WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) you have to be prepared for the long haul. You must be prepared for a lengthy process that may entail at least two appeals. It can take two years or longer, but not always.

Most successful claims stay the course, through multiple denials and often get paid at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

Claimants who don't understand the process may give up after the first denial because the government told them they don't qualify under the rules. This is a mistake.

The initial application process requires from 8 to 12 months usually. Social Security refers your application to a state agency (The Disability Determination Service or DDS) which will gather your medical and work records and make the first decision. These decisions are favorable (approval) in only around 25 percent of claims. This is just Social Security's preliminary finding and must not be taken at face value. This is NOT the time quit.

The next step is your first appeal, called "Reconsideration." Your claim is returned to the state agency (DDS)) for another review. In around 15 percent of cases, your denial will be reversed and your claim paid. But in the other 85 percent, the claims are denied a second time after months of review.

Here's where it gets interesting. Your second appeal takes you before a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Here, you and your attorney/representative will sit down before the judge and present your case. The judge will give you a totally new decision--without regard to what Social Security has decided in the past. This is your best chance for approval and payment. Around 54 percent of claimants going before a judge will be approved for benefits, often with recovery of past due benefits they have missed.

Going before a judge to get your benefits is not the exception. It is the norm. This is where most claims finally get paid. Don't stop until you reach this important step. The Forsythe Firm wins denied cases every day, cases that have been repeatedly denied by Social Security. A vast majority of these claims receive full benefits, including thousands of dollars in back pay! Give up too soon, and you lose. Persist with appeals and enjoy the chance for success.

For a free consultation, contact the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL. You never pay a fee unless we get past due benefits and full approval for you. Contact Charles W. Forsythe today at (256) 799-0297. WE NEVER ASK YOU FOR MONEY!