HOW TO WIN SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY: 3 WORDS

 3 words tell you how to win a Social Security disability benefit.

Severity

Frequency

Duration

SEVERITY:  It isn't enough to be diagnosed with a disease or illness.  Your impairment must be so severe that it interferes with the ability to perform any full-time work.

FREQUENCY:  Some illnesses show severe symptoms only occasionally.  To get a disability benefit, an individual must have debilitating symptoms frequently enough to disrupt a normal working schedule.  For example, a seizure once every 60 days will not prevent a person from working.  However, a seizure on a frequent basis may preclude all work. 

DURATION:  Social Security will not pay a benefit for a short term disability.  The disabling impairment(s) must meet one of the following durational requirements:

1.  Has lasted for at least 12 straight months;

2.  Is medically expected to last at least 12 straight months; OR

3.  Is expected to end in death.

When trying to evaluate a potential Social Security disability claim, these factors (severity, frequency and duration) must be considered.

 If all 3 fall into place, it's likely the individual has a viable disability claim.

Social Security doesn't usually see eye-to-eye on the first try.  They are prone to deny applications first.  However, claimants who follow the appeal route and are persistent are very likely to get benefits after a while.

It's important to get professional representation, especially after being denied.  Claimants who try on their own only win about 31 percent of claims.  Those who have professional representation win about 60 percent of the time, according to national data sources.

Get help, be persistent and win your benefits!

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The Forsythe Firm

7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108

Huntsville, AL 35806                              "Across from Bridge Street"

PH (256) 799-0297