STEP 1: Determine if you may qualify. If you answer YES to all of these questions, you could qualify for SSDI benefits:
- You have worked at least 5 years out of the most recent 10 year period.
- You have a severe medical disorder that will keep you out of work (any and all work) for at least 12 straight months.
- You are not presently working.
- You have received medical treatment and have a record of treatment which is up to date.
- You are at least 50 years of age. Some younger claimants do win benefits, but being 50+ is a major advantage.
FILE YOUR APPLICATION. Do this online at www.socialsecrity.gov or by calling your local Social Security office.
ASK FOR RECONSIDERATION. If you are denied (most claims will be), ask for "Reconsideration" within 60 days. You can file this appeal online or by calling Social Security. The 60 day deadline is very strict.
ASK FOR A HEARING: If "Reconsideration" fails (it will in 95 percent of cases), file an appeal and ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge or ALJ. It may take several months to get before a judge, but you only have 60 days to appeal and ask for the hearing.
GET LEGAL COUNSEL. You will need help to prepare your case and appear before the judge. Your legal representative cannot charge you a fee unless you win your case and collect past due benefits or "backpay." Even then, you can only be charged the amount authorized by Social Security.
Social Security may pay you a maximum of $3,011 per month. Your actual payment will vary based on your age and amount of your average lifetime earnings.
There are many technical issues you should discuss with our attorney prior to filing a claim. A lot of costly mistakes may be avoided by a free discussion prior to filing. My firm will give you a free case evaluation with no obligation. Simply call us at (256) 799-0297 and answer a few basic questions.
SSDI benefits do expire after you stop working, so it's best not to delay filing a claim. Call (256) 799-0297.
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