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.