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Applying For Disability Benefits in the Orlando Area

Residents of Orlando fall under the umbrella of Florida State, which qualifies 28 % of people who apply for disability benefits. This means that not all people who apply for disability benefits qualify, but the good news is you can appeal the denied disability claim with a reconsideration appeal. The appeal approval rate for the reconsideration appeal in Orlando is 8.9%.

However, the chance of qualifying for disability benefits significantly improves if your reconsideration appeal is denied. This is because one can file a request for a disability hearing before an administrative law judge, with a higher approval rate of 57.5%. In Orlando, one is eligible for disability benefits under the two Social Security Administration (SSA) federal programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 

The Florida Division of Disability Determinations oversees and confirms the medical eligibility for citizens who apply for disability benefits. Additionally, this division is responsible for all SSA periodic continuous disability reviews that ensure that all the people receiving disability benefits continue to meet all medical eligibility criteria for compensation.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Orlando

There are some requirements that must be met for one to qualify for Orlando social security disability benefits.

These requirements are:

1. One must suffer from a medical condition that prohibits them from achieving gainful employment for at least 12 months. 
2. Must reside in the state of Florida.
3. Must be a U.S citizen or legally authorized to live and work in the United States.
4. Have limited resources or income.
5. You must have a terminal condition.

One can apply for disability benefits by visiting the local SSA field offices located in Orlando or through the SSA online portal at www.ssa.gov. The application is then forwarded to the Division of Disability Determination, where they analyze whether your disability meets the SSA’s requirements. After that, the claim returns to the SSA to decide on your non-medical eligibility. 

How to Appeal a Denial

It is common for disability claims to be denied in the state of Florida. Therefore, if you reside in the Orlando area and your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. At this stage, you can seek the help of a qualified disability attorney in Orlando to guide you through the remaining stages of the process. The first step is to request a reconsideration, in which case your disability claim is reviewed by an examiner who did not partake in the original review. 

If your reconsideration appeal is denied, you request a disability hearing with an administrative judge, which proves to be successful. However, if you receive an unfavorable determination after the disability hearing, you submit a request for appeal to the social security appeals council. If your claim was mediated inappropriately, then the council will change the decision.

Please feel free to contact us if you are in the Orlando area and need help with the application or appeals process.