DISABILITY HELP IN ALABAMA

About one third of Alabama’s population has some sort of disability. The most common type of disability is musculoskeletal disease, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease which can limit mobility. Mental illness also causes a large portion of disabilities in Alabama, as do other types of disease and injury.

At least 3 factors contribute to Alabama's high disability rate: obesity, smoking and poor dietary choices.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two of Alabama's largest disability benefit plans: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These two plans have different requirements, benefits and eligibility criteria.

Social Security approves only 31 percent of new applications for disability. Roughly 7 out of 10 applicants are denied at first. However, the approval rates improve in the two appeal processes that follow denials. The best chance of approval lies at a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, which is the third step in the process.

The amount of your Social Security benefit depends on your lifetime wages and contributions to SSDI, usually made by payroll deductions. On the high end, a claimant might receive over $3,000 per month in SSDI benefits, while the average monthly benefit is more like $1,400 per month.

Dependent children may also receive benefits. And SSDI comes with Medicare insurance to help cover medical bills and treatment. SSI will come with Medicaid.

Decisions about who is eligible for SSDI or SSI payments are made at the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham. Primarily, the claimant's medical records will determine whether the strict requirements for benefits are met. Other factors to be considered are age, education and past relevant work.

With such low approval rates, it is helpful to determine whether you meet the basic requirements for disability in Alabama:

1. Are you unable to work and has this disability lasted for at least 12 straight months (or is expected to last for 12 continuous months). Short term disability is not covered.

2. Are you now working at "substantial gainful activity?" You are if you are currently employed and earning at least $1,470 in wages. This is make you ineligible for Social Security disability.

3. Is your disabling condition "medically determinable?" In other words, do you have medical records of treatment which establish the type, severity and duration of your condition(s)?

A disability attorney or advocate can help evaluate your case and determine if you meet the basic requirements for disability. Under Social Security's rules, you cannot be charged for this initial consultation. In fact, you cannot be charged any legal fees unless you case is successful and results in past due payments. For a free discussion about your disability case, call the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville. (256) 799-0297 or (256)O 503-8151.

We are here to help. Free consultation.