Skip to main content

HOW COVID HAS CHANGED DISABILILTY (SSDI)

COVID-19 has changed Social Security and the Disability System.  The agency is trying to adapt to a new set of procedural rules required by the pandemic.  Here are some of the changes.

1.  SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES ARE CLOSED.  You can no longer visit any Social Security office in the United States.  They are closed to the public and doors are locked.  You may still conduct business by telephone, on a limited basis, or on the internet at www.socialsecurity.com.

2.  YOU CANNOT HAVE AN IN-PERSON HEARING.  Currently hearings before administrative law judges (ALJs) are only held by telephone conference call, not in person.  The judge, the claimant, the representative and the vocational witness all appear via telephone. Rumor has it that they will try to switch from telephone hearings to video hearings by December, 2020.  We'll see.

3.  MANY SSA EMPLOYEES WORK FROM HOME.  Many employees of the Social Security Administration, including judges, now work from home.  Judges hold hearings by telephone from their homes.

4.  MANY SERVICES HAVE BECOME SLOWER.  Social Security has never been known for speed.   Like all government agencies, they pride themselves on taking a long time to get something done.  However, with the pandemic, slow has become slower and slower in most cases.

Most claimants with disability claims have always found it advantageous to get an attorney or representative to handle their case.  Now, with the pandemic raging, it's even more important to be represented by someone who knows the system.  Remember, you cannot be charged a legal fee for representation unless (a) you win your claim and (b) you collect back pay or past due benefits.

______________

The Forsythe Firm

7027 Old Madison Pike     Suite 108    Huntsville, AL 35806

Call (256-799-0297)

WEBSITE

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SCAMS THAT TARGET SENIORS

  Seniors fall victim to criminal scams 500,000 times a year, 5 times more often than younger persons. There's an infinite variety of scams going around but here are 6 of the more common ones in 2020. SCAM 1.   SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS .  Someone claiming to an employee or "officer" of Social Security calls to say that your Social Security card is involved in fraudulent activity, or your card has been suspended.  They need for you to confirm your Social Security number for them.  They may ask you to wire or send money.  These are always scams. Don't give these callers your Social Security number.  If it really was Social Security, they would already have your number.  And the real Social Security people will never ask for money or payments over the phone.   SCAM 2:  LOTTERY OR SWEEPSTAKES .  A caller says you have won, or are about to win a lottery or sweepstakes involving a lot of money.  However, there is a fee or "tax" that mu...
Post a Comment
Read more

CONTINGENCY FEE - SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY AID

  Legal aid is available to you on a contingency basis.  This means that you pay nothing now and a fee will be charged only if your case is successful.  If not, you will pay nothing. The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville exclusively handles Social Security Disability (SSDI) cases and nothing else.  We have handled thousands of cases and have a solid track record of success.  You will never pay us a fee unless you win your disability case or appeal AND collect past due benefits.  And we'll put that in writing. This "contingency fee" arrangement allows you to get top notch representation for your Social Security claim with the certainty that any fee you pay will be based on a positive result that puts money in your pocket! WHY DO YOU NEED SOCIAL SECURITY REPRESENTATION? 1.  Social Security laws and regulations are complex, technical and often confusing.  Our experienced advocates understand all the rules and are trained to handle them. 2.  Social Sec...
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