Meet Your Advocate
Whitney Kearns joined firm owner Diane Rutledge at Disability Advocates in 2013. Before rising to the rank of Professional Representative she worked in the capacities of legal assistant and paralegal. As your Advocate, Whitney will represent you through every step of the Social Security Disability process from application through hearing and appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Social Security Disability?
Disability is defined by Social Security as an individual who is unable to maintain employment due to a physical or mental impairment expected to last continuously for no less than twelve months.
Do I qualify?
Social Security has two programs to support disabled individuals: Disability Insurance Beneits and Disabled Widow’s and WIdower’s Benefits (DIB/DWB or, more commonly, SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). DIB is a program to which an individual becomes entitled through paying Social Security taxes and SSI is a program for people with limited income and resources who do not qualify for DIB. A person must meet both medical and non-medical requirements to qualify for either program.
If I win my claim, how much will I receive?
Individual monthly benefit amounts are dependent upon many factors. For DIB and DWB, the benefit amount is largely determined by the earnings posted to a wage earner’s record over his or her lifetime. The date of disability and application are also factors. For SSI the 2024 benefit amount is $943 per month for an eligible individual and $1415 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. Benefits may be paid, based on an individual’s monthly award, dating back to the date of application or earlier.
Why do I need a representative?
The Social Security Disability claims process is extremely complex. Appointing a representative allows him or her to act on your behalf by: filing your initial claim and any appeals; obtaining medical records or information to support your claim; helping you and your witnesses prepare for a hearing; and coming with you to, or attending for you, any interview, conference, or hearing you have with the Social Security Administration.
Are you lawyers and what do you charge?
The professionals at Disability Advocates are qualified Non-Attorney Representatives. Our fees are set and approved by the Social Security Administration and WE DO NOT GET PAID UNLESS YOU DO. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Disability Advocates, Inc.
The professionals at Disability Advocates keep current with applicable law, regulations, and policy changes pertaining to the Social Security Administration; we are proudly affiliated with the National Association of Disability Representatives.
At Disability Advocates our goals are simple:
To provide the best customer service possible.
To make each client feel like our only client.
To provide personal service to each client and personal attention to each case.
Contact Us Today!
Most questions can be answered by phone.
Call or text us for a free consultation.
We don’t get paid unless you do!
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 51410
Fort Myers, FL 33994
FAX
(239) 424-5995
thedisabilityadvocate.com is intended to provide general information on selected topics as a public service.
The information is intended - but not promised or guaranteed - to be correct and current. It does not contain legal or medical advice. Information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not create a professional relationship. Each individual situation is different and unique and the information contained on this page should not be relied on as applicable to you. A competent representative should always be consulted for advice on any Social Security disability matter.
(c) 2024 by Disability Advocates, Inc.
