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HOW TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN ALABAMA

 

What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that covers workers against loss of wages due to severe, long term disability. This program is paid for by having FICA deducted from your paychecks while you are working.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be under your full retirement age

  • Have a severe disability that is expected to last at least one year OR result in death

  • Be unable to perform significant work (this means earning less than $1,550 (gross) per month due to a medical or mental impairment

  • Have earned the necessary work credits by paying FICA over a certain period of time. (If you are below the age of 31, you will need fewer work credits to qualify).  Claimants over age 31 generally need 5 years of work out of the 10 year period before they apply for disability.

Meeting all of the above requirements allows you to file an application for SSDI benefits but doesn't necessarily mean that you will be approved. The kicker comes with trying to prove that you meet Social Security's very narrow definition of "disability." Just because you believe you are disabled, or even if your doctor thinks you are disabled, doesn't mean that the Social Security Administration will agree.

About 8 out of 10 new claims will be denied in 2024.  These will require appeals--and probably a hearing before a judge--before they will be paid.  This gets complicated and may require the services of a lawyer or experienced advocate to help.    Simply put, Social Security does not want to pay you a benefit if they can avoid it.  Legal assistance may be the best thing you can do.

If you need help with a Social Security claim, appeal or hearing, the Forsythe Firm is ready to assist you.  We offer expertise and knowledge along with friendly, dedicated professional counsel with Social Security matters. 

 Call the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL at (256) 799-0297.

Or email us at:  forsythefirm@gmail.com



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