As Michles & Booth, P.A. commemorates its 25th anniversary, attorney Antonio Bruni is challenging a widespread misconception about Social Security Disability Insurance: that it is a government handout. Bruni, who handles Social Security Disability cases for the firm, emphasizes that SSDI is an insurance program funded by workers through payroll deductions from their first job onward, with employers matching the contribution.
"It's not a handout," Bruni said. "You paid for that insurance, and now you need to use the insurance you paid for. I've paid my disability insurance to the government since I was 16, out of every check I ever got." The distinction matters because it frames disability benefits as an earned right rather than public assistance, potentially reducing stigma that may deter eligible workers from applying.
Speaking on the local program Sonshine's Corner, Bruni explained that eligibility hinges on function rather than diagnosis. A medical condition must be expected to last at least 12 months, and Social Security evaluates a person's combined limitations and age instead of any single label. He noted that veterans are often surprised to learn a VA disability rating does not automatically transfer, because the two systems measure different things. Understanding these nuances is critical, as applicants who misjudge the criteria may delay filing or fail to present their strongest case.
Bruni also highlighted practical hurdles: processing times have grown, with some claimants in the region waiting as long as three years for a decision. He urged applicants to file within a year of leaving work to protect retroactive benefits and pointed out that a denial triggers a 60-day window to appeal. That appeal can progress from reconsideration to a hearing before a judge and ultimately to the Appeals Council. Missing the deadline can forfeit benefits, making timely action essential.
Additionally, Bruni cautioned against relying on artificial-intelligence tools or online forums to build a claim. "AI looks at that one rule and misses all the exceptions," he said. "It is destroying cases quickly." He explained that such tools apply a single rule while overlooking the exceptions that often decide cases, which can lead to flawed applications and costly delays.
For Bruni, the work is personal. He recalled helping his own father file for disability years ago, an experience that informs his approach. He said the firm's goal for clients extends beyond a monthly payment to include the health coverage an approved claim can provide. More information about Antonio Bruni is available on the firm's website.
