WILL SOCIAL SECURITY HELP YOU WHILE YOU ARE WAITING?

It's a well know fact that you may have to wait 2 years or longer to get a final decision on your Social Security disability claim.  A question we often get is, "Will Social Security help me with a temporary payment while I am waiting?"  Or, "Can I get SSI while I'm waiting on them to settle my claim?"

The answer to both questions, unfortunately, is No.

Social Security will not pay any benefit until your claim has been fully adjudicated and they have found you to be disabled and entitled to a benefit.  SSI has the same medical requirements as SSDI.  So, medical eligibility for SSDI and SSI will be determined at the same time.  You won't be eligible for one until the other has also been decided.

So, where does one turn for help during this long, difficult waiting period?  Not to Social Security, that's for sure.  Claimants needing immediate financial help with food, rent, mortgage, medical treatment, etc. must piece together assistance from many different agencies--a little here, a little there.

For help with delinquent mortgage payments, I recommend you contact Hardest Hit Alabama, phone 1-877-497-8182 or go to this internet link:

http://www.hardesthitalabama.com/contact.aspx

For medical care, there are free or reduced cost clinic around Alabama that may help.  My office can provide a list of these, free upon request.  You may also check with your local county health department for routine care such as immunizations, etc.

Local community organizations offer assistance with food, clothing and emergency medications.  You can contact resources by dialing 211 on any telephone in Alabama.  Tell the operator what our emergency needs are and you will be directed to someone who can help.

Regular food allowances may be provided through your county's Department of Human Resources (DHR). 

Unfortunately, there are is not one single source to handle all your needs while you wait for a disability hearing or resolution.  Financial survival can be a struggle when you are caught up in the complicated, time consuming mess that is Social Security disability.  Talk to your attorney or representative to be sure your case is moving along as fast as it can.  Usually it is, it's just that Social Security is a very slow, deliberate process and no one can put a hurry in it.
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Charles W. Forsythe
The Forsythe Firm
7207 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
"Across from Bridge Street"
CALL US:  (256) 799-0297

"Representing with Respect."


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E-Mail Me:   forsythefirm@gmail.com