Mobile Area Law Firm For Social Security Disability

Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

The SSA has strict criteria when it comes to determining who is eligible for benefits. In general, to collect SSDI, you must:

• Be under the age of 65;
• Have worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the date of the onset of your disability (this requirement is waived for applicants ages 22 or younger)
• Have a covered physical or mental condition that prevents you from being gainfully employed; and
• Have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The SSA has a list of disabling medical conditions that qualify for SSDI. Even if your condition is not only this list, you can still get approved for benefits if you meet the agency’s other criteria.

How to Apply for SSDI Benefits in Alabama

You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits in Alabama online or at your local SSA office. Social Security will review your application to make sure you meet certain technical requirements. If you do, it will pass your materials on to the Alabama Disability Determination Services (DDS) to make a final determination.

Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Benefit Denial

Close to 70% of first-time Social Security applications receive a claim denial. Many of these denials can be successfully appealed with the assistance of a skilled disability attorney that understands the process and the applicable laws.

Some of the most common reasons for SSDI claim denials include:

• Lack of hard medical evidence– Your medical records must show that you have a qualifying medical or mental disability.
• Not enough work credits– You don’t qualify due to your work history.
• Prior denials– Resubmitting the same application at a later date won’t change the decision.
• Failure to cooperate– If the SSA asks for further documentation, you’ll need to provide it.
• Failure to follow treatment– Patients are expected to comply with prescribed medical treatment that could improve a disabling condition.

Appealing Your Denied Social Security Claim

If your application for SSDI benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. In fact, you should appeal any claim denial or decision on benefits that you believe is unfair. You must make a written request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your decision letter from the SSA.

A disability claim can go through several levels of review and appeals:

Reconsideration

At this stage of appeal, your case will be reviewed by another claims examiner that can also consider any additional evidence submitted and pose questions about your case.

Hearing

If your claim isn’t approved at the reconsideration stage, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The wait time for this hearing can be well over a year. It’s helpful to have an attorney on your side that can prepare you to answer the judge’s questions and argue your case.

Appeals Council

If you are not satisfied with the Administrative Law Judge’s decision, you can ask for an additional review by the Social Security Appeals Council. This Council can affirm the judge’s decision, reverse it and approve your benefits, or send the case back to the judge for additional review.

Federal Court

If the appeals council denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court as a final appeal.

How an Alabama Disability Attorney Can Help

Whether you’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits or want to increase your chances of approval, an experienced disability attorney can help. At Thiry & Caddell, LLP, we’ve been helping clients throughout the Gulf Coast with Social Security-related matters for over 40 years.

Our attorneys understand the frustration that this system can bring and the challenges families face when they are denied benefits. Research reveals that 60% of people who hire an attorney ultimately get approved for benefits compared to just 34% of people who try to figure it out alone.

Don’t gamble with your financial security. Let us help guide you through this process. Our consultations are always free, and we don’t charge any fees upfront. And there are no surprises at the end, as the law sets the rate for attorney fees in these cases. Contact our Mobile office today at (251) 478-8880 or reach out to us online to learn more about your options.