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 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