DISABILITY BENEFITS AT ANY AGE

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide payments to a covered disabled person at any age--up to full retirement age.

Payments may be up to $3,345 per month. The actual payment is based on your wage history: what years you worked and your total wages.

If you age 62 or over and entitled to a Social Security retirement benefit, it is probably better to apply for disability rather than retirement (more money)!

To be eligible for a benefit, an individual must have worked and contributed to the Social Security program and earned sufficient "quarters of coverage" to be insured. The Social Security Act does not insure everyone, only workers who contribute FICA tax to the trust fund through payroll deductions or self-employment.

In addition, the following general rules apply for SSDI eligibiity:

1. You must have a severe and medically determined impairment which results in the inability to hold a full-time job.

2. At least one of your severe impairments must have lasted for 12 straight months, be expected to last for 12 straight months, OR to end in death.

Of course, you will need medical evidence to convince Social Security that your severe condition(s) do not permit you to work.

Social Security often responds to claims by saying, "You are not disabled under our rules." Yes, they do have their own rules which are more strict than just about anyone else's rules for disability.

About 75 percent of applications for disability are denied at the initial level. If you receive a denial, you have a strict 60 day window to file an appeal. Most claims today are won in the appeal process, not simply by an application.

While you are not required to have an attorney to pursue your appeal, statistics are very clear. Claimants who use an attorney or qualified non-attorney advocate are up to 3 times more likely to win their appeal and receive benefits.

WHAT IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD AN ATTORNEY?

The good news is, an attorney or advocate may not charge you a fee until the end of your case--and only then if you are successful and are awarded past due benefits. Any attorney fee must come from the past due benefits. So there are no upfront fees and if you don't win, there cannot ever be a fee for representation. So lack of money to hire a good representative doesn't enter into the picture. You can afford the best in the business!

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Presented by:

The Forsythe Firm

Social Security Disability Specialists

7027 Old Madison Pike NW

Huntsville, AL 35806

"Across From Bridge Street)

PHONE (256) 799-0297