Basic Requirements for SSDI Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits require that you meet some basic rules.

1. 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)

2. A severe condition that is expected to cause death within 12 months will also qualify.

3. 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 past relevant work.

4. The availability of objective medical evidence to prove the severity and duration of your disabling impairments. This comes from your doctor or other medical providers. (Social Security will try to obtain this evidence after you file an application).

SOME OTHER HELPFUL POINTERS

• Social Security frequently and routinely denies claims that DO qualify for benefits.

• If you get a denial, file an appeal. Appealing is not difficult and doesn't cost you anything, even if you hire a lawyer to do it for you. Your lawyer will be paid by a percentage of your past due benefits at the end of the case (after you have been paid).

• The burden of proof is on you, not on Social Security. You must prove that you ARE disabled; Social Security does not have to prove that you are NOT disabled.

• Your medical evidence must be fairly current. Medical treatment from 2 or 3 years ago is not current unless you have had follow-up appointments since.

• Your medical evidence must point clearly to the fact that you are not able to work a full-time job.

• Your doctor cannot approve you for benefits. The decision must come from inside Social Security. Your doctor can provide evidence but cannot make a decision about who is disabled.

• You are never required to hire a lawyer. However, the US Government has stated that you are about 3 times MORE LIKELY to be approved if you use a lawyer or experienced advocate. (Source: Study by the Government Accountability Office, GAO).

THE FORSYTHE FIRM, CHARLES W. FORSYTHE, PROVIDES FREE SOCIAL SECURITY CONSULTATIONS AND CASE EVALUATIONS. THERE IS NEVER A FEE UNTIL YOU WIN YOUR CASE AND RECEIVE PAST DUE BENEFITS.

Get started with a phone call to: (256) 799-0297 today.