Social Security Disability benefits require that you meet some basic rules. You are not currently working and have been or will be unable to work for a period of at least 12 straight months. There is no benefit for short term disability (less than 12 months) A severe condition that is expected to cause death within 12 months will also qualify. Your medical/psychological condition makes you unable to work any job (or, if you are age 55+, you are unable to perform any of your

Strong Medical Evidence:  Extensive documentation proving your inability to work.   Proof of Severity:   Medical proof that your impairment is severe enough to prevent the ability to work. Proof of Duration: Prove when your disabling condition(s) began with medical evidence. Age:  Older applicants (55+) have better chances as they are considered less adaptable to new work.  Education/Skills:  Lack of education or transferable skills help your case.   Work History:  Meeting S

There is a hidden secret that helps you get Social Security disability benefits. The Secret: Their application system is flawed and up to 8 out of 10 Social Security decisions are in error (and can be corrected on appeal). Here is the short solution to a disability denial: Appeal within 60 days. If you lose the first appeal ("Reconsideration"), appeal again and take the case before a federal Administrative Law Judge. According to nationwide averages, Administrative Law Jud

While you may be denied SSDI benefits for a number of reasons, here are some things that will automatically make you ineligible to receive disability benefits (SSDI): Not having sufficient work credits; you haven't paid recently into the SSDI system. Having an impairment that will not last at least 12 straight months or end in death. Currently working at 'Substantial Gainful Activity' (SGA) - earning at least $1,690/month. Being currently incarcerated for more than one month.

By Charles W. Forsythe (The Forsythe Firm) - Huntsville, AL While the outcome of a Social Security isn't certain until the decision is written and signed, there are some really good indications that you may have won. Signs of a good SSDI hearing include: a short hearing positive judge comments Only a few questions for the vocational expert (VE) the VE saying no jobs exist in answer to all hypothetical questions the judge referencing the "grids" or Medical-Vocational Guidelin

If you are below your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is around 67 for most people, you may be eligible for thousands of dollars per month in Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here's what's required: A medical/mental condition that has or will keep you off work for 12+ months. You are not currently working at "Substantial Gainful Activity" (earning wages of at least $1,690 per month). You have worked a job that deducted FICA (Social Security) for at least

If you are below your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is around 67 for most people, you may be eligible for thousands of dollars per month in Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here's what's required: A medical/mental condition that has or will keep you off work for 12+ months. You are not currently working at "Substantial Gainful Activity" (earning wages of at least $1,690 per month). You have worked a job that deducted FICA (Social Security) for at least

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SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS FOR FEBRUARY: WHAT'S NEW? By Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL Social Security payments follow a normal schedule in February and will have the recently approved 2026 cost-of-living (COLA) increase. The Social Security benefits– paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired – are typically paid on Wednesdays. On the second Wednesday of the month, payments are issued for beneficiaries whose birthday falls between the first and

How Do You Handle a Social Security Consultative Exam? If you apply for Social Security disability, you may be asked to attend a medical examination.  These are called consultative exams  (CE) and are carried out by medical professionals hired by the Social Security Administration.  You will go the doctor's office for the exam, which will typically last about 30 minutes.  (This article talks about physical exams). The doctor may have a number of questions that Social Security

Social Security Administration (SSA) "Grid Rules" for those over 50 make it easier to qualify for disability by recognizing older workers struggle to adjust to new jobs, especially with limited education or skills; rules vary by age bracket (50-54 vs. 55+), finding someone disabled if they can't do past work, have limited capacity (e.g., limited to Sedentary work), and lack transferable skills. Grid rules have greater allowances for claimants 55+. ble. These rules use age, e

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO GET By Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm - Huntsville, AL Getting Social Security disability in Alabama is notoriously difficult, with around 70 percent of initial applications denied. But it's not impossible, especially if you have sufficient work credits, strong recent medical evidence and can prove that your condition prevents you from doing ANY substantial work for at least one year. The process involves strict m

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits require explicit criteria and proof. About 7 out of 10 new SSDI applications are denied at the first level. Here are common reasons for denial: 1. Not Enough Work Credits. If you are age 31 or over, you must have 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the past 10 years. You may earn up to 4 work credits per year by paying FICA on wages. 2. Insufficient Medical Evidence. You must prove that you have a severe impa

By Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL There are a few changes to Social Security disability (SSDI) in 2026. For one, the definition of Significant Gainful Activity (SGA) goes from $1,620 per month to $1,670 per month. This is the limit for wages you may earn while on, or applying for, SSDI benefits. Once you reach earnings of $1,670 per month you are considered to be engaged in SGA and are not eligible for SSDI benefits. 8 out of 10 initial Social Securi

By: Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL If you have recently been denied Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), there is still a way to be approved and get paid. The denial is NOT final and probably can be reversed and your claim PAID using an the appeal system. You may recover thousands of dollars in past due benefits! One of our clients recently recovered more than $150,000 in past due benefits. HERE ARE 2 KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE APPEAL The appeal m

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel like navigating a maze. The denial rate for new disability claims is around 15 percent, so most applicants will face initial rejection. Understanding the main reasons behind these denials can help you prepare a stronger case and improve your chances of approval on appeal. This post breaks down the most common causes of denial and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. Lack of Sufficient Medical Eviden

Two disability programs are operated within the Social Security Administration.  While these two programs are distinctly different in many ways, they are easy to confuse. 1.      SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI) .  Also called a.       SSDI b.      Title 2 Benefits SSDI is a government sponsored insurance program.  It is paid for by FICA tax deducted from a worker’s wages and matched by the employer.  Currently, the FICA tax equals 7.65  percent of  the first $176

Social Security disability (SSDI) is difficult to get. The rules set strict eligibility requirements which must be met to the letter. Here are 7 things you must not do when applying for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits: Going into the process uneducated. ... Know the burden of proof you must provide and what the system requires of you. Know the medical and non-medical rules to obtain SSDI. Going it alone. Most successful claimants are assisted by an experienced S

By Charles W. Forsythe, Senior Advocate at The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL Understanding the Challenges During the Holidays The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those suffering from disabilities. While friends and family are cheerful and celebrating the Christmas spirit, you may feel isolated, alone, and without the financial means to provide for the essentials, let alone celebration. How We Can Help At the Forsythe Firm, we understand these challenges. If y

(October 24th): Social Security announced a 2.8% benefit increase for 2026. This will increase the average monthly Social Security benefit for disability beneficiaries from $1,586 to $1,630. The COLA will take effect beginning in January 2026. WHY YOU WON'T SEE MUCH OF THAT INCREASE IN 2026 While Social Security benefits will increase by an average of $44 per month next year, the Part B Medicare premium will also increase by about $22 per month, immediately wiping out about