New TrumpRX.gov may save you big money on Prescription drugs The US Government just launched a new website that claims extensive savings on many prescription drugs, including weight loss prescriptions. TrumpRX.gov   claims  the following discounts, as examples, of savings: Wegovy Pill          Originally $1,349       Discount Price $149 Wgovy Pen           Originally $1,349       Discount Price $199 Ozempic                Originally $1,028      Discount Price $199 The websi

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

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

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

By Charles W. Forsythe, Disability Specialist at the Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, AL Social Security regularly denies Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. Having represented hundreds of claimants over 25 years, I can offer a few tips on how to increase your chance for approval. Check to see if you meet the basic requirements before applying. Here is a brief checklist. __Have you worked recently enough to have the required work credits? __Have you stopped work

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 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

Despite what you may have heard or read here are some hard facts about Social Security Disability: FACT: Social Security does not cover everyone. It only covers workers who have paid into the FICA system and earned enough work credits to be "insured." Most claimants need to have worked and paid FICA for 5 years out of the previous 10 years. FACT: Social Security denies about 8 out of 10 new disability claims, including many good claims that should have been paid. FACT: M

Social Security Disability (SSDI) is really a type of early Social Security retirement. What if you become unable to work prior to age 62? You are not yet eligible for Social Security retirement. But you may be able to get cash from Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). This can provide cash assistance for those who are too ill to work and too young to retire. Many people think of Social Security disability as an additional payment or that it's possible to receive b

By: Charles W. Forsythe, The Forsythe Firm, Huntsville, Alabama Here are the 4 most common ways to get your Social Security disability...

For individuals struggling to pay for prescription drugs, there is good news.   President Trump met with Pharmaceutical executives this...

By Charles W. Forsythe A disabiity hearing is your chance to prove to a judge that you meet the rules and regulations to receive a Social Security disability benefit. Usually, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you must make the most of it. In my experience, about 70 percent of Social Security disability approvals are made at the hearing level. So the hearing is extremely important and represents your BEST chance for being paid. Disability hearings are conducted by A