SSDI: SIMPLE FACTS

Do you remember the old DRAGNET TV show with Sgt. Joe Friday?  "Just the facts, m'am, just the facts," he'd always say.  Here are a few facts about Social Security disability:

  1. Denials are common - in Alabama 70.1 percent of claims get denied.
  2. Most people will have to appeal (ask for a hearing) to get benefits.
  3. The national "win" rate in Social Security hearings is now 49 percent; in Alabama 52 percent of claimants win at the hearing level.
  4. A majority of claims that are awarded at hearings also get back pay.
  5. Claimants who are professionally represented are more likely to win than those who aren't.
  6. The average wait time to get a hearing in Alabama is 13.5 months.
  7. A representative cannot charge you a fee unless you win your case AND also collect back pay.  
You have 60 days (after your initial denial letter) to ask for a hearing.  If you wait longer than 60 days, your claim dies and you lose all opportunity for back pay or any other benefits under that claim.  Always appeal an unfavorable decision with that 60 day period.  Under a recent ruling, you cannot file a new claim while another claim of the same type is under review (appeal).  It is nearly always better to appeal a decision than to file a new claim.

The Forsythe Firm covers Social Security disability appeals all over the state from our offices in Huntsville, AL.  We are members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives.


(256) 799-0297

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