If you become disabled and live and work in Alabama, you likely will qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

This is a federal program designed to provide a safety net for those who have been injured and are unable to work as a result. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Also administered by SSA is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is also an income source for those among us who find themselves unable to enter the workforce.

In Alabama, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the office that administers the federal programs.  This is the office that will make the decision as to whether you are disabled. It follows the guidelines of the SSA in making that determination. It is not at all unusual to be denied the first time you apply.

As you realize by now, our nation is in the midst of concerns about the pandemic virus, COVID-19.  This is a new virus, also called novel, and that means we have no antibodies to it and there is no vaccine treatment to prevent its spread.

Unfortunately, the most effective thing we can all do is keep our distance from one another and avoid social situations. Maintain a six-foot distance at least from another person, and wear a mask and gloves makes it less likely you will contract the virus.  Also, be careful that you do not put your hands to your face unless you have thoroughly washed them first.  That is a sure way to catch a virus of any kind, even the seasonal flu.

So how do you cope if you are receiving SSDI payments? The short answer is you should not be impacted. The problems we are hearing about concern new applications for unemployment and small business loans. The systems already in place, such as Social Security and SSDI should continue as they have.

SSDI, a federal program, has offices in both Mobile and Birmingham and is still accepting mail and online applications, though the physical office is closed.

Walton Disability can help you at this time as our office is open and we are conducting meetings virtually and over the phone if you prefer not to meet in-person.

Stimulus Payments

There is some good news, a silver lining to COVID-19.

The Internal Revenue Service has been sending stimulus payments out to Americans to help make up for the losses we are experiencing as our economy grinds to a stand-still.  This is part of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus (COVID-19) rescue package.

Go to the IRS Get My Payment tool and submit your banking information (both routing number and bank account which can be found on your personal checks).

The good news is that if you have a Social Security number you could receive a $1,200 stimulus payment.  Married couples could receive $2,400 if their adjusted gross income is under $150,000. Each qualifying child will mean another $500 for the parents.

The Social Security Administration recently announced that those who are retired or receiving disability should start seeing those payments no later than early May.

Your Social Security Claim

Randy Walton of Walton Law, LLC has been representing individuals with disabilities receive their much-needed Social Security Disability benefits since 1989. His thorough understanding of the processes and compassion has helped many who did not know where to turn or how to go about accessing the benefits they needed and deserved. He invites you to call his office at 251-494-2619 to begin the conversation.

Our office remains open and we are taking all recommended steps to continually sanitize for your safety. We are all looking forward to the day when this unprecedented virus is behind us, and we invite you to allow us to help you if your initial application for disability benefits has been denied by Social Security. We have helped thousands of people through this challenging process and we look forward to serving you as well.