WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Thinking about applying for Social Security disability? SSDI can pay you up to $3,822 per month if you have a long term disability which keeps you from working at least 12 straight months or more.

Here are things you must know about applying for Social Security disability in Alabama:

1. The application is lengthy and time consuming. It includes the supplementary forms "Function Report," "Disability Report" and "Work History Report." These forms must be completed with great care to avoid costly mistakes.

2. It takes a long time. In Alabama, the average wait time for a response to a new application is 222 days, or around 7 1/2 months. Also, you must keep your application updated after you apply. Mainly, you must keep Social Security informed about new doctor's appointments, medical treatment, tests, etc. after you file.

3. You must be persistent and keep on keeping on. 8 out of 10 claims will be denied initially because "you do not meet our rules for disability." However, it is important to appeal each denial within the legal deadline (60 days). Keep kicking your case upward for further review until you eventually reach the hearing level and go before an administrative law judge. The higher up you go, the greater your chances become.

4. Consider legal representation. While you are not required to have a lawyer or professional advocate, getting one will seriously increase your odds of approval. This is especially true in the appeals process--where lawyers and advocates are specially trained to win cases. You will not pay any legal fee until Social Security approves your claim or appeal AND pays you past due benefits or "back pay."

Social Security disability claims must be proven. This involves medical records to prove that you cannot work. Gathering medical proof is a huge part of the job. But without it, your claim will definitely fail. Contact a highly successful advocate, like the ones at The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, to assist you with Social Security disability.