What Is a Disability under Social Security in Florida?

Age, Education are Factors in What Qualifies as a Disability

To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. However, the process of determining whether you meet this definition is complex and difficult even for a doctor to understand. If fact, you don’t even need a doctor to say you are disabled in order to meet Social Security’s definition of disability.

I’m attorney Joseph Rooth. Since 1994, I’ve helped disabled individuals in Florida obtain benefits from Social Security. I offer a free initial consultation to explain what is and isn’t considered a disability.

How Disability is Determined by Social Security

When you apply for disability benefits, Social Security will use an evaluation process to determine whether you are eligible to receive benefits.

Basically, you will be considered disabled if you are unable to do the job you did before your illness or injury, and you can’t adjust to other work because of your medical condition. In considering whether you can adjust to other work, Social Security will consider your age, education, work experience and whether the potential job exists in the national economy in significant numbers. Your disability must also be expected to last for at least a year or to result in death.

Age is a big factor in determining whether your condition qualified as a disability. Generally, the older you are, the easier it is to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

For more information about the statutory definition of disability, see Social Security Disability Overview.

Free Lawyer Consultation

To discuss your disability with me, attorney Joseph Rooth, call 727-849-3400 or fill out the contact form on this site. With offices in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Seminole and Clearwater, I represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay and central gulf coast area of Florida.