Skip to main content

DISABILITY BENEFITS IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic will pass; however, it will be a very long time before life returns to normal.

Unfortunately, disability doesn't wait.  For individuals out of work and with no income, getting SSDI benefits can be urgent.

As of this post on 04/22/2020, Social Security offices are closed to the public.  The best ways to contact them are online at www.socialseucrity.gov or by telephone.

You may still file for disability benefits either online or by telephone.  Once the local Social Security office confirms that you meet the technical details, they will send your file to the Disability Determination Service or DDS.  The DDS will pull your medical records and within 4 months will make a decision about your medical eligibility to get benefits.

About 75 percent of applications are denied by the DDS, requiring an appeal to have someone at a higher level look at the claim.  Most appeals wind up before a US administrative law judge (ALJ) for a hearing.

Since these benefits are so important, and the process is so complex and confusing, you should consider a professional specialist to help you get approved.

What does it cost?  The government has set certain rules about legal fees for Social Security cases.  First, you cannot be charged a fee for any service unless you win and collect some amount of back pay.  Second, there are maximum amounts that the government sets for legal fees, tied to the amount of back pay you receive.  There are no upfront fees or deposits required.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Social Security is holding hearings by telephone conference call.  We don't know exactly how long this will continue.  However, do not let the crisis prevent you from file a new claim or appealing a recent denial.

The Forsythe Firm is now conducting free consultations by phone at (256) 799-0297.  If you think you have a disability case, call us for help.

https://forsythefirm.wixsite.com/website
 ______
The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
CALL (256) 799-0297
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOW TO PRESENT YOUR DISABILIT CLAIM AT HEARING

  When you take your Social Security disability claim to hearing before a judge, there are 3 legal approaches you may try.  Not all approaches are available to every claimant.  Much depends on your age, past relevant work, education and residual functional capacity (restrictions).   Here are the 3 possible ways to be approved: 1.  Prove that you meet or equal a Listing.  Listings are specific medical impairments along with severe symptoms which Social Security will approve and pay automatically.  It isn't enough to be diagnosed with one of these conditions, you must also meet the severity of symptoms shown for each impairment. Only an approved medical source, such as a medical doctor of licensedf clinical psychologist, can certify that you meet a listing.   Note:  Most claimants who qualify for benefits will not meet a Listing.  Before you try to use this approach, become familiar with the Listings in Social Security's Blue Book at ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOCIAL SECURITY PAY INCREASE FOR 2025

  Social Security benefits will increase by 2.5 percent or an average of about $48 per month in 2025.   The Social Security Administration announced the COLA increase on October 10, 2024 which will take effect in January, 2025. The Part B Medicare premium (the part you pay for Medicare) also increased from $174.20 for most beneficiaries to $185 per month. I find it interesting that the government increased the Medicare premium 5.9 percent for 2025 but only gave recipients a 2.5 percent increase in benefits. If you or someone you love needs Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, contact Charles W. Forsythe at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL.  I have helped thousands of claimants get approved in the "dumpster fire" process known as Social Security disability.   We charge no fee for consultations or case evaluations.  You will never pay us a fee until after you are approved and received your lump sum past due benefits. Our fees are controlled by the S...
Post a Comment
Read more

THE 5-STEP SEQUENTIAL PROCESS FOR DISABILITYU

Social Security uses a sequential 5-Step process to decide who is disabled. "Sequential" means that each step must be considered in order.  At each step, you may be approved or denied.  Here are the Steps: STEP 1:  Are you now gainfully employed?   If Yes, you are denied and the case closes.  If No, move to Step 2. STEP 2:  Do you have a qualifying severe impairment? If No, you are denied and the case closes.  If Yes, move to Step 3. STEP 3:  Do you meet one of Social Security's Listings? If Yes, you are approved and the process closes.  If No, move to Step 4. STEP 4:  Can you perform any of your past relevant work? If Yes, you are denied and the process closes.  If No, move to Step 5. STEP 5:  Are you able to perform any other job which exists in "significant numbers" in the U.S. economy? If Yes, you are denied.  If no, you are probably approved. Note:  The claimant's age plays a huge part in Steps 4 and 5....
Post a Comment
Read more