Signs That You Will Be Approved for Disability in Orlando
The Social Security office in Orlando offers services from the Social Security Administration (SSA), including disability services.
Applying for disability can be stressful and challenging, especially if you’re facing medical issues.
You’re not alone—about 3.5 million people in Florida are dealing with some form of disability, and many of them need help with Social Security disability benefits in Orlando.
However, because many people are applying for disability services in Orlando compared to other states, the approval rate is a bit lower.
From filling out the initial application to waiting for a decision, an Orlando disability lawyer can help you understand the important signs that might suggest a positive outcome for your application.
1. You’ve Earned Enough Work Credits
Every job where you have paid Social Security taxes helps you earn work credits. You get one credit for every $1,730 you earn, up to a maximum of 4 credits per year.
Generally, you need 40 credits to qualify, with 20 of those credits earned within the last 10 years before you become disabled. However, younger workers can qualify with fewer credits based on their age:
- Under Age 24: You need six credits earned in the 3 years before your disability starts.
- Ages 24-31: You need credits for working half the time from age 21 until you become disabled. In case you become disabled at 27, you need credits for 3 years of work (or 12 credits) during the 6 years from age 21 to 27.
- Age 31 and Older: You need 20 credits earned in the 10 years before your disability begins.
In case you haven’t earned enough credits, you might still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income and assets are below certain limits.
2. Your disability must be serious enough to affect your ability to work.
To qualify for disability benefits, a person should not be capable enough to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
If someone earns more than a certain amount each month (after subtracting work-related expenses), they are generally considered to be working at the SGA level.
The amount of money considered as SGA varies based on the type of disability. The Social Security Act sets a higher SGA limit for people who are legally blind, while federal regulations set a lower limit for those who are not blind.
These SGA amounts usually change based on the national average wage index.
Amounts for 2025
- For statutorily blind individuals, the monthly SGA limit is $2,700.
- For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA limit is $1,620.
Note: The SGA limit for blind individuals is not applicable for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while the SGA limit for non-blind individuals applies to both Social Security and SSI benefits.
3. You Meet the SSA’s Blue Book Guidelines
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of medical conditions that qualify for benefits, known as the “Blue Book.”
| For example, a condition like chronic heart failure or peripheral artery disease is included in the Cardiovascular System section. |
If your condition is listed in the Blue Book and meets the requirements, this is a good sign that your disability claim will be approved.
4. You Can’t Do Your Previous Work
Whether you can do your past job or any other substantial work is important in deciding if you qualify for benefits.
The SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which looks at what you can physically do, along with your age, education, and skills.
If your condition limits what you can do (your RFC), your chances of getting approved for benefits may increase.
5. Earning Less Than SGA Limits
If you regularly earn less than the SGA limit, it can show that your disability is seriously affecting your ability to work.
It demonstrates the financial impact of your condition and helps strengthen your claim for benefits.
6. Age and Education Factors
Your age can affect your disability claim, especially if you are older.
People who are 50 years old or older may have a better chance of getting approved because the SSA understands that it can be harder for older individuals to adjust to new work environments.
7. Complete Medical and Supporting Documents
To support your disability claim, you should provide medical evidence and additional documents, including:
- Your medical history and records of ongoing treatments
- Results from any diagnostic tests
- Notes and evaluations from your doctor
- Records of any prescription medications you take
- Written statements that explain how your disability affects your daily life and work
- Records of any education or job training you’ve completed
A detailed employment history with job descriptions and performance reviews
Providing a complete set of documents helps show how your condition affects your life and adds credibility to your claim.
Finally
Knowing the signs that you might be approved for disability isn’t just about guessing what will happen; it’s about smartly working through the complicated approval process.
The disability lawyers in Orlando, Florida, can help you build a strong case, tackle any weaknesses, and handle each step of the application with confidence and knowledge.
