Obviously, the exact value will depend on the claimant's age, amount of the monthly benefit and other factors. In addition to the cash value, Medicare coverage adds a tremendous additional value to an approved disability claim.
According to an advocate at Huntsville's Forsythe Firm, "Getting a Social Security disability claim approved these days is often not an easy matter," he says. "In Alabama, slightly over 70 percent of disability applications are denied and require a hearing. We may wait a year or longer to get a hearing."
Results at disability hearings are not guaranteed. Award rates vary from office to office and district to district. The award rate at Alabama hearings is about 42 percent.
What is the biggest single mistake made by Social Security disability claimants? Failure to appeal within 60 days of denial. Few cases are won these days without an appeal.
You may get more information about Social Security disability representation or by calling (256) 799-0297 in Huntsville.
MEMBER: National Organization of Social Security
Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR)
