HOW TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS

PREPARE & PERSIST

Anyone under full retirement age can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.  Persons who are at full retirement age are already eligible for full Social Security benefits by virtue of their age.

There are 3 sets of criteria used by Social Security to determine eligibility.

1.  For younger individuals under the age of 50 (strictest)

2.  For persons approaching advanced age (50 through 54)

3.  For persons of "advanced age" (the most relaxed rules).

Here, briefly, is the process most individuals must follow to get a benefit.  Of course, exceptions apply.

1.  File a complete application with all requested forms.  (70% denial rate at this stage).

2.  If denied, file for "Reconsideration."  (95% denial rate).

3.  Appeal and ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge.

Here are some key points to cover in your SSDI process:

• Tell Social Security about all your doctors and medical providers.  They only look at the ones you tell them about.
  
• List all of your medical impairments, not just the most severe ones.
• Return all questionnaires and forms on time, fully completed.
• Appeal any unfavorable decision within the 60 day deadline.
• Prepare for the hearing.  Find out what questions will likely be asked and how to answer or explain each one.
• Seriously consider a lawyer or representative who has prepared for hundreds of hearings and knows the law, the judge and the process.  This may give you up to a 75% increase in your odds of winning your benefits.

You hear people describe the SSDI process as "a fight."  It usually is.  The government pays 20 percent fewer claims in 2020 than they paid in 2010.  Hearing  award rates have tumbled from around 62 percent a few years ago to about 42 percent today.

The claimants who win today are those that are well prepared, supported by strong objective medical evidence, and are willing to fight it out through the various appeals process (at least 2 appeals).

How long does all this take?  It takes 3 to 5 months to get the initial decision on your application.  In Alabama, "Reconsideration" decisions are usually given within 90 days.  It will take 6 to 8 months to get a hearing decision (from the date of the second appeal).

PREPARE & PERSIST