Getting Social Security Disability for Mental Illnesses and Emotional Conditions
You probably know that getting approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) can be a [&he…
Social Security Disability Lawyers Jacksonville
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You earn your Social Security benefits when you work and pay FICA taxes. That includes Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits when you need them. But too often, people face obstacles securing the SSDI benefits they deserve. The process can be long and complicated, and simple mistakes can trigger a denial or set your claim back by months. In Jacksonville, it takes an average of six months just to get an appeal hearing scheduled, and then a few months more to get a decision.
The best way to avoid errors that can delay your SSDI benefits is to work with an experienced Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer from the beginning.
Getting Social Security Benefits Isn’t Easy
In Florida, about 60% of initial claims for SSDI benefits are denied. In order to qualify for benefits, the applicant must meet technical requirements such as having collected sufficient work credits. The applicant must also prove that they meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.” An experienced disability lawyer can help ensure that you have all of the documentation needed to establish your claim before you apply, improving your chances of being approved on the first try.
It typically takes about five months to get a decision on the initial application. During that time, the applicant may have no income, or be reliant on state-level public benefits for basic necessities. If the initial application is denied, the appeals process can add months–or even years–to that gap in income. While an experienced Jacksonville SSDI attorney can help you at any stage of the application and appeals processes, getting help at the outset can significantly cut down the time required to secure benefits.
Holt Harrell – Filing for Social Security Disability is Easier with Harrell & Harrell
Who Qualifies for SSDI or SSI?
Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) both provide income to disabled people, and both are administered by the SSA. But they are very different programs.
SSDI is a disability insurance program funded through payroll deductions, and is available to any qualifying worker regardless of income and assets. SSI is a need-based program funded through the U.S. Treasury that provides monetary benefits to elderly and disabled people with very limited income and assets.
Social Security Disability Benefits
To qualify for SSDI benefits, a worker must have accrued the required number of Social Security work credits and show that they are medically disabled.
The number of work credits required will depend on how old the worker was when they became disabled. Most workers must have collected 40 work credits across their career, with 20 of those credits having been earned in the 10 years leading up to disability. However, younger workers who have had less time to earn work credits have lower requirements.
To establish a medical disability, the applicant must show that a medical condition or combination of conditions that will last at least 12 months prevents them from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). The first thing the SSA looks at is your current earnings from work. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if you’re blind), the SSA will determine that you are engaged in SGA and are not disabled. Note that only income from work or self-employment is counted.
If that’s not the case, they’ll go on to assess your medical condition. You may be found medically disabled in two different ways. First, the SSA will check to see whether your condition meets or equals a listing in the Social Security Blue Book, also known as the Listing of Impairments. If you don’t qualify on that basis, the SSA goes on to consider the limitations you face due to your medical condition. They’ll assess your ability to work based on those limitations and other factors such as your age, educational level and past work experience.
Supplemental Security Income
For SSI benefits, the medical assessment is the same as it is for SSDI. However, since SSI is need-based, most income is considered in determining eligibility–and the cut-off is lower. In 2025, the federal benefit cap for SSI is $967/month. Any countable income you have is deducted from that amount in determining your benefits. Your assets are also considered in determining eligibility for SSI. Some states supplement the amount of federal SSI benefits, but Florida does not.
Social Security Disability FAQs with Attorney Mark Papa
Why Claims are Denied–and How Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Help
Sometimes, SSDI claims are denied because someone truly doesn’t meet the requirements. For example, someone may not have enough recent work credits to qualify. More often, though, denials happen due to mistakes or missing information such as:
- An insufficient medical record, either because there have been gaps in care or testing or because the applicant didn’t send all of the necessary information
- Failure to respond to follow-up requests from the SSA, such as a request for a medical examination
- Mistakes in filling out the application or missed deadlines
As you can see, most of these issues come down to a lack of understanding of the process. Our Social Security disability lawyers have deep knowledge of the process and of the types of evidence the SSA is looking for.
Our Disability Lawyers in Jacksonville, FL Handle Every Step of the Process
Whether you’re just starting the SSDI application process or appealing a denial, the right disability attorney can make all the difference. The Social Security disability lawyers at Harrell & Harrell have experience with all stages of the process. That includes:
- Helping ensure that you have completed your SSDI application thoroughly and correctly, and that you have all of the supporting documentation the SSA will be looking for
- Preparing your request for reconsideration and taking advantage of the often-overlooked opportunity to supplement the record at that stage
- Representing you at a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ)–a complicated process where your attorney can call witnesses and question the SSA’s witnesses
- Requesting appeals council review if the ALJ decides against you
- Filing your final appeal in the U.S. District Court if you have been denied at all other levels
Finding the Best Disability Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL
The best way to know if a disability lawyer is right for you is to speak with them directly. At Harrell & Harrell, our personal injury attorneys will meet with you for free, no-obligation consultations to make sure you have the information you need to make the right decision.
We’ve been representing people in and around Jacksonville for decades, and have extensive experience with the SSA offices in the Jacksonville area and the local healthcare systems that will likely be providing the documentation you need for your SSDI or SSI application.
The earlier you get knowledgeable guidance from a disability attorney in Jacksonville, FL, the better. Call us today at (904) 251-1111 to schedule your free consultation.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE.®
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Testimonial
My first experience with Harrell & Harrell was very compassionate, I was so sick and did not have a clue about the Social Security Disability process, only that I had paid in for 30 years and was totally unable to work....I had a person interview with Mr. Papas, he and Christina took over and as I got medical treatment he handled the details with SS. I provided all requested information in a timely manner and the only call I received from SS was that my attorney was on the case and making certain the proper timelines were adhered to. My case was approved and expedited on first application. Having the benefits has tremendously improved my quality of life.
