Social Security Disability (SSD) is essentially an insurance program to provide a financial safety net if you are injured and cannot work.  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be paid to those who worked long enough to contribute to Social Security taxes.

Every American’s paycheck contributes to this program and as long as you meet the Social Security’s definition of disabled, you can collect.

Whether you have been injured on the job or have a medical condition that has made it impossible for you to work, such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy, many Americans have found they truly need disability benefits to keep afloat.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to make sure you are truly disabled and does not make it easy to receive those benefits, at least the first time around.

Finding the Right SSD Attorney

Randy Walton has focused his law practice in the area of Social Security Disability exclusively over the last 15 years. His office helps people throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties who are seeking Social Security benefits.

If you are planning on filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Mr. Walton will sit down with provide an initial consultation to find out how best to cut down on any delays in obtaining SSD or SSI during this difficult time.

You are encouraged to file for benefits as soon as you are disabled because it can take 18 months before you start collecting and during that time you may be without an income. And with everything happening while we are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, now more than ever, you need an experienced attorney by your side who can navigate the complexities of the application process and overcome the common hurdles that prevent individuals from receiving the benefits they deserve.

Compassionate Legal Guidance

Mr. Walton wants you to understand that you have paid into the Social Security Disability program all throughout your working life, so there is no shame in collecting some of those funds when you really need them.

He will take the time to get to know you and advocate for you in a system that can seem cold and uncaring. Mr. Walton will take the time to explain the process of applying for benefits and the steps to take after you are denied.

Why You Need the Right Social Security Disability Attorney

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are five steps to determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

You must have worked in the last five of ten years and have accumulated enough work credits to qualify, which is 40 credits.

The government will also look at your disability and whether it qualifies for benefits. Disability is defined as likely to result in death or last 12 months or more, in other words, be permanent.

Just because you can’t work in the job you did does not mean you will automatically qualify.

Mr. Walton wants you to understand that the SSA will take an expanded look at how else you might be gainfully employed, other than in the job you used to do.

The SSA will consider your medical history, age, education and work history in evaluating your claim. Generally, it is more likely that an older worker will receive a benefit claim before a younger worker.

Mr. Walton also wants you to understand that the system is not geared toward the individual. Approximately 70 percent of disability benefit claims are denied the first time. He encourages you not to give up at this juncture.

He will help you take the steps needed to file a successful claim such as:

• If you are denied the first time, you can file an appeal
• You can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council or even federal court
• During the appeals process only about 15 percent are awarded so taking it to the next step, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and about two-thirds are awarded at that level.

Having a caring professional who understands the system will help you prepare your claim with the proper documentation, communicate with you throughout the process, and make sure you meet all of the SSA requirements for eligibility so there is no delay.

You are encouraged to begin speaking with Randy Walton even before you file your claim to increase the chance it is approved the first time. Since all attorney fees are overseen by a judge or the SSA, why not hire an attorney who does nothing but Social Security Disability law?

If you are in Mobile or Baldwin Counties, call us at Walton Law, LLC in Fairhope at (251) 494-2619 for a no-cost evaluation of your disability claim.