ARDMORE DISABILITY - HOW TO GET APPROVED

ARDMORE, AL
ARDMORE, TN

What Is Social Security?

Social Security is a function of the federal (US) government.  It is a plan of mandatory federal disability insurance for workers, who pay into the Social Security fund by payroll deduction.  The withholding tax is called FICA for (Federal Insurance Contributions Act).  The law was passed in 1935 and is mandatory for most US workers.  Workers currently pay 7.65 percent of their pay into this trust fund and their employers match the contribution.  So for every dollar you earn, over 15 cents goes into the Social Security and Medicare trust fund. This funds the disability program.


What are the basic requirements to start disability benefits from the Social Security Administration?

1.  You have worked and paid into Social Security long enough and recently enough to have coverage.  Credits do expire over time.  Not everyone is covered for SSDI.

2.  You have a serious medically determinable impairment that (a) has lasted at least 12 straight months, (b) is expected to last at least 12 straight months, OR (c) is expected to end in death.

3.  You must have medical records of treatment that will establish the impairment's onset, severity, and duration.

WHAT ARE THE USUAL STEPS TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS?

• File a new application with the Social Security office.
• Wait 4 to 6 months for a decision.
• If denied (as many are), file an appeal within 60 days.
• Expect to go before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for a hearing.
• Consider getting a specialist to assist with your appeal or hearing.

Claimants with professional representation are more likely to get benefits approved.  Honestly, Social Security will deny almost 80 percent of claims filed in 2020.  The appeal process is arduous and complicated.  However, if done correctly, the appeal can produce payment of benefits.

A professional representative cannot charge you a fee for his or her services until.....

A.  Your benefits have been approved, and also....

B.  You are paid past due or retroactive benefits.

Call (256) 799-0297 for a free disability consultation.

*During the COVID-19 crisis, our firm provides free telephone consultations for those who do not wish to visit our office.  If you do make an appointment to visit us, we will try to limit your exposure to others during your visit (as much as possible).  We currently only accept visits on in-person consultation by appointment, one person at a time, due to COVID-19 concerns.

ARDMORE AL DISABILITY ADVOCATES

Ardmore, AL and Ardmore, TN are served by the Forsythe Firm, helping Ardmore residents get the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.

Sure, you could go to an out of town firm and hire someone you will never meet.  But why not hire an expert who lives and works near your home?  

We offer:

1) Local appointments right here in north Alabama.

2)  Free consultations by phone or in person.

3)  Contingency Fee:  You pay us nothing up front, and never pay us a fee until your benefits are paid.

4)  One advocate who will stay with you and your case until it is resolved.

5)  The ability to reach your managing advocate with one phone call.  Yes, we will answer you call.  Yes, we do return calls if you miss us.  We'll be here for you!

Some things Ardmore residents should know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

1.  Denials are very common and do not mean that you can't get a benefit.

2.  Most claims are approved in the appeal process, not by filing an application alone.

3.  Most claimants choose to get professional help when trying to get benefits.

4.  You cannot be charged a legal fee if unless you win your claim.  Any fee charged by your attorney/advocate must come out of your back pay.  No back pay, no fee.

5.  If you initial claim is denied, you only have 60 days to appeal.

CONTACT THE FORSYTHE FIRM AT (256) 799-0297.

EMAIL US AT forsythefirm@gmail.com

DISABILITY BENEFITS IN THE COVID CRISIS

It is still possible to be considered for new disability benefits, even during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis.  However, you must apply online or by phone.  Social Security offices are temporarily closed to the public.

The Forsythe Firm is offering free telephone consultations at no obligations.  We can help you decide if you may qualify, or give you advice on how to proceed with a claim or appeal.  (256) 799-0297.