The greater Jacksonville Metropolitan area, a region with a population of more than 1,313,228, is the largest city in the state of Florida in terms of both population and land area. Jacksonville is also the largest city by geographic area in the United States. Florida, otherwise known as the “Sunshine State’ ranks third in total population receiving benefits from the Social Security Association (SSA), behind California and New York -- approximately 15.6% of the entire population. The Florida “sunshine” reputation attributes to amazing vegetation, and the one of largest percentage of retirees in the country. In Jacksonville alone, approximately 490,000 of the population are listed as having a disability(s), which accounts for 6% of the total Jacksonville Metro area.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for acting under the guidelines of the Social Security Act, determining where benefits are applicable to those that apply for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI beneficiaries are unable to obtain Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) by reason of documented medical impairment. The disability must have extensive medical documentation by a certified medical practitioner, and must have a disability lasting at least twelve months and/or result in death. Alternately, if an individual has a lack of financial means and resources, the applicant may be eligible for SSI. The income threshold levels for SSI are calculated by a formula specific to the SSA. Jacksonville Disability attorneys have access to Social Security Disability resources to help the applicant throughout the application process, applying adequate knowledge of the laws of the Social Security Act, as well as other nuances within Jacksonville disability case rulings.
Apply for Jacksonville Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for disability benefits can be done from a home/office computer, at a local field office, or at Department of Children and Families location. Preparation of the initial disability application and medical documentation can be time-intensive. It is recommended that a professional such as a Jacksonville Disability attorney assist from the initial stage of gathering and assessment, to the end result when benefits are potentially awarded. Jacksonville Social Security attorneys have extensive knowledge, and can review the application and all pertaining medical and non-medical records to search for “gaps” in documentation. Such gaps include how the documented disability actually affects work performance. A Jacksonville Disability attorney has problem-solving solutions to help bridge “gaps” leading to a more successful outcome from the application process. The applicant electing official representation, such as a Jacksonville Social Security attorney, can also assist receive assistance in detailing further documentation requested by the SSA such as daily activities, documentation of problematic times at work, or other serious issues that occur due to the disability(s).
A determination is usually submitted approximately 80 – 120 days after the application has been filed. On average 60% of initial applications received will be denied. The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) is responsible for making decisions regarding the medical eligibility of Florida citizens applying for disability benefits under the federal Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs, and the state Medically Needy program. It is also responsible for conducting reviews of existing beneficiaries under the federal programs and determining continuing eligibility.
There are four more consecutive phases in the disability appeals process: Reconsideration, Hearing, an Appeals Council Review, and a District Court Case. Florida is the fourth largest state disability determinations service in the nation, processing approximately 6% of the national workload each year. Over the past 5 years, Florida DDS completed decisions on 253,988 federal and 10,432 Medically Needy claims each year.
Local field SSA offices and offices of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) can be utilized when individuals are applying for Disability benefits and the Medically Needy program. In both cases the application is forwarded to DDS for a determination of medical eligibility. Jacksonville offices locations are:
Jacksonville Social Security Disability
3740 Beach Blvd. Suite 3720
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904)723-2079
Jacksonville Social Security Disability
5000-1 Norwood Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32208
(904)723-2079
Jacksonville Social Security Disability
5150-3 Timaquana Road
Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904)723-2079
For a list of more offices in the Jacksonville area, please visit ssa.gov.
Jacksonville Social Security Disability Resources
The ACCESS Florida Program is responsible for public assistance eligibility determination and ongoing case management of Food Assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medicaid. Please visit http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ for more information.
The I.M. Sulzbacher Center medical services are designed as part of a community wide safety net healthcare provider. Location:
611 East Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 359-0457
Your Jacksonville Disability Claim
There are a number of important steps to an individuals claim, start to finish, that can affect a decision by the SSA. Jacksonville Disability attorneys are there to assist the applicant, start to finish, compiling acceptable, accurate, and sufficient medical records, as well as act as an advocate at any stage of the process. Although self-advocacy skills are needed when the disability attorney is not present, knowledge of Social Security resources and Social Security law is highly recommended at any stage of the disability filing process. A Jacksonville Disability lawyer can provide initial consultations, free of charge, and alleviate worry and questioning always associated with this complex filing process. Please click here to contact a Jacksonville Disability Attorney, or to learn more about your claim.
