SSD Lawyers in Fairhope, AL

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a reliable source of financial assistance for those who are unable to support themselves due to a permanent disability or terminal illness. Ever since the program was instituted, millions of disabled Americans and their families have benefited from it, which makes it one of the most successful social security programs in the world.

At the same time, qualifying for SSDI benefits can be extremely difficult. Data shows that close to 70% of disability applications are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for various reasons. It is why you need to have an experienced Fairhope, AL SSDI lawyer on your side.

At Walton Law LLC, we know how challenging it can be for someone to live with a debilitating ailment. We are committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to disabled individuals who are in need of SSDI benefits. We have helped numerous Alabama residents get the disability benefits they need over the years. Whether you are filing an application for the first time or filing an appeal, we can help you.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation with our experienced Fairhope, AL SSDI lawyer.

Social Security Disability Insurance – A Look at the Numbers 

• Since 1970, the number of disabled workers who receive SSDI benefits has increased by more than three times.
• The number of SSDI applicants typically sees a jump during periods of high employment.
• Between 2011 and 2020, only 31% of the claims were approved at the initial claims level. 2% to 8% of the claims that were initially denied were approved at the reconsideration and hearing levels.
• On average, it takes anywhere from eight to twelve months for the SSA to process an SSDI application and make a decision.
• More than 30% of SSDI beneficiaries are elderly people (60 years or older).
• A vast majority of SSDI beneficiaries are from low-income households.
• The number of SSDI beneficiaries in Southern states is higher compared to other parts of the country. Alabama is among the top five states with the highest number of SSDI beneficiaries on a per capita basis.
• Over 31% of SSDI beneficiaries suffer from musculoskeletal disorders.
• Over 30% of SSDI beneficiaries suffer from mental health disorders.

Why Most SSDI Claims are Denied

There are many reasons why an SSDI claim might be denied by the SSA. These include:

• Lack of sufficient medical evidence.
• The applicant’s health condition does not meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.
• The applicant’s condition has not lasted or is not expected to last for 12 months.
• The applicant’s health condition is not debilitating or serious enough to prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
• The applicant failed to follow the doctor’s instructions and did not take the necessary steps to recover from their condition and improve.
• The applicant failed to produce the necessary documentation.
• The applicant failed to respond to requests from the person handling their claim.

Appealing a Denied SSDI Claim – Key Things You Should Know 

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when their SSDI claim is denied is that they tend to file a new application, rather than filing an appeal. While there is no limit to the number of times you can file an SSDI claim, the best way to improve your chances of getting approved is to file an appeal, rather than reapplying the claim.

If your claim has been denied before, you are likely to be denied again when you reapply. This is because the SSA is known to deny applications from individuals who have been denied before. This is why filing an appeal is generally considered a better choice than filing a new application.

The SSDI claim appeal process has four levels. These include:

Reconsideration 

At this level, you can request the SSA to reconsider your application. If you forgot to attach a key piece of evidence with your claim or if you have got some new information that can strengthen your case for getting disability benefits, filing a reconsideration request might be the best option for you. Once you file the request, a new case processor will review your claim and determine whether you are eligible or not.

Hearing

At this level, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. During the hearing, your lawyer can make the case for you by presenting new evidence, getting medical professionals to testify on your behalf, cross-examining SSA witnesses, and more.

Review of the Hearing Decision 

At this level, you can file a request with the Social Security Appeals Council to review the decision made by the administrative law judge. Depending on the facts related to your case, the council might choose to take a fresh look at your claim, send it back to the administrative law judge for a review, or reject your claim.

Federal Court Review

At this level, you can file a civil suit against the SSA in federal court and request to have your claim reviewed. The judge will review your claim, consider the arguments made by the SSA’s lawyer and your lawyer, and decide whether you are eligible to receive SSDI benefits.

Experienced Fairhope, AL SSD Lawyers are Ready to Help You

If you are planning to file for SSDI benefits or to file an appeal to challenge the denial of your claim, the seasoned SSD lawyers at Walton Law LLC can help you.

Our founder Randy Walton is a highly-rated lawyer who has dedicated his practice to helping poor, aged, and disabled individuals get the financial assistance they need. Over the last 15 years, Randy has handled thousands of Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income claims with a very high success rate. We work on a contingency basis and do not charge any money upfront. We get paid only if we win your case and help you get the benefits you need.

Call us today at 251-455-5819 or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free consultation with one of our reputable Fairhope, AL SSD attorneys today.