From the legal team at Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti — proudly advocating for Florida’s disabled workers and families for over 40 years. Applying for Social Security Disability in Florida can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious health issues. If you're asking yourself whether you qualify, what...
The Social Security Disability Dictionary: Simplifying the Process
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits is like learning a new language. With so many unfamiliar terms, acronyms, and processes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After decades of representing Social Security Disability clients, we’ve created this easy-to-understand dictionary of standard Social Security Disability terms. Whether applying for the first...
Navigating the Social Security Disability Process: Tips from Our Legal Team
Our dedicated legal assistants at Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti handle the intricate and often overwhelming process of applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. With years of collective experience, we process numerous forms, communicate with the Social Security office, follow up with medical providers for timely records, and ensure that...
5 Things to Look For Before Hiring a Social Security Lawyer
Scarcely a month goes by without my hearing the following sad mantra from a social security disability applicant regarding their appeal to the Appeals Council or the Federal Court after denial of a claim: “I saw/heard a very professional looking/sounding ad on TV/Radio/Internet, called them and signed up. They seemed...
Past Work Experience For Social Security In Florida
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes a determination of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility, it evaluates an individual claim using a 5-step process. One of the steps (specifically, the fourth step) in the process asks whether the individual can perform any of their past relevant work. When looking...
Filing for Social Security Based on Mental Disorders
According to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), individuals diagnosed with certain mental disorders are eligible to receive social security disability benefits. For those who suffer with mental health issues, this income can provide a degree of relief in an otherwise difficult situation by aiding the recipient financially while...
Social Security Returns to Mailing Statements
Many people in the state of Florida and across the country apply for Social Security and Disability benefits. Whether an individual applies to the Social Security Disability (SSD) insurance program or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, certain requirements must be met before benefits are paid out. There is a...
Are You Disabled? How A Judge Decides Your Social Security Disability Claim
When your claim comes up for hearing, the Social Security Judge will go through a 5 step “sequential evaluation process” to decide whether you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Step 1 Whether you are working and, if so, Whether the work the claimant is doing constitutes substantial gainful activity (SGA)....
Social Security Disability Appeals
You have the right to appeal any decision Social Security makes as to your entitlement to Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. The first step in the appeals process is called a reconsideration determination. You will receive a new decision by someone who had no part in...
Social Security Administrative Law Judges Pressured to Approve SSD Appeals
Recent reports have the Social Security Disability (SSD) Trust Fund going broke by 2016. A major factor behind this depletion of funds is the increase in SSD recipients. In 2003, 7.6 million disabled workers, spouses and children received SSD benefits. That figure is now close to 11 million. The House...