In Florida, the approval rating at the disability hearing stage is 56%. Many cases are won at the hearing stage, as it is usually the first opportunity for those making the decisions regarding your case to see and speak with you. (Learn more about the disability hearing.) The ALJ will review your application and any new evidence that you have submitted. If you are not satisfied with the decision after reconsideration, you have the right to a disability hearing before an ALJ. This is below the national average for approvals at the reconsideration level. At the reconsideration stage in Florida, 13% of the initially denied claims are approved. ReconsiderationĪt the reconsideration stage, a new reviewer at DDD who did not take part in the initial decision on your case will look at your entire application and any new evidence that you have submitted. In Florida, there are four parts to the appeal process. If you are not satisfied with the determination that is made by the Florida DDD, you have the right to appeal the decision. This approval rating is slightly lower than the national average disability approval rate for initial applications, which was recently 35%. A claims examiner and medical consultant (doctor) at DDD will review the application and make a decision regarding whether or not you will receive disability benefits.Īt the initial application stage, only 34% of individuals are approved in Florida. Once the application is received by the local SSA office, it is sent to the Division of Disability Determinations (DDD) agency, which is under the Florida Department of Health. You can apply for SSDI and SSI by contacting any of the 54 Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices in Florida or by filling out an online disability application at the Social Security website. Information specific to the Florida application and appeals process, Florida's state supplemental payment for SSI, vocational rehabilitation services, and contact information for the disability determination and hearing offices in Florida are outlined below. However, there are variations between the states on how they handle the application process and payment of disability benefits. Filing for disability in Florida is much like filing in any state because Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs.