Florida Social Security Disability, Bankruptcy and ERISA Attorney

Law Firm Overview FREE CONSULTATION

At the Law Offices of Don A. Anderson, every case is personally handled by me, attorney Don Anderson. I am a Clearwater Social Security disability attorney with more than 35 years of experience. In addition to my Social Security practice, I also assist clients with bankruptcy and long-term disability (ERISA) cases. In each of these areas, I provide hands-on, personalized attention.

If you need help applying for disability benefits or filing for bankruptcy protection, you should consider the benefits of hiring a local law firm where you can be certain that your case will be handled by an experienced lawyer who will listen to your concerns and keep you informed. I understand the frustration that comes with not being able to work or getting harassed by debt collectors. My goal is to guide you toward positive results quickly and efficiently.

All of my practice areas are governed by extremely complex federal laws and regulations. I take special care to handle every case with meticulous attention to detail, making sure the information I provide to government agencies and courts is accurate and comprehensive. When you are trying to pursue a positive outcome in an area governed by complex federal laws and regulations, an experienced attorney can make a major difference. I am Don Anderson, a Clearwater-area attorney with more than 35 years of legal practice experience.

Areas of Law

Areas of Law Description

- Social Security Disability

Although many individuals wait to hire a Social Security attorney, statistics show that individuals who retain an experienced lawyer when applying for Social Security will have a better chance for success in effectively obtaining benefits. I meticulously help clients evaluate their individual circumstances and represent clients from their claim through appeals. Disability claim phases: thoroughly prepare and complete the application to apply for Social Security benefits; submit the disability claim application to the Social Security Administration (SSA); typically, the SSA will deny the claim for benefits; prepare and file a request for reconsideration; typically the SSA will also deny the request for reconsideration; request a hearing for reconsideration by an administrative law judge; and file a disability claim appeal if the petition is still denied.

- Disability Claims Appeals

If your claim has been denied by an administrative law judge, I work to write the necessary briefs proving to the appeals council that your claim for benefits is legitimate and should be approved. I ensure that all aspects of the appeal are meticulously covered, including: having your medical condition and employability reassessed; ensuring gaps do not exist in the medical evidence provided to the Social Security Administration; obtaining doctor testimony, if necessary, stating the severity of your disability and your need for benefits; and taking other critical steps to seek the benefits you are entitled.

- Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a need-based program that distributes monthly income and Medicaid benefits to eligible participants. To be eligible for SSI benefits, one must prove the existence of a disability which renders one unable to work as well as insufficient assets to pay one's healthcare and living expenses. Unfortunately, many individuals are ineligible for SSI benefits as a result of a spouse's income or assets. As an experienced SSI benefits attorney, I assist clients with the following: filing disability claim application for benefits; filing for hearing requests upon disability claim denial; and filing SSI disability claim appeals.

- Disabled Child Benefits

SSI benefits may be paid to children who meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disabled. Children with "severe functional limitations" are determined by SSA as disabled. Disabled children may be eligible for SSI benefits if: the child became disabled prior to reaching the age of 18; the parent and child meet the low income standards (once the child turns 18, the income standard only applies to the child's income); and automatic benefits are generally given to children with certain conditions during the determination period, such as children with HIV, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and children who are blind or deaf.

- Survivor Benefits

The following individuals may be eligible for Social Security survivor's benefits: unmarried children under the age of 18 or those who are still in high school; adult disabled children who have become disabled prior to the age of 22; surviving spouse caring for children under the age of 16; widow / widower age 60 or older; disabled surviving spouse age 50 or older; and eligible dependant parents over the age of 63. As a knowledgeable Social Security lawyer with more than 35 years of experience, I can help you understand if you are eligible to receive survivor's benefits, and how you can recover these monthly income benefits.

- Bankruptcy

Over the course of several decades, I have helped countless clients pursue debt relief through the bankruptcy process. If you retain me to represent you in your bankruptcy case, I will take the time to give in-depth answers to your questions about topics such as the following: chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 13 bankruptcy and foreclosure defense. The federal and Florida bankruptcy laws can get very complex. I handle every case with great attention to detail in order to ensure that I am effectively pursuing the best possible results for my clients by providing the bankruptcy courts with accurate, comprehensive information.

- Foreclosure Defense

If your home has been scheduled for a foreclosure sale and you are running out of time, you should strongly consider filing for bankruptcy. The moment you file, foreclosure proceedings against you will be put under an automatic stay, meaning they cannot move forward. The automatic stay is one of the most powerful features of the bankruptcy protection system. It puts an immediate halt to all debt collection proceedings against you the moment you file for bankruptcy, including not only foreclosure but also lawsuits and wage garnishment. Just because someone at your bank is negotiating with you does not mean your foreclosure will not move forward. Only bankruptcy puts a definite stop to foreclosure.

- ERISA Disability Insurance / Long-Term Disability

The ERISA set process for obtaining benefits can seem overwhelming and endless if you are not aware of what to expect. I help clients understand and guide them through the entire process of an ERISA claim, I can review the summary plan description of your disability insurance policy; file the initial claim for benefits according to plan requirements (which is typically denied); file an appeal within 180 days of the notice of denial; and file a lawsuit in Federal Court within three years of the denial to review and appeal the decision. I am a disability lawyer with more than 35 years of legal experience. Through my years of experience, I have acquired the skills necessary to maneuver complex governmental procedures.

More Information on Law Offices of Don A. Anderson

Largo, Florida Social Security Disability Attorney
Largo, FL Disability Claims Appeals Lawyer
Supplemental Security Income Law Firm in Largo, Florida
Survivor Benefits Attorney in Largo, FL
Largo, Florida Disabled Child Benefits Lawyer
Largo, FL Bankruptcy Law Firm
Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Largo, Florida

Office Locations

• USA - Florida, Largo - Main Office