BASICS OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

The Forsythe Firm (256) 799-0297

WHAT IS SSDI?  SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. Since 1956, the US government has required most workers to contribute to a mandatory disability plan administered by the Social Security Administration.  Workers contribute approximately 7.5% of their income (listed as FICA tax on your pay stub) and employers match the amount.  The money goes into a trust account under each worker's Social Security number.  Then, if a disability occurs, the worker can apply for disability benefits.

What Are Basic Requirements for Disability?  Assuming a person has worked long enough and recently enough to be covered, here are the basic rules for getting SSDI benefits:
  • at least 1 severe impairment that is medically determinable (provable)
  • the impairment will last a minimum of 12 consecutive months 
  • the impairment is severe enough that the claimant has stopped working full-time
What Steps Must You Take To Collect SSDI Benefits?  You must file an application with the Social Security Administration and prove that you are unable to work according to their rules.  Below are the general steps with timeframes:

1)  File an application with supporting forms.  It takes 90 to 120 days for a decision.  32% are approved at this stage.  The rest must appeal.

2)  If denied, ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).  It now takes about 15 months to get a hearing.  Professional representation is highly recommended.

May I Represent Myself?  You may always represent yourself.  This called representation pro se.  It is legally permissible but not a good idea.  Most judges recommend that claimants obtain representation and will even postpone a hearing to allow time to find a representative.  If you insist on representing yourself, the judge will have you sign a form stating that you have been offered the opportunity for representation but have declined.

How Can I Afford a Representative/Attorney?  Representatives will not charge you a fee until after you win your claim and collect back pay.  Social Security will deduct the agreed upon attorney's fee from back pay and pay the representative directly.  If you do not receive back pay, there will be no attorney's fee.

THE FORSYTHE FIRM, HUNTSVILLE, AL.   If you would like a free evaluation of your Social Security disability case, please call the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.  There is never a charge for an initial consultation.  

Our firm is focused strictly on Social Security disability.  You will deal with an experienced, local representative who has handled hundreds of cases like yours.  We will be here for you at every step, from filing the application through the appeals process if necessary.  (256) 799-0297.

Comments

  1. Charles W. Forsythe, MSApril 30, 2017 at 11:23 AM

    When you call the Forsythe Firm your call will be answered by one of our friendly receptionists here in our Huntsville office. That is probably the only time you will deal with anyone besides me. You will not be farmed off to a secretary or paralegal. As a partner in the firm, I will meet with you, evaluate your case and if we enter into an agreement for representation, I will handle every detail of your case, including the appeal hearing (if required). You will have access to me at all times. I pride myself on being personally involved in every case I represent.

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