, help is available. Do not lose hope if your claim was denied or you need help with your initial application. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced and committed disability attorneys have helped countless SSDI applicants receive the benefits they need and can be here for you. Contact us now for a free assessment of your claim and to find out how we could help you.