IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY HARD TO GET?

It's no secret that Social Security disability benefits are hard to get.

Only about 27 percent of claimants who meet the technical requirements for disability are approved at the initial stage of the process. Many applicants who are eligible for benefits get denied.

You should qualify for benefits if you meet these conditions:

• You are unable to work in the same types of work you did for 15 years prior to becoming disabled; and

• You are unable to perform any other type of substantial gainful activity, which means you are incapable of performing work where you can earn at least $1,470 per month; and

• Your disabling condition has lasted or is expected to last for a period of at least one year or your disabling condition will result in death.

Why are so many applications denied? The truth is, Social Security has a very strict definition of "disability." And the medical evidence required to prove disability is staggering. Once an attorney gets involved in your case, however, he or she can obtain evidence and take action that may turn the tide in your favor.

Here are our suggestions to improve the odds of early approval: Pay attention to details in the application forms. Complete every question, every line. If SSA sends you more forms--a Function Report, Work History Report, or a a questionnaire, fill it out completely and accurately and return it within 10 days.

Don't be discouraged if you are denied. Remember that 7 out of 10 claimants will be denied once or twice before being approved. That's why I call getting disability "a process." Individuals who stay with the process and follow it to the end often get approved. And usually they can recover the past due benefits that were delayed by Social Security's erroneous denials.

At the Forsythe Firm, we have one primary goal: Find out what you need to be approved and move forward to win your case. If we fail to get you approved you will never pay us a penny for our work. It's that simple.

Due to the large demand on our time, our professionals work by appointment. Your consultation will be free and with no obligation. For a prompt appointment, please call us at (256) 799-0297.