Skip to main content

WHAT YOU NEED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IN 2025

 With more than half a million Social Security disability claims pending nationwide, that agency is slower than ever and issuing more denials than ever.  

Here's what you will probably need to win a disability claim in 2024 and beyond:

1.  At least one severe impairment that prevents you from working, one that will last for at least 12 straight months and is medically determinable.

2.  Good medical documentation from doctors, clinics, hospitals or other providers.

3.  An evaluation of how your impairments impede your functional abilities.

4.  A good disability lawyer (not required but highly recommended).

I am quick to point out that Social Security does not require a lawyer to to apply for benefits.  However, I'm just as quick to point out Social Security's very high denial rates:  around 75 percent at the application level, and up to 85-90 percent at the first appeal.

And the long wait for a decision.  In 2023, 30,000 claimants died while waiting on Social Security to give them a decision on their disability claims.

They key to winning SSDI benefits is persistence.  Appeal the denials as routine "business-as-usual "and get your case before an administrative law judge as soon as you can.  Keep seeing your doctors and stay compliant with treatment.  Build as much medical evidence as you can.  

If you have questions, we have answers.  Contact The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.  We can answer most questions over the phone.  If you need to come in for a consultation, it's free.  (256) 799-0297.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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...

A DISABILITY DENIAL IS NOT THE END OF YOUR CASE

By Charles W. Forsythe The Forsythe Firm Social Security denies a lot of applications.  It's expected.  But it's not the end. The good news is:  You can probably win your case on appeal and get paid benefits.  It just takes a bit longer. About 8 out of 10 new disability claims will be routinely denied.  So, it's rather unusual to be approved just by filing an application. An appeal sounds like a last resort or tricky legal maneuver.  It's really quite common--almost  normal--in a Social Security disability case. 8 out 10 claims will be appealed at least once, often twice, before they are paid. The process that pays Social Security disability is not the application, it's the appeal process. Many claimants who don't understand the importance of appeals give up after the first denial.  A serious mistake.  You odds get better in appeals. TIME LIMIT ON APPEALS.  All unfavorable Social Security decisions must be appealed within 60 days.  ...