Florida Social Security Disability Attorneys

Sustaining a serious injury that leaves you partially or completely disabled can upend your career prospects. Many victims are unable to return to work, left to dig deep into their own pockets to foot exorbitant medical bills, day-to-day expenses, and other costs. Fortunately, in the United States, those who find themselves in this terrifying situation have access to a financial safety net.

Social Security disability benefits are paid out to individuals who have suffered disabilities and are no longer able to do their job or adapt to other work. However, applying for these funds can be a complex undertaking as every new application is subject to an intense review process. Often, all it takes are a few minor errors to bring your claim crashing down.

At Donaldson & Weston, our lawyers can assist with the application process, helping you avoid costly errors and sidestep other common complications. With a strong understanding of each stage of this process, we can help you gather evidence to support your claim, file your application, and oversee any appeals if required. To speak to a member of our legal team, dial 866-349-2912. 

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

If you are living with a serious injury or medical condition, you may assume that your disability automatically qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits. However, many applicants are surprised to learn that qualifying for these benefits is far from guaranteed. Unlike other programs—such as workers’ compensation or short-term disability insurance—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only pays out for total disability.

This distinction is crucial. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict eligibility requirements that must be met before benefits are awarded. Even if you have a documented medical condition and can no longer perform your job as you once did, you will need to provide detailed evidence showing that your disability meets the SSA’s definition of a total disability.

Social Security Disability Is Not for Short-Term or Partial Disabilities

One of the most important aspects of the SSA’s requirements is the nature and severity of the condition. Unlike private insurance policies or state-run programs that may cover partial or short-term disabilities, SSDI only provides benefits if your condition is expected to be long-lasting and significantly impairing.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Your Disability Must Be Expected to Last at Least One Year or Result in Death

The SSA requires that your condition be either terminal or expected to persist for at least 12 months. Temporary injuries or short-term medical conditions—even if they prevent you from working for several months—will not qualify you for SSDI.

This rule is in place because SSDI is meant to provide long-term financial support to those with truly debilitating impairments. In order to determine whether this requirement is met, the SSA may consult your medical records, physician evaluations, and the expected prognosis for your condition. If your medical documentation suggests that your condition may improve before the 12-month threshold, your claim is likely to be denied.

You Must Be Unable to Return to Your Previous Occupation

Another major factor in qualifying for SSDI is your ability to perform the job you held prior to becoming disabled. If your condition prevents you from carrying out the tasks associated with your prior occupation—whether due to physical limitations, cognitive impairments, or a combination of both—this requirement may be met.

The SSA will evaluate whether your condition truly prevents you from performing this work. This evaluation includes a detailed review of your job history, skill set, education level, and the physical or mental demands of your prior job roles. If the SSA determines that you could still reasonably perform your previous job duties despite your condition, your claim could be denied.

You Must Be Unable to Adjust to Other Work

Even if you cannot return to your former job, the SSA will also assess whether you are capable of adapting to another type of employment. This involves examining whether your age, education, work experience, and remaining physical or mental capacity would allow you to transition into other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.

For example, if your past job involved heavy physical labor but your education and experience suggest you could work in a less physically demanding office job, the SSA may find that you are not totally disabled—unless your impairments prevent you from performing even that type of work.

This can be a particularly difficult hurdle for younger applicants or those with transferable skills. The SSA uses a set of guidelines known as the “Medical-Vocational Guidelines” (also called the “grid rules”) to help make these determinations. These rules take into account factors like age, education, past work experience, and functional capacity to decide whether a person can reasonably be expected to transition to new employment.

Why Legal Guidance Can Make a Difference

Because of these stringent standards, many first-time SSDI applications are denied—often due to missing documentation, insufficient medical evidence, or failure to prove the long-term impact of the condition. Having a Social Security Disability lawyer by your side can significantly improve your chances of success. An attorney can help you gather the necessary medical records, prepare your application or appeal, and make a compelling case for why you meet the SSA’s definition of total disability.

Common Reasons Social Security Disability Benefits Are Denied

In a time of crisis, when a medical condition prevents you from working and bills continue to pile up, Social Security Disability benefits can offer vital financial relief. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits isn’t always easy. Many applicants are dismayed to discover that their claims are denied—even when they feel their need for support is obvious.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict and detailed review process, and only those who meet all of the agency’s criteria are approved for benefits. Understanding the most common reasons for denial can help you strengthen your application and avoid costly mistakes that could delay or prevent access to the support you need.

You Ignored Your Doctor’s Orders

One of the key elements the SSA looks at when reviewing your application is whether you are doing everything within your power to recover. This includes following the treatment plan prescribed by your physician.

If your doctor instructs you to take certain medications, attend physical therapy sessions, or refrain from specific activities, and you fail to follow through, the SSA may conclude that your condition is not as severe as claimed. The agency might also argue that your failure to comply with medical instructions has contributed to the continuation or worsening of your condition, which could have been avoided through proper care.

Even if you feel the treatment is unnecessary, unpleasant, or difficult to manage, skipping appointments or disregarding medical advice can put your claim at serious risk. Documented non-compliance in your medical records can serve as a red flag to the SSA.

To strengthen your application, make it a priority to attend all scheduled appointments, follow your prescribed treatment plan, and keep your healthcare provider updated about any changes in symptoms. If you have a valid reason for discontinuing treatment—such as an adverse reaction or financial hardship—make sure that this is well documented by your doctor.

You Do Not Have Sufficient Medical Proof

Your word alone isn’t enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Your application must include substantial medical evidence proving the extent of your condition, how it limits your ability to work, and the expected duration of your disability.

Your medical records should contain detailed notes from doctors, diagnostic test results (such as MRIs, blood tests, and X-rays), records of hospital visits, treatment plans, and information about how your condition affects your daily life. If these records are vague or incomplete, the SSA will likely deny your claim.

Additionally, your physician must clearly outline how your medical condition limits your functional capacity. This may include notes about your inability to sit, stand, walk, lift, or concentrate for extended periods—depending on the nature of your disability.

If your treating doctor fails to document this information in a thorough and consistent manner, your claim may fall short. To prevent this, be proactive during medical appointments. Clearly explain all symptoms, limitations, and how your condition affects your ability to work. It’s also beneficial to maintain a personal journal that tracks your pain levels, treatment side effects, and daily struggles. This information may help your attorney build a stronger case on your behalf.

In some cases, your attorney may consult with vocational or medical experts to provide additional evaluations and testimony that can further support your claim.

You Already Earn Enough Money

The SSA is only intended to support individuals who are no longer able to engage in what is called “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). For 2025, the monthly income threshold for SGA is $1,470 (or $2,460 for blind individuals). If you earn more than this amount through employment, you will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.

This limitation is based on income from work—not from passive income sources such as investments, rental properties, or spousal earnings. So, if you are unable to perform meaningful work due to your condition but still receive income from non-work sources, your eligibility is not necessarily impacted.

If you’re earning close to the SGA threshold, the SSA may question whether your disability is truly severe enough to prevent employment. Therefore, it’s critical to be cautious about working—even part-time—while your application is pending. In some cases, the SSA may allow a “trial work period,” but this should only be pursued with legal guidance to avoid jeopardizing your case.

You Didn’t Provide Complete or Accurate Information

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits requires extensive paperwork, including your medical history, work background, current symptoms, and treatment plans. If your application includes missing information, inconsistent details, or inaccurate answers, it could be delayed or denied.

Common mistakes include:

• Leaving out prior employers or job titles

• Failing to list all your doctors or clinics

• Providing vague timelines of your medical condition

• Omitting medications or therapies you’ve tried

• Forgetting to update the SSA when your contact information changes

Be as thorough and honest as possible. Double-check all forms for accuracy, and include all requested information. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, consult your attorney to ensure your application is complete and consistent.

Your Condition Doesn’t Meet the SSA’s Definition of a Disability

The SSA maintains a listing of impairments (often referred to as the “Blue Book”) that outlines various medical conditions and the specific criteria each must meet to qualify for benefits. Just being diagnosed with one of these conditions is not enough. You must prove that your particular symptoms and limitations match the SSA’s standards.

For example, someone with chronic back pain may not qualify unless they can demonstrate a loss of function or specific structural damage confirmed through imaging. Similarly, a diagnosis of depression must be accompanied by medical evidence showing how it affects your ability to function in daily life and work.

If your condition doesn’t meet one of the Blue Book listings, you may still be eligible for benefits if your condition is found to be medically equivalent to a listed impairment or if a vocational assessment shows that you are incapable of working in any capacity. In either case, substantial medical evidence is essential.

You Missed a Consultative Examination (CE)

Sometimes, the SSA may schedule a consultative examination with one of its doctors if the agency needs more information or finds your submitted medical records lacking. This exam is not optional—failing to attend can result in an automatic denial of your claim.

If you are scheduled for a CE, make sure you attend and cooperate fully. If you have a legitimate reason for not being able to attend, notify the SSA immediately and request that the appointment be rescheduled.

How an Attorney Can Help Avoid These Pitfalls

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a complex and often frustrating process. Many qualified applicants are denied due to technicalities, missing evidence, or minor missteps. Having a qualified Social Security Disability attorney by your side can drastically improve your chances of approval.

Your lawyer can:

• Help gather comprehensive medical documentation

• Ensure all forms and statements are completed accurately

• Communicate directly with your healthcare providers

• Represent you in hearings and appeals if your claim is denied

• Consult with medical and vocational experts to support your claim

A knowledgeable attorney understands how to navigate the SSA’s system and can anticipate the types of issues that may arise during the review of your application.

Discuss Your Application with a Florida Social Security Disability Attorney

Filing for Social Security disability can be an arduous process. While it is possible to file your application by yourself, hiring a lawyer can help ensure you have someone experienced by your side to oversee the logistics of your case so you can get back to focusing on your recovery. At Donaldson & Weston, we have decades of collective experience helping our clients obtain fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Call us today at 866-349-2912 to discuss your claim with one of our attorneys.