ATHENS, AL: PROCESS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIITY

What is the process for applying for Social Security disability benefits in Athens, AL?

1.  File a complete application.  You may do this by contacting the Social Security office at 717 McGlathery Lane, Dectur, AL 35601.  (There is no Social Security office in Athens). Phone 1-888-289-9185.  You may also file online at www.socialsecurity.gov.  Or, you may choose to have an advocate or attorney help you file the application.  You cannot be charged a fee just for filing an application.

After you file, it will take 3 to 4 months to get an initial decision.  Unfortunately, 7 out of 10 claims are denied at this level, many times erroneously.  If you are denied, you must appeal by asking for a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days of the denial letter.  This is a strict, unforgiving deadline.  Miss it and your appeal is dead.

If you must appeal, you will normally wait 16 to 18 months to get before a judge.  Once you are there, however, your odds of winning jump to about 48 percent, based on state averages.  Your odds may be better or worse, depending on the facts of your individual case and depending on other factors, such as which judge hears your case.

If you win your appeal, you will probably receive back pay covering the months you have been waiting for Social Security to process the appeal.  Some of my clients have received lump sum back pay settlements of over $70,000 in addition to their monthly checks which are continuing.

Social Security, for most people, is the only financial lifeline when disability strikes.  Be sure you understand the peculiar requirements of Social Security, what evidence you must submit, and how the process works.  It will require a careful, well devised plan to get benefits. It won't just happen.

It can be a long process and can be overwhelming.  You are more likely to lose than to win.  I think having a professional advocate or representative to help you is a good idea.  You won't have to pay your representative unless you win.  And the fee comes only out of back pay.  So, if you win but don't recover back pay, no fee is due.

The Forsythe Firm has been helping hundreds of Social Security claimants in North Alabama for years.  You will receive committed, personal attention.  You won't be just a number in our system.  Free consultations and case evaluations.  Contact us at (256) 799-0297 or (256) 431-1599. Visit Us on the Web to tell us about your case.