While millions of people will apply for Social Security Disability benefits in the coming year alone, those who undergo the process with an assistance of an attorney will have a considerable advantage. Statistics show that hiring an attorney puts you at a statistical advantage in your application process, and that those who hire attorneys are more likely to obtain benefits than those who do not.
Only 30 percent of initial claims will be approved in any year, leaving the vast majority of applicants to redouble their efforts and embark on a complex Social Security Disability appeal process that can take as many as four steps.
Undoubtedly, it is wise to consider hiring a Port St. Lucie disability attorney to help you during this lengthy and occasionally difficult process.
Port St. Lucie, Florida is a fast-growing city of approximately 155,251. Port St. Lucie is renowned for its attractive surroundings, pleasant climate, and wealth of recreational activities. Home to well-regarded golf courses as well as spring training grounds for national baseball teams, Port St. Lucie draws many sports fans as well as those wishing to simply relax on its beaches or engage in recreational inland fishing.
The median income for a household in the Port St. Lucie was $40,509 according to most recent figures, and the per capita income for the city is about $18,059. Though hard hit by the collapse in home prices, Port St. Lucie recently welcomed the Florida Center of Innovation, a major research laboratory, which has brought new jobs to the area.
Applying for Port St. Lucie Disability Benefits
There are 12,780 Port St. Lucie workers currently receiving benefits due to disability. In all, the state of Florida gave out $400 million to disabled workers and their spouses and children in the last year for which figures are available. The average payment for a disabled worker in Florida is approximately $943.
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an individual must suffer from a protracted medical condition that prevents him or her from working and earning a substantial income and which is expected to last at least a year or else result in death. In order to receive benefits, furthermore, an individual must also prove that he or she has earned enough work credits over the course of his or her working career.
If the individual does not have work credits, he or she may want to look into the Social Security SSI program, which requires that a certain amount of financial need be proven. Utilizing all Port St. Lucie disability resources, such as an attorney, can help you decide which program is more appropriate for your needs.
Hiring a Port St. Lucie Disability Attorney
If the process of obtaining benefits seems far to confusing, do not be disheartened. People successfully navigate it every year, and plus, attorneys are available to help you throughout the entire application. If you are just beginning and planning on submitting your initial application, you may want to hire a Port St. Lucie attorney to analyze your case and tell you what its strengths and weaknesses are, to help you collect all relevant information including medical records, and to ensure that you receive the fair hearing to which you are entitled.
The services of a Port St. Lucie attorney, as useful and comprehensive as they are, do not have to be beyond your means. In the event of an unsuccessful case, you will not have to pay your attorney anything, and if you win, you will only have to pay him or her 25% of your back pay or $6,000; whichever is less. This arrangement ensures that your disability attorney will have a great incentive to help you win your case.
A Port St. Lucie Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in St. Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County, and Okeechobee County: Fort Pierce, Palm Coast, White City, Lakewood Park, Florida Ridge, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and Sebastian.
For more on qualifying for disability benefits in Florida, see How To Qualify For Disability In Florida.
