Skip to main content

DISABILITY BENEFITS IN ATHENS, ALABAMA

 Athens, Alabama doesn't have its own Social Security office.  Athens is served by the Social Security office in Decatur, AL. (888) 289-9185.

The process of applying for disability is to file a new written application.  This can be done online at www.socialsecrity.gov.  Or, you can apply by calling the Social Security office listed above.  A third way to apply is to contact a disability attorney and get assistance with filing a new claim.

Around 70 percent of new disability claims are denied.  That's because the rules to receive disability benefits are very strict and it's difficult to prove "disability" according to Social Security's rules and regulations.

 What You Need to Know:   While most disability applications are denied, a lot of the denials will be overturned and paid in the subsequent appeals process.  That's right, benefits come to those who don't give up, file their appeals on time, and continue to fight.

In Alabama there are 2 steps common to the appeals process:

1.  Ask for "Reconsideration."  There is a 90 percent denial rate at Reconsideration, but it keeps your claim alive, ready for the next step in the appeal process.

2.  Ask for a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  This will be your absolute BEST chance to win your claim.  If you get denied at "Reconsideration," the next appeal takes you before an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing.  The judge will meet with you (and your attorney) and personally listen to your case, review your evidence, and make a totally new decision.  The odds of winning are best in the stage of the process.

It's important not to give up.  Your goal is go get your case into the hands of a judge who can reverse all the denials and approve your claim--potentially with back pay.  

To get help with a Social Security disability appeal or hearing, call an experienced firm like The Forsythe Firm for assistance.  There is never an upfront fee, and you pay us only if you win and recover back pay.  If you don't recover back pay, there will never be a fee.  For a free consultation, contact our Huntsville, AL office at (256 799-0297 or (256) 503-8151. 



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IF I CHANGE ATTORNEYS WILL IT DELAY MY DISABILITY CASE?

No.  Getting a new attorney will NOT delay your pending Social Security disability claim or appeal .  Your new attorney "inherits" the case and picks up where the other attorney left off.  There is no re-filing or starting over, so your case is not set back or delayed at all.  Social Security maintains an electronic folder stored in its system.  This folder contains every document ever submitted concerning your claim or appeal.  Your new lawyer may log into your electronic files and see, in real time, all the evidence and other documents in your file. While we do not recommend changing attorneys while your case is pending a decision, it is sometimes necessary.  You may need a new lawyer if your attorney dies, retires or  becomes disabled before your case is settled.  You may choose a new attorney without delaying or causing any set back to your case. If you are considering obtaining a lawyer to handle your Social Security disability case in...
Post a Comment
Read more

URGENT MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY'S TOP OFFICIAL - February 18, 2025

There is a lot of talk and speculation about Social Security in the new Trump Administration.  The acting commissioner of Social Security recently resigned and Lee Dudek has been appointed the new Acting Director. Today (2/18/2025) I received a message from the new Acting Commissioner Dudek.  Here is part of Director Dudek's message on Social Security for 2025:   Our continuing priority is paying beneficiaries the right amount at the right time, and providing other critical services people rely on from us. DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access. DOGE personnel do not have access to data related to a court ordered temporary restraining order, current or future. DOGE personnel must follow the law and if they violate the law they will be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.                      ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

  Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security disability application : Application confirmation  – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation. And they don't send reminders about this. Function report  – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report . This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities,  and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. It must be filled out carefully and fully and returned. Work history report  – Social Security will ma...
Post a Comment
Read more