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THE SECRET TO WINNING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS IN ALABAMA

                         By Charles W. Forsythe - The Forsythe Firm

Is there a secret to winning Social Security disability in Alabama?

As an advocate who has represented thousands of clients for Social Security disability, let me share a crucial fact:

The "secret" to getting approved for Social Security disability is:  NEVER QUIT.  Appeal, appeal and then appeal again.

In the early application process, 8 out of 10 claims are denied.  This is just "normal."  The people who review disability claims at the first level are prone to deny claims.  You have a very small chance in the early process.

The key is:  Appeal any unfavorable decision.  The appeal moves the claim upward to higher authorities, who will give your claim a closer, more thorough review.  

The second phase in Alabama is called "Reconsideration."  This is where the same agency that denied your claim will look at it again to see if mistakes were made.  Don't expect much help here, either.  The reconsideration denial rate is very high, too (around 90 percent).  This is just a step on your way to the top.

If denied at Reconsideration, appeal again.  This appeal allows you to appear before a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in a hearing.  This is a high level of review and your case gets looked at very closely.  Your lawyer can appear with you and explain your case--and outline the law that supports your case.  For the first time, you (the claimant) will get to appear and give testimony to the judge.  More cases get approved and paid in hearings than anywhere else in the Social Security system!  Your goal is to get to the hearing. The path is by appeals.

So, persistence is required.  Just because you are denied doesn't mean you should quit.  On the contrary.  The fight is just beginning.  

While denials are discouraging, they are a normal part of the Social Security disability system.  Good claims get denied.  Errors are made.  The good news:  A MAJORITY OF DENIALS CAN GET PAID ON APPEAL.

- - - - -  - - - - - - - 

If you were recently denied (within the last 60 days), call THE FORSYTHE FIRM in Huntsville to discuss your next step.  We will give you an individualized consultation to evaluate how you should go forward. There is no charge for this consultation.  If we represent you, you never pay us a fee until you WIN your case/appeal, and COLLECT PAST DUE BENEFITS. Risk free.

Call us:  (256) 799-0297.  Or (256) 503-8151. 

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