What to Know About the Social Security Office in Tampa, Florida

Becoming disabled and unable to work can cause much worry about your future and financial situation. However, if you cannot work due to an illness or disability, you could apply for disability benefits at the Social Security office in Tampa, FL. While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are generally available for disabled workers and their families, the application process can be complicated. Unfortunately, many claims are denied right away.  

You do not have to struggle alone to fight for your benefits. Whether your claim has already been denied or you are only just starting the process of applying, Morgan & Morgan could help. Our experienced disability lawyers can assist with the required paperwork, gather the necessary medical documents, and ensure that all documents are filed correctly with the Tampa office of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Contact us today to determine for free if we could help with your application or denial.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits at the Tampa Office

The Social Security office in Tampa, Florida, is located at 3415 E Frontage Rd Suite A, Tampa, FL 33607, and can be reached by calling 866-331-2317. However, you can access most of the services the Tampa office offers via the Social Security Administration website. You can also apply for disability benefits online.

Social Security Disability Benefits 

Physical and mental disabilities can make working and supporting those you love extremely difficult or even impossible. SSDI benefits are designed to help disabled workers provide for themselves and their loved ones.

What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

SSDI is a tax-funded insurance program intended to support the disabled and their families financially. If you medically qualify for SSDI, you could receive monthly benefits, provided you have been employed for a certain amount of time and paid into the system. To qualify, applicants must have collected work credits before becoming disabled.

Work Credits

The number of work credits you must have collected to receive SSDI benefits will depend on your age. Generally, to qualify for SSDI benefits, claimants should have collected 40 work credits. However, younger workers could be eligible with fewer work credits. Workers can earn up to four credits in a year. 

Eligibility and Qualifying Disability

To receive benefits from the SSDI program, you generally have to fulfil the following qualifying criteria qualify:

• You are no longer able to work in your previous job 
• You cannot adjust to other work due to your disability or health condition
• Your disability is expected to last at least a year or until death

Examples of qualifying disabilities and conditions include, among others:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Respiratory illness
• Musculoskeletal problems
• Blood disorders
• Mental disorders

Our social security disability attorneys can help determine whether you qualify and assist with your application.

SSDI Benefits You Could Receive 

SSDI benefits may be available to you and your family members. Generally, the monthly benefit you could receive will depend on your average lifetime earnings. Benefits are not calculated based on household income or the severity of your condition.

According to Investopedia, the average SSDI benefit for a disabled worker amounted to $1,280.42 per month in 2021. Benefits may also be available for eligible family members, including spouses and children. 

SSI Benefits for Those Able to Work

If you are disabled but can work in some capacity and receive a limited income, you may not be entitled to SSDI benefits. However, you could potentially receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

We Can Be Your Advocate

Applying for SSDI benefits in Tampa can feel overwhelming. You may not know where to begin with a claim. A disability attorney at Morgan & Morgan can advocate for you, help to prepare your application, or file an appeal if your claim is denied. 

Why Some SSDI Claims Are Denied 

There could be various reasons why a claim is denied. According to the SSA, only around 30 percent of initial claims were successful during 2001-2010. SSDI benefits may be denied if:

• The applicant’s impairment is not expected to last a year
• The medical condition is not considered severe enough 
• The applicant can perform their usual job or can adjust to another type of work
• The impairment results from drug or alcohol abuse
• The medical evidence provided is insufficient
• The applicant fails to communicate or cooperate with the SSA 
• The applicant does not follow their doctor’s treatment plan

You could also face a denial for technical reasons, such as a simple mistake on the application form. However, do not be disheartened if your claim is denied, as this is not uncommon. You could still receive your benefits. The next step after a denial is requesting an appeal. Consider working with a disability lawyer who could help you get what you deserve with an appeal. 

How to Appeal at the Tampa Social Security Office   

If you have received a denial letter, you have the right to appeal in writing within 60 days. There are generally four levels of appeal with an SSDI claim: 

1. Reconsideration

The first level of appeal is called a reconsideration. This stage involves an examiner from the SSA reviewing your benefit claim and any new evidence provided. The examiner will then determine whether to approve your claim.

2. Administrative Law Judge Hearing 

If your claim is again denied, your next step is usually a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who was not involved in the original decision. At this stage, having an attorney by your side can be critical. Your attorney can present evidence to the ALJ and prepare you for the hearing. Your attorney may also decide to call upon a medical witness in support of your claim.  

3. Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request an SSA’s Appeals Council review. The Appeals Council will look at your claim again, including all the medical information available, to ensure nothing vital was missed. The council can then either hand your case back to an ALJ for a decision, reverse the judge’s decision and authorize your claim, or deny your claim. 

4. Federal Court

If your claim is denied again, you have one last option: filing a lawsuit in federal court. If you do not already have legal representation, hiring an attorney now can be crucial for your case. Suing the SSA in federal court can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly without professional legal representation.