(SAINT LUCIE, Fla.) – A elderly woman, Karel (not her real name), had her Social Security Disability (SSD) stripped away from her when the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined she was no longer disabled under their criteria. Her benefits were to cease immediately, when she reached out to Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) for help appealing her benefits termination.
FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Our organization helps low-income individuals and families with civil legal issues including help with public benefits denials, terminations, and overpayment.
Karel had been receiving $1,206 monthly in SSD since undergoing a serious medical procedure 15 years ago. However, when the SSA decided that she no longer met their disability standards, FRLS collected medical evidence to demonstrate that Karel was still disabled under a specific disability listing.
The listing under which Karel was classified as disabled states that the claimant is considered disabled for one year from the date of the procedure. After this period, an evaluation can be done to assess the patient’s health conditions. Despite the 15-year gap since her procedure, FRLS successfully proved to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that Karel still suffers from adverse effects, including frequent hospitalizations and other chronic side affects that impact her daily life.
After reviewing the case, the Judge ruled in favor of reinstating Karel's SSD. With the help of FRLS, Karens benefits were restored to their full amount of $14,472 annually. This case highlights the essential role that FRLS plays in providing free legal services to vulnerable individuals across Florida.
Help with Public Benefits at FRLS
Karel's case is just one of many cases at FRLS that deal with public benefits appeals. We understand that Social Security benefits such as SSD may be the only form of income for some. At FRLS, we believe it's essential to protect the income of vulnerable community members like the elderly and people with disabilities by providing quality legal services to safeguard their access to public benefits.
For more information on how you may qualify for free legal services, please contact us at 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.