APPLY FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS IN ATHENS, AL

Athens, AL workers who become disabled may qualify for up to $2,687 per month from the US Social Security Administration.  The actual monthly benefit will be determined using the worker's cumulative wage and FICA withholding record.  In 2017, the average SSDI benefit was around $1,150 per month.

What are the general requirements to get a SSDI benefit?  A worker must have a severe medically determinable impairment that has lasted for at least 12 consecutive months (or is expected to last for 12 consecutive months OR to end in death).  This impairment must significantly restrict the claimant's ability to perform full-time work.  There must be adequate medical records to show the onset and severity of the symptoms.

An application may be filed in one of 3 ways:

1.  On the internet at www.socialsecurity.gov (Go to "Disability" then "Apply for Disability" then "Start a New Application."  Allow at least 90 minutes to complete this application.

2.  Call the nearest Social Security field office.  For Athens, this is the Decatur Social Security office at (888) 289-9185.  Or visit Social Security in person at 717 McGlathery Lane, Decatur, AL 35601.

3.  Have an attorney or non-attorney representative file your claim for you and work toward having it approved.  You cannot be charged a fee simply for help with the application.  However, representatives may charge a fee if you are approved and receive an award of back pay. Your representative will also assist you in getting medical evidence, submitting evidence and completing all the Social Security forms that will come in the mail after you submit your application.

After you submit you application and all attending forms, it will take about 4 months to get a decision.  Unfortunately, about two-thirds of applications will be denied.  When this happens, you need to file an immediate appeal and ask for a hearing.  If you are represented, your representative will do this for you.

The Forsythe Firm handles Social Security disability applications, appeals and hearings in Athens and north Alabama.  Here is information about the Forsythe Firm:

• Local north Alabama advocates helping local folks
• Free consultation and case evaluation
• No fees or money upfront - ever
• Pay us a fee only if you are approved and receive back pay
•  We pay all expenses associated with your claim up front; you pay us back only if you win and recover past due benefits.
• Deal with local disability specialists - not long distance or mail.
• We are accessible and will return your phone calls. 
• We practice only in field of Social Security disability

If we can be of help to you, or answer a question or two, please call us:

THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Athens Phone        (256) 431-1599
Huntsville Phone   (256) 799-0297

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