SOCIAL SECURITY IS INSURANCE!

Most people don't think of Social Security disability as insurance. But it is.

Here's how Social Security is like all other insurance:

1. You pay for it. All insurance programs have premiums that must be paid. Workers pay for Social Security disability through deductions by payroll. Employers must deduct 6.2 percent of your wages for FICA (Social Security) tax. The employer pays an additional 6.2 percent.

2. Only insured persons can receive a benefit. This means workers. It takes several years to accumulate enough "work credits" to have disability benefits.

3. It has a start and stop date. When an individual stops working he/she stops paying the payroll tax. After a few years of no work, the Social Security disability coverage expires. Even if the individual becomes disabled, there is no "insurance" coverage to pay for it. Social Security calls the date of expiration the "Date Last Insured" or DLI.

4. You must meet the terms of the insurance in order to qualify for a benefit. Social Security has he strictest eligibility requirements. A claimant must have a severe disability which will last at least 12 straight months and prevent working. Social Security often denies claims because "you are not disabled according to our rules."

Experienced attorneys/advocates can help you meet the requirements for benefits. The Forsythe Firm is dedicated to helping truly disabled workers to get their disability benefits. Contact us at (256) 799-0297.