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BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CHECKS

Most workers pay into Social Security disability through payroll deductions.  If they become disabled with a long-term disability, Social Security may pay up to $2,577 per month to help replace lost wages.

However, there are some legal stipulations that must be met:

1.  You must not currently be working at substantial gainful employment when you file.  This means you can't be earning at least $1,180 per month in gross wages in 2018.

2.  You must have a significant and medically proven impairment that has lasted for at least 12 straight months, OR is expected to last for at least 12 straight months.  No short term disability is paid.

The sticking point with Social Security usually is whether or not you are really unable to work.  For persons under age 50, you must prove that you cannot perform any type of work, including minimum wage unskilled jobs of a sedentary nature (sit down jobs).

Social Security often denies disability claims because they find that the claimant can perform some kind of work, even though there are certain types of work that he/she cannot perform.

The key to this is the medical records.  The claimant or his representative must submit sufficient records from doctors, hospitals, etc. to prove the inability to perform full time work.

Claims are frequently denied and these must go to a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) for reconsideration.  It's this stage that approves most of the disability claims that are paid.

Going before a judge is your best chance.  But it can be an intimidating experience, not to mention bearing a heavy burden of proof.  Most people want and need to be represented by legal counsel for these hearings, which improves the chance of being approved.  You can ask for back pay from the judge.

My firm, and many others, work with you on a contingency fee basis:  You pay no fees for our work until after you win your claim and collect your money.  If you are not successful you don't owe any fee for our work.  Often, we are able to give you a lot of valuable guidance with just a 15-minute phone call.
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THE FORSYTHE FIRM
7027 Old Madison Pike NW - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
CALL (256) 799-0297

 

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