Skip to main content

WHO CAN GET SSDI (SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILIT)?

You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits with the following criteria:

1.  You have worked at least 5 of the 10 years before the disability began, thus earning the necessary work credits.  You must pay in to take out.

2.  You have a medically determinable severe impairment which

    a.  has lasted for at least 12 straight months

    b.  is expected to last for at least 12 straight months, OR

    c.  will end in death (terminal)

3.  Your medical/mental condition(s) preclude working at substantial gainful activity (in 2024, you can't earn at least $1,550 per month).

4.  You have excellent medical records (documentation) to prove the severity of your impairment and how it effects you ability to perform work-like functions.

5.  You are not currently working at "Substantial Gainful Activity," i.e., you are not working and earning wages, commissions, tips or self-employment income of $1,550 per month (gross), or more.

SOME USEFUL TIPS ABOUT YOUR SSDI CLAIM

  • First applications have a very high denial rate.  Don't expect to be approved just by filing an application.  That's the first step
  • The first appeal, called "Reconsideration" is usually a waste of time, too, but it is required.  So file it.
  • The next appeal takes you before an Administrative Law judge for a hearing.  This is your best chance to be approved!
  • You will have about 3X better chance of approval with a lawyer.
  • You may receive "back pay" for the months you wait to be approved.
  • Lawyers can't charge you a fee unless you win with back pay.
  • You must keep seeing your doctors regularly and follow medical advice (be compliant with treatment).
If you need assistance qualifying for Social Security disability benefits, contact The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL.  Free consultations.  Call (256) 799-0297.  We will answer your questions.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

IF I CHANGE ATTORNEYS WILL IT DELAY MY DISABILITY CASE?

No.  Getting a new attorney will NOT delay your pending Social Security disability claim or appeal .  Your new attorney "inherits" the case and picks up where the other attorney left off.  There is no re-filing or starting over, so your case is not set back or delayed at all.  Social Security maintains an electronic folder stored in its system.  This folder contains every document ever submitted concerning your claim or appeal.  Your new lawyer may log into your electronic files and see, in real time, all the evidence and other documents in your file. While we do not recommend changing attorneys while your case is pending a decision, it is sometimes necessary.  You may need a new lawyer if your attorney dies, retires or  becomes disabled before your case is settled.  You may choose a new attorney without delaying or causing any set back to your case. If you are considering obtaining a lawyer to handle your Social Security disability case in...

URGENT MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY'S TOP OFFICIAL - February 18, 2025

There is a lot of talk and speculation about Social Security in the new Trump Administration.  The acting commissioner of Social Security recently resigned and Lee Dudek has been appointed the new Acting Director. Today (2/18/2025) I received a message from the new Acting Commissioner Dudek.  Here is part of Director Dudek's message on Social Security for 2025:   Our continuing priority is paying beneficiaries the right amount at the right time, and providing other critical services people rely on from us. DOGE personnel CANNOT make changes to agency systems, benefit payments, or other information. They only have READ access. DOGE personnel do not have access to data related to a court ordered temporary restraining order, current or future. DOGE personnel must follow the law and if they violate the law they will be referred to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.                      ...

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION PROCESS

  Here is a brief overview of what takes place after you file your Social Security disability application : Application confirmation  – Social Security will mail you a copy of your application to sign. You will have an opportunity to review the application, correct any errors, and send it back to Social Security for processing. You must return the signed application. Social Security will not process your application until they receive your signed confirmation. And they don't send reminders about this. Function report  – Social Security will mail you a form called a function report . This form will ask questions about your personal care, meals, house and yard work, getting around, shopping, money, hobbies and interests, social activities,  and other abilities. This form will help Social Security determine what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. It must be filled out carefully and fully and returned. Work history report  – Social Security will ma...