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ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE

What is the Monthly Benefit for SSDI?  The maximum benefit is currently $2,867 per month.  Your benefit may be different, depending your average lifetime wages.

Can You Get SSDI While Continuing to Work?  No, you will not qualify for a disability benefit while working and earning "substantial gainful activity" or SGA.  SGA is defined as wages or earnings of at least $1,260 per month in 2020.

What if Your Benefit is Denied?  Most disability applications are denied at first.  Benefits are usually only approved after two appeals and a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

What Type of Claims are Often Approved Quickly?  Some examples would be a claimant of advanced age who meets a blue book Listing, qualifies for a compassionate allowance, or who suffers from a terminal illness.  Cases which are not obvious disabilities often must go through the appeals process.

Which Medical Impairments Can Qualify?  Any physical or mental impairment may qualify if it is severe enough to prevent you from working a full-time job--and if you have medical proof. Medical treatment with records is the key.

Can You Get Medicare or Medicaid?  An approved SSDI claim will come with Medicare, beginning 29 months from the date of onset of disability.  Medicaid is provided with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) claims and it begins the month following disability onset (no waiting period).

Is There Any Temporary Benefit While Waiting for Approval?  No, unfortunately is there no temporary benefit from Social Security.  

Do You Need an Attorney/Advocate?  While it is possible to represent yourself, this isn't a good idea for most claimants who are unfamiliar with the system and the laws.  If you don't choose an attorney to help with the initial application, you should seriously consider getting representation to handle your appeals.  The odds of being approved will be improved if you have representation.

Where Will Your Hearing Be Held?  Hearing are usually held close to where you live.  Hearings in our immediate area are held in Huntsville, Decatur, Cullman and Florence.

Does Social Security Work During the Pandemic?  Social Security offices are closed for walk-in visits.  You may still telephone an office and hearings are still being held by telephone conference calls.  Social Security checks are still being processed and paid.

Do Individuals on Social Security Get the Stimulus Check?  Yes, if you receive either disability, retirement or survivor/dependent benefits from Social Security, you probably qualify for a government stimulus check--if you otherwise meet the qualifications.  The first wave of these payments were sent out on April 15, 2020; however, there will be other "waves" of payments about once a week, continuing through September.  The government cannot process all the payments at one time, so they are being sent out in large batches on different dates.

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