SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY UPDATES

What should you expect when you start the process to obtain Social Security Disability benefits?  We hope this will answer a few questions. Expect long delays with a lot of waiting.  It will take 90 to 120 days to get an initial decision on your application.   Expect a potentially negative decision.  In Alabama, about 71 percent of applications for disability are denied.  This is true in most other states, too. Expect to file an appeal and wait up to 12 additional months to appear before a US Administrative Law Judge to get your next decision--which has better odds of being a favorable decision, incidentally. Be prepared to deal with a massive federal government agency that is up to its ears in rules, regulations, forms and red tape.  Persistence is key to winning Social Security disability. The old adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again..." has never been better used than with Social Security disability or SSI. My firm will be happ...