Attorney Debunks SSDI Handout Myth, Warns Against AI Claims

As Michles & Booth, P.A. celebrates its 25th anniversary, the firm’s Social Security Disability attorney, Antonio Bruni, is challenging a widespread misconception about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Bruni argues that SSDI is not a government handout but an insurance program that workers pay into through payroll deductions from their first job, with employers matching contributions. “It’s not a handout,” Bruni said. “You paid for that insurance, and now you need to use the insurance you paid for.” He made these comments during an appearance on the local program Sonshine’s Corner, where he also explained that eligibility for SSDI depends on functional limitations rather than a specific diagnosis. A condition must be expected to last at least 12 months, and Social Security evaluates a person’s combined impairments and age. Bruni noted that veterans are often surprised to learn that a VA disability rating does not automatically transfer to SSDI because the two systems measure different criteria.

Bruni also highlighted the practical challenges claimants face, including lengthy processing times that can stretch up to three years in the region. He urged applicants to file within a year of leaving work to protect retroactive benefits and emphasized that a denial triggers a 60-day deadline to appeal. The appeals process can progress from reconsideration to a hearing before an administrative law judge and finally to the Appeals Council. Additionally, Bruni cautioned against relying on artificial-intelligence tools or online forums to build a claim, warning that such tools apply a single rule while missing critical exceptions. “AI looks at that one rule and misses all the exceptions,” he said. “It is destroying cases quickly.” Bruni’s commitment to this work is personal; he helped his own father file for disability years ago. He stressed that the firm’s goal goes beyond securing a monthly payment to ensuring clients obtain the health coverage an approved claim can provide. The full interview is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U06YwJm83eE.