Sunrise Social Security Disability Lawyers

Navigating the Social Security Disability system can be frustrating, especially after a denial. At Donaldson & Weston, our Social Security Disability lawyer helps Sunrise residents prepare strong applications and appeals to improve their chances of approval. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need help after a rejection, we’re here to support you. Call 866-349-2912 to schedule a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win benefits, so there’s no financial risk to speak with our team.

How to Qualify for SSD Benefits in Sunrise, Florida

If a serious health condition keeps you from working, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may offer the support you need to stay financially stable. Applying for these benefits, however, can be challenging. The process involves strict medical and legal criteria, and many first-time applicants are denied. Understanding what’s required—and how to present your case—can improve your chances of approval.

For people living in Sunrise, Florida, the process follows federal Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. But navigating the system on your own can feel overwhelming. This blog explains what you need to know about qualifying for SSD benefits, from eligibility to application tips.

Understanding the Basics of Social Security Disability

The SSA offers two main types of disability benefits. One is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The other is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need rather than work history. This post focuses on SSDI, as it’s the most common type for people who become disabled during their working years.

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. The SSA looks at your work history, your medical condition, and how that condition affects your ability to earn a living.

Meeting the Work History Requirements

One of the first things the SSA checks is whether you have earned enough work credits. You gain these credits by working in jobs that pay into the Social Security system. Most people can earn up to four credits per year. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you became disabled.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• If you are under 24, you may qualify with 6 credits earned in the 3 years before your disability started.

• If you are between 24 and 31, you’ll likely need work history for at least half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled.

• If you are over 31, you usually need at least 20 credits earned in the 10 years before you became disabled.

Keep in mind, if you haven’t worked recently or didn’t pay Social Security taxes, you may not be eligible under SSDI. In that case, SSI might be an alternative.

Defining What Counts as a Disability

The SSA uses a very specific definition of disability. It’s not enough to say you can’t work in your previous job. To be considered disabled, you must show that your condition:

• Is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities

• Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death

• Prevents you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA)

Substantial gainful activity is defined by how much you earn each month. For 2025, the limit is around $1,500 per month for most applicants. If you earn more than that, the SSA may assume you’re not disabled.

The Role of the SSA’s List of Impairments

The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” that lists medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities—if they meet certain criteria. These include conditions like cancer, heart failure, chronic respiratory disorders, and mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

If your condition is listed and you meet the outlined requirements, you may qualify more easily. If your condition isn’t listed, you can still qualify by proving it is as limiting as a condition that is listed.

Medical Evidence Is Essential

Your medical records are the foundation of your disability claim. Without strong evidence, it’s very difficult to win approval. The SSA needs documentation that includes:

• Diagnoses from licensed medical professionals

• Treatment records and progress notes

• Lab results, imaging studies, and test results

• Statements from doctors about your limitations

• Information on medications and side effects

The SSA will also consider how your condition affects your day-to-day abilities. This might include difficulties with walking, sitting, lifting, concentrating, or interacting with others.

In some cases, the SSA will send you to a consultative exam with one of their doctors. This helps them evaluate your condition when your records are incomplete or unclear.

Your Ability to Work Matters More Than Your Diagnosis

Many applicants assume that having a serious diagnosis is enough. But the SSA is more focused on how your condition impacts your ability to work—not just the label of your illness.

The agency assesses whether you can perform your past work and whether you can adjust to other work. They look at your age, education, work history, and job skills. This process is called a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment.

For example, if you previously worked in construction and can no longer lift or stand for long periods, the SSA may determine you can’t return to that job. But if they think you can do a sit-down office job based on your experience or education, your claim could still be denied—unless you show why even that is not realistic.

The Application Process in Sunrise Florida

You can apply for SSDI online, over the phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office. For Sunrise residents, the nearest SSA office is in Plantation, just a short drive away.

Here’s what you’ll need when applying:

• Personal information such as your Social Security number and birth certificate

• Employment records for the last 15 years

• Medical providers’ names, contact info, and dates of treatment

• A list of medications and dosages

• A summary of how your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks

Applications typically take three to six months to process. Unfortunately, many initial applications are denied, even when applicants meet the requirements.

What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal. The SSA has a four-step appeals process:

• Reconsideration – A different SSA reviewer looks at your case.

• Hearing – If denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

• Appeals Council – If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to review it.

• Federal court – As a last resort, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.

The earlier you involve a disability attorney, the better. Your lawyer can help gather missing evidence, prepare for the hearing, and represent you effectively.

Why Hiring a Disability Lawyer in Sunrise Can Help

Disability claims are highly detailed and legalistic. An experienced attorney knows how to present medical records, respond to SSA questionnaires, and highlight the most important facts in your case. They can also spot red flags that may lead to a denial and address them early.

Most SSD lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win. Their fees are capped by federal law and are taken from your backpay—not your monthly checks.

How Long Does It Take to Get Benefits

Getting approved for SSD benefits can take time. Some people are approved within a few months, but many go through the appeal process, which may take a year or more. Once approved, you may receive backpay dating to the time you became disabled or applied.

Monthly benefits are deposited directly into your bank account. You’ll also become eligible for Medicare after two years of receiving SSDI.

Common Mistakes That Delay Applications

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is a lifeline for many people who are unable to work due to a medical condition. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, housing, and basic living costs. But the application process is not quick, and it becomes even slower when avoidable mistakes are made.

Knowing what pitfalls to avoid can make a real difference. Whether you’re just starting the application or are already stuck in a backlog, understanding where most applicants go wrong may help you move forward without unnecessary delays.

Not Providing Enough Medical Documentation

One of the biggest reasons applications are delayed or denied is lack of supporting medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs detailed records to confirm that your condition meets its definition of disability. If your file doesn’t clearly show how your illness or injury limits your ability to work, they may request more records, which slows the process.

What to do instead:

• Collect full documentation from every doctor, hospital, therapist, or clinic involved in your care.

• Make sure these records include diagnosis, treatment dates, medications, test results, and progress notes.

• Provide records that show how your condition affects your ability to function at work and in daily life.

Even if your condition is serious, the SSA must see it clearly in your paperwork.

Failing to Follow Medical Advice

Another common issue that can hurt your case is not following prescribed treatment. If the SSA sees that you missed appointments or refused treatment without a good reason, they may question whether your condition is as disabling as you claim.

What to do instead:

• Attend all medical appointments.

• Follow your treatment plan, including medications and therapies.

• If there’s a valid reason you can’t follow your doctor’s advice—such as cost or side effects—document it.

Keep in mind, the SSA is looking at whether you’re doing everything reasonable to improve your condition.

Inaccurate or Incomplete Application Forms

The SSD application asks for a lot of information—about your health, work history, and daily activities. Mistakes in this paperwork, such as leaving blanks or giving vague answers, often lead to delays. Even a minor error in your employment dates or medication list can prompt a request for clarification.

What to do instead:

• Take your time when filling out the application.

• Double-check for errors or missing sections before submitting.

• Provide honest, detailed answers—especially about how your condition affects your ability to work.

If you’re unsure how to answer a question, don’t guess. Get help from a legal professional or advocate who understands SSD claims.

Applying Too Soon or Too Late

Timing matters. If you apply before your condition has lasted long enough, the SSA may deny your claim for not meeting the 12-month duration rule. On the other hand, waiting too long can lead to missed deadlines or loss of retroactive benefits.

What to do instead:

• Apply once you and your doctor reasonably expect your condition to last at least a year or result in death.

• Don’t wait too long after becoming unable to work. Apply as soon as it’s clear you meet the requirements.

• If you’ve already applied and been denied, pay close attention to appeal deadlines.

Missing deadlines at any stage of the process can push your case back by months.

Not Listing All Relevant Conditions

Sometimes applicants focus on the most obvious diagnosis and overlook other medical or mental health conditions that affect their ability to work. This limits the SSA’s understanding of the full picture and may weaken your claim.

What to do instead:

• List all physical and mental conditions, even those that seem minor.

• Mention things like chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or medication side effects.

• Be honest about how each condition affects your daily life.

The SSA considers your health as a whole. Leaving out conditions—even unintentionally—can reduce the strength of your case.

Overlooking Mental Health Impacts

Many people with chronic physical health problems also experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. But these are often left out of applications, especially if the person has not received a formal diagnosis.

What to do instead:

• Talk to your doctor about any mental health symptoms you’re experiencing.

• Include mental health treatment providers in your medical documentation.

• Describe how mental health challenges affect your ability to focus, interact with others, or stay organized at work.

Even if your physical condition alone qualifies, supporting evidence of emotional or cognitive challenges may help solidify your claim.

Returning to Work Too Soon

Trying to work again while your SSD claim is still pending may seem like a way to stay afloat financially. But if your income exceeds a certain level, the SSA may consider it proof that you are not truly disabled.

What to do instead:

• Be cautious about attempting to return to work before your claim is approved.

• If you try working under a trial work period, understand the income limits and how they apply to your case.

• Document any failed attempts to return to work, as these can actually support your claim by showing that you tried but couldn’t maintain employment due to your condition.

Talk to an attorney before making any decision to return to work while your case is pending.

Skipping the Appeal Process After a Denial

A denial can be discouraging. Many people give up after the first rejection, assuming their condition doesn’t qualify. But in reality, the majority of successful claims are approved during the appeals process—not the initial application.

What to do instead:

• If your claim is denied, request reconsideration within the deadline (usually 60 days).

• If that fails, request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

• Work with a disability lawyer to strengthen your appeal by fixing weak spots in your original claim.

The appeals process may take time, but it’s often your best chance at approval.

Trying to Handle Everything Alone

The SSD system is full of legal terms, medical jargon, and procedural rules. Many delays happen because applicants miss key details or don’t know how to respond to SSA requests.

What to do instead:

• Consider working with a local disability attorney who knows how the system works in Florida.

• A lawyer can help organize your records, submit strong evidence, and handle all communication with the SSA.

• Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means you only pay if your claim is approved.

Having guidance from the start can help you avoid mistakes and save months of frustration.

Let a Sunrise Social Security Disability Attorney Guide You

If you’re struggling to obtain disability benefits, a Social Security Disability attorney at Donaldson & Weston can provide much-needed support. We help Sunrise residents navigate denials, prepare appeals, and present strong cases backed by medical evidence. You don’t have to go through this complex process on your own. Call 866-349-2912 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team. We work on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing unless we help you win your claim.