HUNTSVILLE DISABILITY GUIDE

The following is taken from NOSSCR, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives.  It explains as clearly as possible what Social Security disability advocates (representatives) do on behalf of the disabled. Established in 1979, the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR) is a professional association of over 4,000 attorneys and other advocates who help individuals with disabilities obtain Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits.   To be eligible for disability benefits, individuals must be unable to engage in "substantial gainful activity" because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted for at least 12 months. NOSSCR members represent these individuals with disabilities in legal proceedings before the Social Security Administration and in federal court. NOSSCR members are committed to providing high-quality...

Social Security has made it easier to get disability for individuals who are age 50 or more , and who have impairments that make it difficult for them work. Social Security disability rules are easier at age 50 or above.  That's because disabled workers who are older have fewer occupational options than younger workers. My firm handles Social Security disability claims for persons of all ages.  However, we give special consideration for individuals who are age 50 or over , who have an impairment that is expected to last 12 months or more, and need disability income. There is no fee to speak with us.  In fact, we never charge a fee unless you collect benefits and get paid a lump sum settlement for back pay.  Call us today.  A local, experienced advocate who understands Social Security disability will be glad to speak with you at no cost or obligation. THE FORSYTHE FIRM www.Get-SS.com 7027 Old Madison Pike "Across from Bridge Street" Huntsville, AL 35806 ...

Social Security places workers who are age 50 and over in a special category that may help them collect Social Security disability benefits.  Social Security "lowers the bar" when it comes to proving disability after age 50.  And at age 55, it gets even easier.  Individuals who are 55 or older are considered "approaching advanced age." The "Grid Rules" work in favor of older workers.  Here's an illustration. John is a 39 year-old worker with a condition which limits him to sedentary work.  He has a high school education, unskilled past work and no special vocational skills.  He is literate, able to read and write in English.  The Grid Rules will direct a finding of "not disabled." Denny is a 56 year-old worker with a condition which limits him to sedentary work.  He has a high school education, unskilled past work and no special vocational skills.  He is also literate, able to read and write in English.  The Grid Rules...

Alabama, along with 9 other states, has streamlined the process for applying for Social Security disability.  If your initial claim is denied at the first level (most are), you no longer have to waste time with the "reconsideration" stage.  Instead, you may appeal directly to an administrative law judge and ask for a hearing.  The hearing judge has authority to give you a new and better decision on your claim (and often does). In north Alabama, hearings are held in many locations, including Florence, Huntsville, Decatur, Cullman, Jasper, Gadsden and Anniston.  Social Security tries to schedule hearings within 75 miles of the claimant's home. You are entitled to be represented at your hearing, which is a good idea.  In fact, most judges will not hold a hearing for an unrepresented claimant unless the claimant signs a waiver.  The judge will usually recommend the hearing be postponed to give the claimant time to find representation. You c...

The numbers are staggering.  There will be around 50,000 new disability claims filed in Alabama this year.  And 70 percent of them will be denied by an agency that is swamped and over worked.  Up to 60 percent of the denied claims should have been winners. This makes the necessity of an appeal evident.  If your claim was denied, appeal immediately.  The law gives you 60 days to appeal without losing any rights under your original claim (or any money).  After 60 days and the deal is off.  What can a disability specialist or advocate do for you during the appeal process?  Quite a bit. Focus on the reason you were denied.   The denial letter, while mostly a form letter, may give hints as to why you were denied.  Reasons usually lie in the very strict definition used for "disability," or the claim may simply have been mishandled. Determine if the impairment meets a Listing.  Certain listings automatically qualify for disability aw...

Here is a question that is very frequently asked by individuals who have been denied disability benefits: "Do I need help to appeal my disability denial? The answer to that question is, No.  You can appeal by yourself.  But the real question is: "Do I need help to win my disability appeal?" And the answer to that question is, probably. Social Security disability hearings are complex legal proceedings that rely on a definite system of rules and regulations which dictate the result.  It is much more complicated than appearing before a judge and telling him or her your story.  There are two things that you must prove under Social Security law. One :  That you cannot perform any of your past relevant work. Two :  That there is no other work in the national or local economy that you can do, given your experience, residual function capacity, education and age. That may sound simple but, believe me, it usually isn't.  Consider getting a pro...

It's a fact that your odds of being denied Social Security disability is 7 out of 10.  We often scratch our heads, rub our chins and try to figure out why the number is so high.  Obviously, a majority of the people who file for disability shouldn't be denied, only to have their claims later approved on appeal.   As an experienced disability representative, here are some of the problems with initial disability determinations.  In combination, they deny far more people than they should. Social Security believes that many people will lie to them in order to get benefits.  Therefore, the system is designed to approve only the most obviously qualified persons. The people who make the decision about your claim have never met you. Social Security often makes a decision without a medical examination. If there is a medical examination, it is usually performed by a doctor who gets paid by Social Security. Think there might be a conflict of interest? If you are not ...