My Florida Social Security Lawyer

07/28/2026

A picture of you smiling while holding your grandchild doesn't show that you spent the next two days in bed.

We know that. Social Security only sees the photo.

This is one of five things we talk about with every disability client at the start, and it's the one people are most surprised by. You don't have to stop living your life because you filed a claim. Go to the birthday party. Just don't hand anyone a reason to question something that isn't even accurate.

The other four are in our newest post, along with what to tell us and when.

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. To be honest, it is overwhelming. The paperwork is confusing. The process takes months. More than 6 in 10 first applications in Florida are denied. It's understandable to wonder whether you're doing everything correctly. The good....

07/01/2026

Denied Social Security Disability benefits? Don't assume it's over.

Many deserving applicants are denied on their first application. The good news is that a denial often isn't the end of the process—it may be the beginning of building a stronger case.

In our latest article, we explain:
✔️ Why so many claims are denied
✔️ The steps in the appeals process
✔️ Important deadlines you can't afford to miss
✔️ Why representation can make a difference at the hearing stage

Read the full article here:

Denied Social Security Disability? Here's What to Do Next—and Why Starting Over Is Usually a Mistake Receiving a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can feel devastating. You've filled out the paperwork, gathered medical records, waited months for a decision—and then you'...

06/23/2026

If you or someone you love is thinking about filing for Social Security Disability, the work begins before the application does.
Nationwide, roughly two out of three initial SSDI claims are denied. In Florida, the approval rate at the initial level runs lower than the national average.

Most of those denials aren't because the applicant isn't disabled — they're because critical information was missing, inconsistent, or never collected in the first place.

Our latest article walks through the seven things to gather before you file: medical providers, work history, medications, daily limitations, and a few others that most applicants don't think about until it's too late.

If you know someone navigating this process, share it with them. The preparation work costs nothing and makes every step that follows easier.

At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, P.A., we hear a version of the same story more often than we'd like. Someone calls us after spending months — sometimes years — with another disability attorney. They weren't sure what was happening with their case. The SSA kept mailing them forms they didn't underst...

06/23/2026

Big news — after 40 years at the same address, we're moving!
On June 22, 2026, HLA will be at our new office just down the street:

152 NE 167th Street, Suite 300, North Miami Beach, FL 33162.

Same phone number. Same team. Same people, you've known and trusted. Just a new space that better fits the way we serve clients today.

If you or someone you know has a legal matter — personal injury, family law, workers' comp, business litigation — we're still here, still available 24/7, and still offering free case evaluations.

305-653-5555 hlalaw.com [email protected]

Stay tuned — an open house is coming once we get settled. We'd love to see you there. See less

05/13/2026

If you or someone you love is thinking about filing for Social Security Disability, the work begins before the application does.

Nationwide, roughly two out of three initial SSDI claims are denied. In Florida, the approval rate at the initial level runs lower than the national average. Most of those denials aren't because the applicant isn't disabled — they're because critical information was missing, inconsistent, or never collected in the first place.

Our latest article walks through the seven things to gather before you file: medical providers, work history, medications, daily limitations, and a few others most applicants don't think about until it's too late.

If you know someone navigating this process, share it with them. The preparation work costs nothing and makes every step that follows easier.

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Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Representing Florida Disability Clients for Over 40 Years If you are thinking about filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the work begins long before you sit down at the computer to start an application or pick up the phone to hire an attorney. The Social...

05/07/2026

If you receive SSDI, retirement, or survivor benefits, the rules around Social Security overpayments have changed — twice — in the past year.

Here's where things stand in 2026:
*SSA can now withhold 50% of your monthly Title II check if they say you were overpaid
*SSI recipients still capped at 10%. You have 90 days to appeal, request a waiver, or ask for a lower rate

Most overpayments aren't even the beneficiary's fault — they're caused by SSA processing errors, data mistakes, or years-old paperwork the agency has only just caught up on. Losing half your paycheck because of someone else's mistake can be devastating.
Our firm doesn't handle overpayment cases, but we're sharing this so disability recipients know what's happening and where to turn. Read the full breakdown — including the four options you have when a notice arrives — on our blog. Read the article below:

Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti — Representing Florida's disabled workers and families for over 40 years.
305-653-5555 | Text 305-653-1515

This post was originally published in March 2025. The rules have changed twice since — here's where things stand now.  At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we've represented Florida disability clients for more than 40 years. While our firm does not handle Social Security overpayment cases, we hear from d...

04/30/2026

Can you qualify for disability for anxiety or depression?

Yes—but proving it is often more complicated than people expect.

Because these conditions are “invisible,” your case depends heavily on how your symptoms—and limitations—are documented and explained.

Here’s what you need to know 👇Read here

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions can be especially challenging. Unlike physical injuries, these conditions are often invisible—and that makes proving your case to the Social Security Administration (SSA) more complex. ...

03/17/2026

One of the biggest mistakes people make when applying for disability?

They list their medical conditions… but don’t explain how those conditions prevent them from working.

That one shift can make or break your case.

Here’s how to get it right 👇

When people apply for Social Security Disability benefits, they often make the same mistake: They focus on what’s wrong with them instead of explaining how their condition affects their ability to work. At first glance, that seems like enough. If you’re dealing with serious health issues, should...

03/05/2026

😔 Depression and anxiety are real. They're debilitating. And yes — they can qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits in Florida.
But here's what most people don't know: the SSA doesn't just look at your diagnosis. They look at how your condition affects your ability to function — at work, with other people, and in everyday life.
That's why so many psychiatric SSDI claims get denied. Not because the condition isn't real, but because the medical records don't tell the full story.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we've been helping Florida families win disability benefits for over 40 years — including clients whose primary condition is depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
We work directly with your treating psychiatrist to make sure your documentation says exactly what the SSA needs to see. 📋
👉 Read our new article: "Can You Get SSDI for Depression or Anxiety in Florida?" below.

📞 Call us 24/7: 305-653-5555
💬 Text: 305-653-1515

What You Need to Know About Mental Health SSDI Claims — and Why Your Doctor's Documentation Is Everything Depression and anxiety are among the most common — and most misunderstood — conditions in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases. Many people assume mental health conditions are...

02/02/2026

Confused about disability benefits?

If you're applying for SSDI or SSI in Florida, you're not alone — and the process can be frustrating. Our team at Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti answers the top questions we hear from clients across South Florida, including how to qualify, what you need to file, and what to do if your claim is denied.

40+ years helping Florida families
Free consultations: 305‑653‑5555

Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, P.A. Helping South Florida families navigate disability benefits for over 40 years. Download our guide to Disability here.  Applying for Social Security Disability can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already dealing with serious health issues. Below are answ...