Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program designed to provide financial help to individuals with qualifying health conditions. These payments are deposited directly into your account and are intended to replace your wages due to your inability to work.
If you have questions about Pensacola SSDI benefits, the legal counsel at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can help you understand if you qualify and advise you on what to expect from the process. Let our dedicated SSDI attorneys guide you every step of the way.
In Pensacola, you can have a viable claim for SSDI benefits under various circumstances. While most applicants qualify based on their personal work history, there are also options for family members.
Most people who apply for compensation through SSDI do so because they are disabled and qualify for payments. This program is limited to individuals who have an extensive work history. To receive the maximum amount each month, you must show that you have worked full-time for the last 10 years.
It is possible for disabled workers to appeal a denial. While the process may take time, many individuals are able to get the initial decision reversed by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
If you are a widow or widower, you may have the right to apply based on your late spouse’s work history. This is only an option for those 50 and older who became disabled within seven years of their husband or wife’s death. Their spouse must also have had an adequate work history while they were alive.
If a person qualifies for SSDI due to a disabling condition, their children might also be entitled to receive income from the government. This is an option for children under the age of 18 with a parent who has a recognized disability and enough work credits. Alternatively, children who are 19 years old or younger may take advantage of this program if they are a full-time high school student.
Even if you qualify for SSDI benefits in Pensacola, it can take time before you receive your first payment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must first review the application and determine if you are eligible. It can take several months for you to get an answer from the federal government. The timeline for securing benefits can be much longer if your claim is denied and you are forced to appeal the decision.
If you are notified of your approval, the SSA can still take months to issue payments. These delays can be difficult, especially if you are counting on the funds for support. In some cases, you might be entitled to retroactive benefits dating back to the submission of your application. You might also receive benefits faster if you have previously been approved for SSDI.
If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, now is the time to seek out legal counsel. Our team of legal professionals are ready to help you navigate the claims process—whether that be the application, denials, or appeals. Reach out to a committed lawyer at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon to discuss your Pensacola SSDI benefits today.