The Greatest Ability is Availability

When I was in graduate school, one of my professors had a saying: "The greatest ability is availability."

If you aren't available to your clients, it doesn't matter what your abilities are.

I've remembered that principle all these years. That's why you speak to me when you call The Forsythe Firm. And if you leave me a message, I will personally call you back.

If we represent you in a Social Security disability case, we will be available to answer your questions and advocate for you. You should never call my office without speaking to me, either now or with a prompt return phone call. Even if you only want to ask questions.

Want a representative who is available? Call me.

(256) 799-0297. The Forsythe Firm. Huntsville

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MEETING SOCIAL SECURITY'S DURATION REQUIREMENT FOR DISABILITY

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, requires a severe impairment which has lasted for at least 12 straight months, is expected to last at least 12 straight months OR is expected to end in death. This 12 consecutive months requirement is called the "Duration Requirement." Disabilities with a duration of less than 1 year are not covered under the Social Security Act. You do not have to wait 12 months to file a claim. There is no requirement to wait 12 months to file. But if your disability has not already last for at least 12 months, the nature of the impairment must be such that is can reasonably be expected to last 12 months or longer OR to end in death. Short term impairments are not covered. What you will need to document for your medical and/or mental impairment(s): A claimant will require objective medical proof. This comes in the form of official medical records from doctors, clinics, hospitals, counselors, therapists and other professiona...

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR DOWNS SYNDROME

Downs Syndrome may qualify for automatic SSI disability in children. A child with Translocation Syndrome or Trisomy 21 will usually be classified as disabled from birth. This type of syndrome affects about 98 percent of the Downs Syndrome population. Social Security will want a diagnosis from a medically acceptable source and they will want certain tests.Once the documentation is presented, an SSI award may be automatic. Those with Mosaic Down syndrome may qualify, but your child would need more than a diagnosis to be approved. Because [according to SSA] people with Mosaic Down syndrome may not have as many intellectual or physical disabilities as those with other forms of Down syndrome, you’ll need to meet another listing in the Blue Book to qualify. Social Security will consider the complications or manifestations of Downs Syndrome in making a decision. If the claimant is a child (under 18), k eep in mind that SSI is a needs-based program for families with limited resources...

MUST YOU MEET A LISTING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

You hear talk of getting SSDI benefits by "meeting a Listing." What are the Listings? The Blue Book listings are found in the regulations at 20 CFR 404, Subpart P, Appendix I. The Listings are divided into 12 body systems. Each severe impairment is listed under its respective body system. For example, Congestive Heart Failure is listed under Section 4.00 - Cardiovascular System. When you go there, there is a list of severe symptoms, and they are severe. If you exactly meet or equal the list of very extreme symptoms you will be automatically approved for disability. Here's the problem: Meeting one of the listings is about as likely as winning the Super Lotto. It is very, very unlikely that you will do so. Thus, 99 percent of claimants do not and cannot get approved by meeting a listing. The listings are only for catastrophic, extreme impairments that most claimants simply do not have--or do not have at the severity level demanded by the listings...

DISABILITY SURVIVAL GUIDE: NORTH ALABAMA EDITION

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