Florida disability claims often prove to be challenging, as the medical, legal and administrative processes are both numerous, and complex. This can leave you feeling distressed, so it’s natural to seek reassurance through signs that you will be approved for disability. While there’s no guarantees, there are factors that might help tilt the scales in your favor, and fortify your claim.
2 Approval-Based Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability
1. You’ve Netted Enough Work Credits
Every job you’ve held that paid Social Security Taxes might count towards your work credits, earning you 1 credit for every $1650 in covered earnings, to a maximum of 4 per year. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled, but younger workers may qualify with fewer credits as follows:
- Before Age 24: You may qualify if you have 6 credits earned in the 3-year period ending when your disability starts.
- 24-31: You may qualify if you have credit for working half the time between age 21 and the time you become disabled. For example, if you become disabled at age 27, you would need credit for 3 years of work (12 credits) out of the 6 years between age 21 and 27.
- 31+: 20 credits earned in the 10 years leading up to the year your disability began.
If you don’t meet this threshold, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income and assets fall within prescribed limits.
2. Your Disability Is Severe Enough to Impact Your Working Ability
Your condition needs to seriously impact your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, the SGA is defined as earning $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for those who are legally blind. Your disability must also be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Key Signs Your Disability Claim Will Be Approved In Central Florida
3. You Precisely Match SSA's Blue Book Guidelines
The SSA has a list of conditions that qualify for benefits. It’s called the "Blue Book". An example of an impairment could be a disorder that affects the proper functioning of the heart, such as chronic heart failure or peripheral artery disease, outlined in the Cardiovascular System 4.0 Section. If your condition is listed and meets the criteria, these are good signs that your disability claim will be approved.
4. Performing Your Past Work Is Impossible.
Your inability to perform either your previous work, or any other SGA, plays a key part in deciding your eligibility. The SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC, i.e. your physical capability), and determine whether that aligns with your age, education and skills. If your condition restricts your RFC, your approval chances may increase.
5. Earning Below SGA Limits
Earnings that consistently fall below the SGA threshold can indicate a significant impairment on your ability to work. This demonstrates the financial impact of your disability and strengthens your claim.
What Else Matters In Your Orlando Disability Case?
6. Age and Education Considerations
Your age can play a role in your claim, especially if you’re older. Individuals aged 50 or older may have a higher likelihood of approval, as the SSA recognizes the challenges of adapting to new work environments.
7. Comprehensive Medical & Supporting Documentation
To help verify your claim, you’ll want to provide medical evidence and extra documentation, such as:
- Medical history and ongoing treatment records
- Results of diagnostic tests
- Physician’s notes and evaluations
- Prescription medication records
- Written statements attesting to the impact your disability has on daily life & work.
- Records of any educational or vocational training you’ve undertaken
- Detailed employment history, including job descriptions and performance evaluations
Painting a complete picture of your condition's affects lends credibility to the limitations imposed by your disability.
Don’t Apply Alone! Call Frank Eidson, P.A. Today!
Recognizing the signs that you will be approved for disability is not just about predicting outcomes; it's about strategically navigating the complex approval process. Here at Frank Eidson P.A., we can help you present a compelling case, address potential weaknesses, and approach each stage of the application with informed confidence. If you’re struggling with a disability claim, reach out to us for a free consultation or give us a call at 407-245-2887.
