Dean Burnetti Law
Central Florida's TOP Social Security Disability Lawyer
Applying for Social Security Disability?
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Navigating the Social Security Disability application process can be frustrating. But with our experienced team by your side, your chances of getting the maximum benefits you deserve are greatly increased.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. If a medical condition stops you from working full time, you may qualify for these benefits. Many people apply when their health makes it impossible to keep a steady job. Below are simple answers to common questions.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
First, you file an application for Social Security Disability. Your local Social Security office receives it. They review it and send it to a state agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns a disability examiner to your case.
Next, the examiner asks your doctors for medical records. This step often takes the longest. Doctors may take weeks or months to respond. To avoid delays, tell your doctors that you applied for disability. You can also call their offices to follow up.
After the examiner gets your records, they review your case. Sometimes, there is enough information to make a decision quickly. In those cases, the examiner may not need every record.
Finally, the examiner checks whether your condition is on Social Security’s list of approved impairments. Even if it is, your condition must still meet certain medical rules.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
Social Security only approves disabilities that are serious and long term. To qualify:
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Your condition must limit basic work activities.
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It must last at least 12 months or be expected to last that long.
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You must be unable to earn steady income during that time.
Bottom line, you must prove that your medical condition prevents you from doing your past work. You must also show that you cannot switch to a different type of job. Your condition must make working impossible for at least one year.
HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I RECEIVE?
Social Security bases your payment on how much you earned while working. Everyone’s payment amount is different.
As of 2026, the highest possible monthly benefit is $4,152. Most people receive between $1,000 and $2,700 per month. The average payment is about $1,630.
Some benefits may lower your Social Security Disability payment. These include workers’ compensation and some state disability benefits. Social Security limits total benefits to 80% of what you earned before becoming disabled.
Private long-term disability insurance does not reduce Social Security Disability. SSI and Veterans’ benefits also do not reduce these payments.
If you were denied benefits before, you may still qualify for back pay if you appeal and win.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FIRST PAYMENT?
Social Security starts payments five months after your disability start date. You will receive a letter that explains this date.
Your first payment covers the sixth full month after that date. Most people receive their first check in the seventh month. After that, payments usually arrive around the same time each month.
Benefits continue until you are able to work again or until you reach retirement age. At retirement age, Disability Benefits stop and Retirement Benefits begin.