Tips for getting Social Security disability.
by Charles W. Forsythe, Advocate
The Forsythe Firm
Huntsville, AL (256) 799-0297
Social Security Disability: Tips for Getting Approved
While there is admittedly some luck involved in getting approved for Social Security disability, the application process is still a science. There are are rules that will increase your odds of being approved. After years of helping the disabled get their claims approved, I've found that simple things make a profound difference.
Tip 1: Make sure your application is squeeky clean and complete. List all of your doctors and health care providers along with complete mailing addresses and telephone numbers.
Tip 2: Tell Social Security about your functional limitations not just symptoms or diseases. For example, if you need help putting on your shoes, bathing, dressing or shopping--those limitations speak to the kind of restrictions that can get you approved.
Tip 3: Remember the 60-Day Rule. Three-fourths of Social Security disability applications are denied the first time. You have 60 days to ask for a hearing or reconsideration. The appeal must be made in writing. It must be dated within 60 days of the date on your denial letter.
Tip 4: Consider getting help to prepare your appeal. It will involve a trial-like hearing before a federal administrative law judge. While hearings are often advertised as "non-adversarial" events, most claimants are not comfortable appearing without representation. Most judges will now advise claimants that they should consider representation before the hearing begins. Those who are represented will win more often than those who are not.
According to federal law, all representation on behalf of a Social Security claimant is on contingency. The fee must be approved by Social Security in advance. If the claimant does not win retroactive or past due benefits, then no fee can be charged. So, representation is a risk free proposition.
by Charles W. Forsythe, Advocate
The Forsythe Firm
Huntsville, AL (256) 799-0297
Social Security Disability: Tips for Getting Approved
While there is admittedly some luck involved in getting approved for Social Security disability, the application process is still a science. There are are rules that will increase your odds of being approved. After years of helping the disabled get their claims approved, I've found that simple things make a profound difference.
Tip 1: Make sure your application is squeeky clean and complete. List all of your doctors and health care providers along with complete mailing addresses and telephone numbers.
Tip 2: Tell Social Security about your functional limitations not just symptoms or diseases. For example, if you need help putting on your shoes, bathing, dressing or shopping--those limitations speak to the kind of restrictions that can get you approved.
Tip 3: Remember the 60-Day Rule. Three-fourths of Social Security disability applications are denied the first time. You have 60 days to ask for a hearing or reconsideration. The appeal must be made in writing. It must be dated within 60 days of the date on your denial letter.
Tip 4: Consider getting help to prepare your appeal. It will involve a trial-like hearing before a federal administrative law judge. While hearings are often advertised as "non-adversarial" events, most claimants are not comfortable appearing without representation. Most judges will now advise claimants that they should consider representation before the hearing begins. Those who are represented will win more often than those who are not.
According to federal law, all representation on behalf of a Social Security claimant is on contingency. The fee must be approved by Social Security in advance. If the claimant does not win retroactive or past due benefits, then no fee can be charged. So, representation is a risk free proposition.
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