WHAT IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Normally, when you work as an employee or as a self-employed person, you pay into the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program through your payroll taxes or income tax. The tax is called FICA. If you have worked long enough and recently enough – and then become disabled – you may qualify to make a claim for benefits. The disability benefit is designed to replace part of your wages lost because you can't work any more.

Workers who pay into the SSDI program can accumulate up to four credits per year. In the words of the SSA: “The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years.…However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.”

My rule of thumb on work credits is this: You must have worked at least 5 years out of the most recent 10 year period. If that is true you have "insured status" with Social Security.

Most people who apply for disability insurance benefits will be denied because "you are not disabled under our rules." This does not mean that your case is over. In fact, it may just be beginning. The next step is to quickly file an appeal (The law only gives you 60 days).

A successful appeal often involves getting additional medical evidence and/or opinions from doctors, vocational experts or others. It often also includes appearing before a judge who hears the case and provides a new decision.

There is no financial risk to consult with the Forsythe Firm. Your consultation is FREE and we never charge any fee until you win your case and collect past due benefits. Our fee is always a small percentage of your back pay and it must be approved by Social Security. If you don't win--or even if you win without back pay--our representation is free.

Call us at (256) 799-0297.