Informational tips and insight for getting disability in Florida   This particular post will point out a few informational tidbits that may provide insight for individuals who are just starting a claim or are considering filing an appeal. A. Getting disability benefits established can take a fairly long time. And by that I mean a very long time. What do I mean by a very long time? Unfortunately, up to three years or longer. Yes, you may be one of the luckier ones and have your claim approved at the initial application level in under six months (though, even an approval at that level can still take a year or longer--it always varies). But 70% of all claimants are initially denied, and for these individuals getting disability benefits approved usually means starting a series of appeals that results in a hearing before a judge (fortunately, when we say "series" we mean only two appeals). B. Getting disability from the social security administration can involve an extraordinary amount of anxiety and stress. And for several reasons. First, as we've already stated, the process is typically long and drawn out. But, as a consequence of that, many Social Security Disability and SSI claimants, perhaps most, will experience severe financial hardship. And a third source of disability claim-related stress has to do with the fact that, for long periods of time, a claimant will simply have no idea what is happening with their case (ideally, the social security administration should provide periodic updates to claimants regarding the status of their case, but this does not happen--meaning you should call the social security office, disability determination services, or your representative, attorney or otherwise, whenever you need to know what is happening what your claim). C. Getting disability benefits won at any level can be hampered significantly if you don't supply social security (and by "social security", I mean either the claims rep at the social security office or the disability examiner at disability determination services who is working on your medical evaluation) with the information they need. "Information", of course, includes a wide spectrum. For instance, when you complete your disability application, you need to make social security aware of your medical sources of treatment, including the names of your doctors and the dates you've been seen. When you file an appeal, you need to provide social security with updated information regarding your medical treatment. In other words, if you've been back to see one of your doctors recently or you've had some form of testing done, indicate this. And if you've been to a doctor, hospital, or clinic that social security is not aware of, then definitely indicate this on your appeal form so these medical updates can be gathered and added to your file (although, it should be stated that at the hearing level, social security will not perform any additional development---this will generally be up to you or your attorney or non-attorney representative). If you haven't filed for Social Security Disability or SSI disability, reading this post may make you feel somewhat depressed. Learning just a little about how the SSD and SSI evaluation system works can have that effect. However, if your medical or mental condition is preventing you from working, you should file a claim for benefits ASAP, simply because the process does take so long. And if your claim proceeds to the hearing level (most claimants who are denied at the application level must appear at a disability hearing before a claim for benefits can be approved), then you should seriously investigate finding representation to maximize your chances of winning benefits. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Tips and advice for Florida disability claims Florida Disability Lawyer Advice for Social Security Disability Claims Florida Social Security Disability Application tips Tips and insight for getting disability in Florida Tips for consultative medical exams for SSDI and SSI in Florida Can I afford a Florida disability attorney or representative for my claim? General questions about getting disability in Florida How Much Can You get in Monthly Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida? What if you receive a disability overpayment in Florida Can you get permanent Social Security Disability in Florida? If they review my disability in Florida, will I lose my benefits? Do disabled children qualify for benefits in Florida? Denied for Disability with Depression in Florida Should you appeal a disability denial in Florida? How long does disability take in Florida? How Long Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida? How long for a Social Security Disability Decision Letter in Florida? How long does it take get a decision after a Florida Disability Hearing? How Long Do you have to be disabled to Get Disability Benefits in Florida? The disability decison process in Florida Can you get disability benefits in Florida if you have never worked? Will you be awarded disability in Florida if you are unable to return to your old job? Who makes the disability decision in Florida? Will I Be Evaluated For Both SSDI and SSI in Florida? The Florida Disability awards determination process What happens after a Social Security Disability claim gets taken in Florida? Filing applications for disability in Florida Applying in Florida, the criteria to qualify for Benefits An application for disability in Florida will be time-consuming Filing for disability in Florida is not easy What are reasons to file for disability in Florida? When should you file for Disability Benefits in Florida? Starting an application for disability in Florida Applying for SSD in Florida - Disability Application Information Disability Lawyers and Representation in Florida Getting a disability lawyer in Florida Representation on a Social Security Disability Claim in Florida Do I need a Lawyer for My Florida Disability Hearing? Social Security Disability Attorney Fee - What a Disability Lawyer in Florida can be Paid How do Disability Lawyers in Florida get paid their fees? Finding a lawyer for a Florida disability claim Is the Disability Process Faster in Florida if you have a Lawyer? Applying for SSI in Florida Applying for SSI disability in Florida Can you receive Social Security Disability and SSI in Florida? Applying for SSI Disability for a Child in Florida Doctors, medical records, and medical exams Social Security Disability in Florida and What Your Medical Records Say Will a Disability Attorney in Florida Help You Obtain Your Medical Records? SSDI and SSI disability applications in Florida and Doctors Social Security Administration Medical Exams in Florida Disability hearings in Florida How long will my case be at a Florida Social Security Hearing office before it is scheduled? How long does it take to see a Florida disability judge? Getting ready for a disability hearing in Florida Disability denials in Florida What if you are denied disability in Florida and do not get the notice? If you are turned down and denied for disability in Florida If your disability is denied in Florida, file an appeal quickly Why did I get Denied on my Florida Disability Request for Reconsideration? Disability appeals in Florida If you are requesting an appeal in Florida Social Security Disability and Appeal options in Florida Do you have to appeal your Florida SSD Claim over and over? Qualifying for disability in Florida Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in Florida? Can I win my disability case in Florida? What are my Chances of Qualifying for SSDI in Florida? Will I get approved for disability in Florida if my doctor supports my claim? If you are trying to win disability benefits in Florida How Can I Win My Social Security Disability Case in Florida?