Social Security disability lawyer for Florida’s Panhandle
Mike Reiter is a Florida attorney and retired U.S. Navy officer who helps people in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties apply for Social Security disability (SSDI and SSI) and appeal denials. Consultations are free and by phone, and you pay no fee unless you win.
Got a denial letter?
60 days
That’s generally how long you have to appeal, counted from when you receive the letter. Missing it can mean starting over.
Where are you in the process?
You pay nothing unless you win
Worry about cost shouldn’t keep you from getting help. There’s no up-front payment. If we win, Social Security sets and approves the fee and pays it from your past-due (back) benefits: 25% of the back pay, capped at $9,200. If you don’t win, you owe no attorney fee.
SSDI or SSI?
They’re two different Social Security programs with the same medical test. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and savings. Some people qualify for both.
Meet Mike Reiter
Mike served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, from UDT/SEAL teams to flying the C-9 and C-130, and earned a Navy Commendation Medal for evading a SCUD attack during the Gulf War. After retiring in 1994 he earned a law degree and a Master of Public Administration from Florida State University.
He has tried well over a hundred bench and jury trials, served as a Senior Attorney for the State of Florida, and received The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono award for free legal help to people in need. Today he focuses on helping disabled people in the Panhandle get the Social Security benefits they earned.
How Social Security decides if you’re disabled
Every adult claim goes through the same five questions, in order.
- Are you working? Earning more than $1,690 a month in 2026 ($2,830 if blind) usually ends the claim here.
- Is your condition severe? It must limit basic work activities and last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
- Is it on Social Security’s list of impairments? If it meets or equals a listing, you’re approved.
- Can you do your past work? If yes, the claim is denied.
- Can you do any other work? Your age, education, skills and limits decide this step.
What clients say
They were wonderful and caring people. They treated me like family. They got me my SSI in 3 months and I sure appreciate it.
H.L., November 2014 Filing disability claims can be challenging and confusing, but the staff worked tirelessly to ensure that my claim was filed correctly and in a timely manner.
R.S., Panama City, Florida, March 2015 They were very friendly and knowledgeable of the laws governing the social security disability insurance program. It saves time and is hassle free.
J.B.H., retired disabled veteran, USAF, February 2015
From letters sent by real clients; names withheld for privacy. Every case is different, and past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome. Read the full letters
Serving the Florida Panhandle
Mike represents clients in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties, including Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Chipley, Bonifay, Marianna, DeFuniak Springs, Port St. Joe, Blountstown, Vernon and Wausau. All consultations are by phone, so you can get help without leaving home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn work credits; the payment is based on your earnings record. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for disabled, blind or older (65+) people with limited income and resources, whether or not they have worked. Some people qualify for both. The medical definition of disability is the same for adults in both programs.
What does a disability lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. Our fee is paid only if you win and are awarded past-due (back) benefits. Social Security sets and approves the fee: under a standard fee agreement it is 25% of your past-due benefits, capped at $9,200 (the cap since November 30, 2024). If you don't win, you owe no attorney fee. Ask about case costs, such as fees for copies of medical records, during your free consultation.
How long do I have to appeal a Social Security disability denial?
Generally 60 days from the date you receive the denial letter. Social Security assumes you received it 5 days after the date printed on it, so in practice you have about 65 days from the letter date. Missing the deadline usually means starting over with a new application, which can cost you months of back pay.
Where does Mike Reiter practice?
Mike Reiter represents Social Security disability clients across Florida's Panhandle, including Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties. His private office is in Washington County, and consultations are held by phone, so you don't need to travel.
Is the consultation really free, and how does it work?
Yes. Call (850) 277-0777 or send the consultation form. Consultations are free, confidential and held by phone. We can't give legal advice until you've formally hired the firm, but the consultation will tell you whether we can help.
Talk with Mike about your claim
Free, confidential phone consultation. No fee unless you win.