An Updated Guide to Disability Benefits in Melbourne Florida
Category: Disability Law
- 02 Nov 2023
- Posted By WebSiteAdmin
If you live in Melbourne FL and currently have a disability that is keeping you from earning a livable wage you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Oftentimes people are unaware that they may be entitled to these benefits because they have a spotty work record or have not been employed for some length of time. This, however, is not necessarily the case. There are many factors and nuances involved in the decision to grant someone SSDI payments. If you are a citizen with a social security number you have rights.
Both programs mentioned above are offered through the federal Social Security program but Florida’s Division of Disability Determinations is responsible for confirming eligibility of the applicant. They also oversee periodic disability reviews and any follow up contact that needs to occur.
Floridians with Disabilities Statistics
There are roughly 5 million adult Floridians with at least one form of disability. That is about ¼ of the adult population. $53B is spent in Florida on its resident’s disabilities. In the end that equates to about 35% of the state medical budget or $15,000 per disabled person.
Who is Eligible
As you work you earn “work credits” with the Social Security Administration. If you earn at least 40 credits you qualify for benefits. These benefits include disability as well as retirement funds. However, if disability strikes at an early age these requirements are lessened.
Here is a chart to help you understand:
| If you develop a disability… | Then you generally need: |
| Before age 28 | 1.5 years of work |
| Age 30 | 2 years |
| Age 34 | 3 years |
| Age 38 | 4 years |
| Age 42 | 5 years |
| Age 44 | 5.5 years |
| Age 46 | 6 years |
| Age 48 | 6.5 years |
| Age 50 | 7 years |
| Age 52 | 7.5 years |
| Age 54 | 8 years |
| Age 56 | 8.5 years |
| Age 58 | 9 years |
| Age 60 | 9.5 years |
Summary
So what do you need to be able to qualify for SSDI payments? Here is a brief list:
- A documented medical condition
- A statement from a medical professional saying that you cannot work.
- A social security number.
- Work credits that are appropriate for your age.
It also helps if you obtain the services of a professional who specializes in these matters. A disability attorney never takes more in fees than a % of the payments from SSDI. This number is also capped at $7200. That figure is an “all-in” fee. This means that all services and hours provided by the attorney helping with your cases can stack up and you will never pay more than $7200.
