Do you live in Alabama? Do you struggle with a disability that has rendered you unable to work for at least a year or more? If so, you may be interested in claiming Social Security disability benefits. These benefits can be a vital source of financial support when you’re unable to work and can reduce stress as you attempt to focus on treating your condition and enjoying life with those you love. Let’s take a closer look at what types of benefits are available and how to apply.
What Disability Benefits Are Available in Alabama?
It can be helpful to understand that Social Security is a federal program. As a result, the types of benefits offered will generally be the same in all states, although there may be certain different procedural rules for applying and receiving those benefits from one state to another.
The two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits: SSDI benefits are disability benefits paid by the Social Security Administration to individuals with a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one continuous calendar year or more. In addition, those individuals must be “insured.” This means that they worked in a job through which they regularly paid a portion of their income into the Social Security system for a sufficient length of time.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: As with SSDI benefits, those who receive SSI benefits must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for one continuous calendar year or more. They do not, however, need to be insured. Instead, those who receive SSI benefits must have income and resources below a certain limit established annually by the Social Security Administration.
Regardless of the type of benefit you seek, it is important to understand that payment amounts will not be based on the particular disability itself but rather on a variety of other factors. These might include employment and earning history, income and resource level, and a variety of other circumstances regarding which you should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
Stages of the Application Process
If you believe that you may qualify for either SSDI or SSI benefits, you’ll want to begin the application process. Typically, you may go through a few stages of this process. These include:
- Filing Your Initial Application: As you prepare to file your initial application, you’ll want to gather all important information that you need before doing so. This will include medical records, employment records, and other information that your attorney may advise, depending on your circumstances. Once you’re ready to submit your application, you can do so online, over the phone by calling (800)772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by going in person to your local Social Security office. In Alabama, there are about two dozen offices that are generally open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Receiving A Decision: In Alabama, an agency known as Alabama Disability Determination Services (or DDS, for short) will make the initial decision to approve or deny your claim for benefits. It is important to understand that not all claims are approved on the first attempt – although this does not mean you should give up in your pursuit of benefits.
- Appealing if Necessary: If your claim is initially denied, you will typically have 60 days to appeal the denial by filing a request for reconsideration. If you do so, a different examiner will review your records and the initial decision and will make a second determination regarding your eligibility for benefits. If your request for reconsideration is also denied, you will have the option to appeal your claim to an Administrative Law Judge, who will conduct a hearing and render a final decision.
Understandably, these steps may seem complicated – but they don’t have to be. Your first and most important step when pursuing a claim should be consulting an experienced legal team that can help you each step of the way. At Muse Disability, we’re here for you.
Contact Muse Disability Today
If you live in Alabama and you’re struggling with a disability, the last thing you need is to add stress and worry about how you’ll pursue the benefits you need and deserve. At Muse Disability, we understand that – and that’s why our knowledgeable and experienced legal team is here to help. We know that the law can seem complex and overwhelming. We also know that you don’t want to overlook taking the appropriate steps to fully assert your rights under the law. Instead, you can leave that to us, knowing that you’re putting your claim in good hands when you do. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you soon.