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WHY IS IT SO HARD TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN ALABAMA?

You probably know someone who applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and was denied.  It's an all-to-common event in Alabama.  You wait for months, only to get a letter saying no benefits will be paid.

There are several reasons why claimants in Alabama have a hard time getting SSID:

1.  The system was designed to be difficult.  The premise of Social Security at the beginning was:  Many individuals pay into the system but only a few take out of the system.  The system only survives if about 5 times as many people pay in as take out.

2.  The system has to keep out claimants who are not severely disabled according to the rules and regulations.  

3.  Social Security has always believed that people will defraud the system and take a benefit they are not entitled to.  In short, Social Security believes that many individuals will lie in order to get benefits.  So, they are very skeptical.  They demand solid proof.

4.  The burden of proof is sometimes unreasonable.  The term burden of proof  means that you are not disabled unless you can prove that you are. The claimant must find strong, objective evidence of being disabled. This burden is on the claimant, not on the Social Security Administration.

5.  Some Social Security claims aren't reviewed carefully or the examiner makes mistakes.  Consider this fact:  About 7 out of 10 initial claims are denied.  Yet, 5 out of 10 of those denials will be approved before a judge.  That's a very high rate of erroneous denials.  Your claim gets a lot closer review with a judge and the approval rates with a judge are statistically higher.

6.  Many claimants don't know how to meet their burden of proof.  Many individuals don't understand exactly what Social Security will accept as proof of disability.  It's a guessing game.  Guessing games often fail.   

At every stage, from the application to the hearing, claimants can make mistakes that get them denied.  Sometimes, it's what you don't do that causes the problem. 

Alabama disability advocates and counselors, such as the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, can often help denied claimants get approved.  Yes, the process is hard.  That's why you need someone who works hard for you.  

_____________

The Forsythe Firm

7027 Old Madison Pike NW                        Free Consultations

Huntsville, AL 35806                                    "Across from Bridge Street"

PHONE (256) 799-0297

 

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