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Social Security

An individual who has become permanently injured or is ill and is unable to work can probably file for Social Security benefits. Most Social Security claims for disability assistance are denied on the first attempt. If you have become disabled and want to file a claim for Social Security disability or your Social Security disability benefits have been denied, it is important to hire a knowledgeable Social Security attorney in Tampa.

Tampa Social Security Lawyer

Contact the Germain Law Group at (813) 835-8888 for a consultation about your Social Security claims in Tampa, Florida. Attorney Michael B. Germain is knowledgeable in all areas of Social Security benefits. Call the Germain Law Group today about your Social Security disability claims or claim denials throughout the areas in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Brevard County and Manatee County, Florida.


Tampa Social Security Information Center


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Social Security Disability Defined

Social Security disability benefits are only paid to individuals who have suffered a total disability. They are not paid to individuals who suffer a partial disability or short-term disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as something that prevents individuals from working as they did previously, prevents individuals from being able to adjust to other work because of medical conditions, and the disability will last for one year or result in death.

Social Security benefits can not start until an individual has been disabled for five full months, and will be paid beginning in the six months of disability.

Social Security benefits are usually provided until an individual is able to work again on a regular basis. An individual’s case will be periodically reviewed by a Social Security employee to determine if the disability still exists.


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Types of Social Security in Tampa

There are two types of Social Security disability programs under federal law: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is usually provided for applicants and members of their family if they have worked for a sufficient period of time and paid Social Security taxes. These individuals typically have to have worked long enough and earned sufficient work credits within a certain time period before they became disabled in order to qualify.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for individuals who do not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and have demonstrated a financial need. Individuals who qualify for SSI are 65 or older, blind or disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled. Additionally, individuals who qualify must:

  • Have limited income,
  • Have limited financial resources,
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national,
  • Be a resident of one of the 50 states,
  • Not be absent from the country for more than 30 consecutive days,
  • Apply for any other benefits they may be eligible for,
  • Give permission for all financial records to be disclosed to the Social Security Administration, and
  • File an application.

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Denial of Social Security Claims in Florida

Frequently, individuals applying for Social Security disability benefits are turned down the first time they apply. Applications may also be denied for a number of other reasons, including lack of a disability according to the SSA’s definition, lack of documentation proving the disability, the medical condition does not qualify as disability, or for a number of other reasons. If you have applied for Social Security benefits and have received a notice of disapproved claim, notice of reconsideration or notice of federal reviewing official decision, it is important to hire a Tampa attorney experienced with Social Security benefits to represent your best interests.

An appeal for Social Security benefits must be made within 65 days of first receiving a disability decisional notice. You are entitled to an attorney to represent you in any proceedings regarding a denial of Social Security benefits.

Upon denial, an individual or their attorney should submit a request for reconsideration and an appeal disability report. Your initial denial will be reviewed and another decision will then be sent to you. If this decision is still unsatisfactory, you can request a hearing in front of a judge by submitting a request for hearing by administrative law judge. If the judge’s decision is unsatisfactory, you can then complete a request for review of Decision/Order of Administrative Law Judge. If this decision is not satisfactory, your attorney can file a claim against the Social Security Administration in District Court.


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Tampa Social Security Disability Resources

Florida Division of Disability Determinations – This state governmental division is responsible for making decisions regarding medical eligibility of Florida citizens who apply for disability benefits under the federal Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security income programs. A local office can be contacted at:

Department of Health
Division of Disability Determinations
P.O. Box 15550
Tampa, Florida 33684-9839
Phone: (813) 806-8950

Social Security Online – Disability Programs – This link is to the Social Security Administration’s website regarding benefits for people suffering from disabilities. The website contains general federal disability benefits information, frequently asked questions, how to apply for benefits and how to determine if you qualify for benefits.


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Germain Law Group, P.A. | Social Security Disability Attorney in Tampa

Contact the Germain Law Group today for a consultation about your Social Security disability in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Brevard County and Manatee County. Michael B. Germain is an experienced social security lawyer in Tampa who will listen to the facts of your situation and help you determine the best recourse in pursuing your claim for your Social Security disability. Contact the Germain Law Group at (813) 835-8888 for a consultation about your Social Security claim throughout Central Florida, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Titusville, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Bradenton, and Palmetto.