WHAT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY CAN DO FOR YOU

Many Americans don't fully understand what a value they have in Social Security's disability program.  It is the largest and most available source of income when a disability destroys the means of earning a living.  Most individuals who have worked regularly and recently are covered, having had FICA tax deducted from their paychecks.  FICA is just another name for Social Security tax.

If you can get approved, Social Security provides you with:

• A monthly check of up to (maximum) $2,867.  The average check in 2019 is $1,250.

• Medicare health insurance to pay hospital and doctor bills and allow you to get good medical treatment. 

• Potentially, an additional monthly check for each of your dependents who are under age 19 and still in school.

It's a wonderful program; however, there are some problems with it that you need to be aware of and plan for:

1)  It's often quite difficult to convince Social Security that you meet their rules to get a benefit.  They often deny claims, which then require a complicated appeal.

2)  SSDI does not cover the first 5 months of a disability.  The waiting period eliminates benefits for the first five full calendar months.  So, a person becoming disabled on 1/15/20 can't expect a benefit until at least July, 2020. That assumes he or she is approved quickly.

3)  It takes about 4 months to process an average disabiity case.  Up to 75 percent of these get initial denials and require appeals.

4)  The first appeal is called "Reconsideration" and can take about 6 more months.  It is often unsuccessful.

5)  The second appeal is your best chance.  This is where you get a hearing before a judge.  You should seriously consider legal representation for this part of the process, even if you have not been represented in the previous stages.

6)  Once you finally get approved, probably as the result of a hearing, you may claim past due benefits and often receive a lump sum check for past benefits that were delayed during the appeal process.  

7)  Your Medicare coverage automatically begins 24 months after you become eligible for an SSDI payment.  That is correct, there is a 24 month waiting period for Medicare.

IN SUMMARY: Social Security is a great program for persons who have worked all their lives but become disabled.  It can be difficult to qualify for, and it usually takes a while to get benefits started.

When Should You File?  As soon as you believe you have a disabling condition that is going to last for at least 12 straight months.  Social Security does not pay for short-term disability (those lasting less than 12 months).

How to Get More Information:  Contact your local Social Security office or call the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297.  This is a free call and your initial consultation will be free. 
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The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806

CALL US:  (256) 799-0297    The call is free.

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