NEED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY IN HUNTSVILLE

If you live in Huntsville or Madison County, Social Security disability claims begin at the local Social Security office on Research Drive NW in Huntsville.  However, they do not stay there long. Within a couple of weeks, the claim will be transferred to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham.  It is DDS that will make the first decision concerning whether you are eligible for disability benefits or not.  Sadly, about 72 percent of the time, they will deny benefits.

If you appeal that decision, and you certainly should, your claim will move again.  It will probably end up at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Appeal (ODAR) in Florence, AL where an administrative law judge will be assigned to your claim for a future hearing (about 11 months away).

The ODAR office in Florence now has about 6,000 claims under appeal.  That's why it will take at least 11 months to get a hearing.

Below are some brief things to keep in mind if you are headed to an appeal.
  • The average US award rate at a hearing is currently about 48%.
  • The average Alabama award rate at a hearing is currently about 45%.
  • The average award rate at the Florence, AL ODAR is now about 38%.
  • Award rates vary from one judge to the other.  You can't choose the judge.
  • You have a right to an in-person hearing, not a video hearing, if you request.
  • There is a lot of work to do while you are waiting for a hearing.
  • 85% of claimants who appear for a hearing are professionally represented.
  • Judges' decisions about your claim must be based on federal law and regulations.
  • Hearings are closed to the public; there are no spectators.
If you would like a free, no obligation consultation about your Social Security disability claim or appeal, contact the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville.  (256) 799-0297.
 
 
 

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