ALABAMA DISABILITY CLAIMS

Alabama, along with 9 other states, has streamlined the process for applying for Social Security disability.  If your initial claim is denied at the first level (most are), you no longer have to waste time with the "reconsideration" stage.  Instead, you may appeal directly to an administrative law judge and ask for a hearing.  The hearing judge has authority to give you a new and better decision on your claim (and often does).

In north Alabama, hearings are held in many locations, including Florence, Huntsville, Decatur, Cullman, Jasper, Gadsden and Anniston.  Social Security tries to schedule hearings within 75 miles of the claimant's home.

You are entitled to be represented at your hearing, which is a good idea.  In fact, most judges will not hold a hearing for an unrepresented claimant unless the claimant signs a waiver.  The judge will usually recommend the hearing be postponed to give the claimant time to find representation.

You cannot be charged a fee for Social Security representation unless your claim is successful. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I NEED HELP WHILE WAITING FOR DISABILITY

"I need help.  I've filed for Social Security disability months ago.  How can I survive until my case gets settled?" This is a good question.  If you are disabled, not working and have little or no income--survival is the question.  It may take months or years for Social Security to decide your case.  What can you do.  Here are some sources of help you may want to consider: FOOD STAMPS :  Contact your county's Department of Human Resources.  In Madison County, it's located at 2206 Oakwood Avenue NW.  Phone (256) 427-6000.  Website:   http://dhr.alabama.gov/counties/county_results.aspx?id=Madison MORTGAGE PAYMENTS :  Contact "Hardest Hit Alabama" at www.hardesthitalabama.com   or call 1-877-497-8182. LOW COST MEDICAL CARE (DOCTORS) : Click on the link below for a list of low cost clinics near you.  http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf?_function=list&state=al UTILITY BILLS OR OTHER NEEDS: ...
Read more

YOU EARN SSDI BENEFITS - THEY ARE NOT WELFARE.

I speak truthfully when I tell people that Social Security disability is not welfare.  You paid for it, you earned it.  Claim it. Here's why the Social Security disability program is not welfare: 1)  You paid FICA tax every day you worked.  FICA stands for "Federal Insurance Contribution Act."  It's actually a Social Security tax.  It came out of every paycheck you earned. 2)  You were forced to purchase Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) by the US government.  You were not given a choice.  This is a government sponsored disability insurance plan, just like you would purchase from an insurance company.  The only difference, it was mandatory--you were forced to buy it, no choice. 3)  The Social Security program is self-financing.  It is not paid for out of the general US treasury.  FICA taxes come out of your paycheck, are matched by your employer, and go into a special trust fund.  When you become dis...
Read more

HOW TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS AT AGE 50

Image
If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is more likely that you will be approved if you are over age 50.  Why? Because of the medical-vocational guidelines.  These "grid rules" make it easier for persons who are of advanced age or who are approaching advanced age. The factors which Social Security must consider in determining whether a claimant is disabled are: age education prior work experience residual function capacity ( See definition below)* When all 4 of these factors are favorable, it is much more likely to get a favorable decision on your disability claim.  (See my separate post on getting a Medical Source Statement, which addresses the residual function capacity). Definition of "Residual Functional Capacity' (RFC):  This is the maximum amount of work related activity that the claimant can do:  sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, lifting, bending, etc.  T he RFC is key to getting a favorable d...
Read more