DO YOU QUALILFY FOR SSA DISABILITY?





by Charles W. Forsythe, MS                                  
Social Security Disability Advocate
The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL
(256) 799-0297
www.forsythefirm.com 


Nearly every worker in America is covered by Social Security disability insurance.  If you work and pay FICA taxes Uncle Sam has covered you with disability insurance that will pay you a monthly benefit if you become unable to work prior to reaching your full retirement age.


There is no particular diagnosis needed to qualify, just a physical or mental condition that will prevent you from working for 12 months or longer.  Here are the eligibility requirements, stated as briefly as possible:


1.  You not be working at the level of "substantial gainful activity" (SGA).  Usually, that means full time work or earning at least $1,015 per month.


2.  You have a serious and medically determinable impairment.


3.  This impairment has lasted or is expected to last for 12 continuous months, or result in death.


4.  You cannot return to the "past relevant work" that you did before you obtained this condition.


5.  There is no other work in the national, regional or local economy that you could do, even with the limitations imposed upon you by your condition--and considering your age, education, and relevant work skills.


Since about 70 percent of all disability applications are denied at the first level, you must be prepared to appeal your case.  This involves appearing before an administrative law judge to explain your disability and offer additional evidence in your favor.  You are entitled to be represented during this hearing and you cannot be charged a fee for representation unless you win your case and collect retroactive benefits.  Social Security must approve any fee that your representative proposes.
Nearly every worker in America is covered by Social Security disability insurance.

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