WHY IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SO HARD TO GET?

71.6 million people in the United States currently receive monthly Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Benefits are awarded to qualified individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disabling mental or physical condition. Last year 5.8 million new disability applications were filed. But unfortunately, obtaining SSDI benefits is not easy. In fact, it’s rather difficult.

In Alabama last year only 22 percent of new claims were approved. Many of the denied claims were later approved on appeal (or will be) --months later.

WHY IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SO HARD TO GET?

STRICT REQUIREMENTS. The rules and regulations allow payments to only severely disabled individuals who are no longer able to work at ANY job. Just because you think you qualify doesn't mean that you do. Social security will put you through a very demanding investigation to prove your disability under their rules.

SKEPTICAL SYSTEM. Social Security assumes that people will lie to get benefits. Thus, decision makers are skeptical and hard to convince. Allegations of disability must be supported by hard evidence.

NEED FOR EXACT MEDICAL EVIDENCE. Approval requires objective medical evidence to prove the severity of your impairments. If you don't submit adequate and current medical evidence, there is little or no chance for approval.

A LONG PROCESS: In Alabama, it takes around 10 months to get an initial decision on an SSDI claim. If appeals are required it can take an additional 18 to 24 months for a final decision. The system is backlogged and thousands of claimants are in line ahead of you.

A COMPLEX AND CONFUSING PROCESS. The legal process for getting disability benefits is complicated and confusing. Frankly, most claimants will need help to successfully navigate the long, difficult process--which often requires a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

SHOULD YOU USE AN ATTORNEY? While you are not required to use an attorney, most people find it helpful to do so. I would never advise anyone to appear before a judge without their attorney. This is true of Social Security hearings, too. A lawyer may not charge you any upfront fees and there will never be a fee until AFTER you win your case and are awarded past due benefits. The attorney fee must be approved in advance by the Social Security Administration.

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For effective representation with Social Security disability contact THE FORSYTHE FIRM at Bridge Street in Huntsville. Free consultations by calling (256) 799-0297. Mon - Fri 8:30 to 4:30.