Panama City Social Security Disability Attorney
Contact The Disability Group Today
You have spent years working and contributing to the Social Security system through your payroll taxes, and you have a right to receive the disability benefits guaranteed by the government. Unfortunately, in the Panama City area, 76% of all initial applications are denied every year, and the process of appealing a claim can be lengthy, confusing and difficult. When you need benefits, you cannot afford to leave your fate in the hands of government bureaucrats. It is in your best interests to hire an attorney experienced in handling Social Security Disability cases. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you avoid common mistakes in the application process, help you seek the largest award of benefits possible, and can fight to defend your right to benefits if your claim is denied.
Working With You Throughout The Process
The Disability Group team believes in frequent client contact. Claiming Social Security Disability benefits is a long and drawn out process, a true "hurry up and wait" experience. When you work with the firm, you will not have to wonder about the current status of your claim, but will be able to find answers to your questions when you need them. Ms. Gunter is willing to personally meet with you throughout the process to tell you the work that has been done in your case, the current status of your case, what strategy is being employed, and what to expect going forward.
How Can We Help?
The Disability Group's Guarantee To You
Three Reasons to Hire The Disability Group
- We will help claimants and veterans apply.
- Our clients will always meet with their attorney and have accesses to their attorney, not just paralegals or support staff.
- We handle Federal Court Appeals after remedies are exhausted at the administrative level.
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How long does it take to receive a hearing?
In our area, it currently takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months from the time a hearing is requested until the date it is scheduled. The team at The Disability Group does everything in their power to cut down on this delay, so that you can begin receiving benefits as early as possible. In some cases, this includes getting a client approved "on the record," which is to say getting your disability claim approved before a hearing.
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What can I do if my claim is denied?
The Social Security Administration provides four levels of appeal for those who believe that their claims have been wrongfully denied. Reconsideration, the first step, involves having a different staff member at Disability Determination Services review your application. Only 15% of applications are approved at this stage, so it will likely be necessary to request a hearing.
At a hearing, an Administrative Law Judge reviews all the evidence in the case, and you or your attorney have the opportunity to make an appeal and argue based on the medical records and testimony presented why your disability claim should be approved. In the event that your claim is still denied, you can request to have your case reviewed by the Social Security Appeals Council, and can even take the claim before a federal judge.
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Is it true that all claims are denied the first time?
No! This popular misconception does, however, have a basis of truth. In the Panama City area 76% of all initial claims are denied, whether due to mistakes on the application, insufficient information provided by the claimant, or errors on the part of Disability Determination Services staff. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million people apply for SSD every year which means that only 600,000 people receive their benefits without any further trouble. Those who are denied have a right to hire an attorney and appeal the decision.
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How much can I receive in benefits?
The Social Security Administration uses a complex formula to determine the amount of financial benefits to be paid. However, the amount of financial benefits you receive is calculated on your lifetime earnings and the amount of taxes you have paid into the Social Security system. SSDI benefits will not typically fully replace your lost wages, but are calculated so that high-income earners will receive more than those who have not historically had as high of an income.
The Disability Group Will Go Above & Beyond
We Will Exceed Your Expectations
The Disability Group Social Security Disability practice is built on helping people who have been denied benefits. The legal team is continually updating medical records and corresponding with the Hearing Office to review the claim in light of the new evidence in an effort to secure an approval prior to going to a Hearing. Our team at The Disability Group is focused on getting our clients the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve as soon as possible. In addition to receiving benefits from the date of your application's approval, it is possible in most cases to recover the benefits you would have received if your application had not been denied in the first place.
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Recipients Of A 10/10 Superb Avvo Rating
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Personalized & Effective Legal Solutions
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Exceptional Track Record Of Success
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Available 24/7 To Clients
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Nearly Three Decades Of Legal Experience
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Dedicated & Approachable Representatives
No Health Insurance? We Have The Referrals You Need
One of the most challenging aspects of filing a successful Social Security Disability claim is providing recent medical records that adequately diagnose the medical issue (physical or psychological) that they are facing. Many people do not have health insurance and cannot afford regular medical care. This is a serious problem in the Social Security Disability application process because the Social Security Administration requires medical evidence to prove disability. The team at The Disability Group routinely refers clients to a network of low-cost clinics and charitable services to secure the necessary medical diagnosis to improve their chances of getting their disability claim approved.
Proudly Representing Clients Throughout Northwest Florida
If you want personal service and experienced legal representation to help you expedite your claim, call The Disability Group to take the first steps in your case today!
Social Security Disability Do's and Don'ts
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DO
Hire an Attorney to Represent Your Claim
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DON'T
Wait Until You Have Been Out of Work for a Year
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DO
Seek Full Medical Attention for Your Condition
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DON'T
Give Up if Your Claim Has Been Denied
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DOCall The Disability Group Today