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Social Security Disability

Birmingham Attorneys Assist Clients with Social Security Disability Claims

Experienced management of appeals to maximize your benefits

Since 1998, Powell & Denny, P.C. has helped hundreds of people like you obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD/SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. We understand the process and the rules the government uses to determine eligibility for these programs. If your claim has been denied, we can help with your appeal. We start by reviewing the medical evidence. If necessary, we can obtain additional medical evaluations that can support your claim. Unlike some Social Security disability attorneys, we meet personally with you to prepare for your claims hearing. We accompany you to the hearing and provide the judge with the information needed to approve your claim. We stand by you throughout the entire process as we work for a successful outcome.

Eligibility for Social Security disability insurance claims

The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits through two programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — These are insurance benefits for people who have a work history and have paid into the system.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — This program provides economic assistance for disabled persons who would otherwise face severe economic hardship.

To get SSDI benefits, you must have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. The condition must meet the very strict federal definition of “disability.” Social Security does not pay benefits for partial disability or short-term disability. Under certain circumstances, family members of disabled workers can also receive benefits from Social Security.

Generally, applicants for SSDI must meet the requirements of two different earnings tests:

  • Recent work test — Demonstrating that you have been working up to the time you became disabled
  • Duration of work test — Showing that you have worked long enough under Social Security

Certain blind workers only have to meet the duration of work test.

Requirements are based on your age. For example, a person who becomes disabled before age 24 must have worked for 1.5 years in the last three years and only 1.5 years in total. But someone who becomes disabled at age 46 must have worked for five of the last 10 years and for six years total.

Common reasons SSA denies claims

If your initial claim has been denied, you shouldn’t be discouraged. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies about two-thirds of first-time SSDI claims. Many of these denials result from incomplete medical records and imprecise descriptions of the disabling condition. As a result, the application does not meet the agency’s strict definition of “disability.” Fortunately, with our knowledge and experience consulting with medical experts, we can ensure your SSDI appeal presents the necessary information to win approval.

Successful disability claims

Our law firm has helped hundreds of people like you obtain Social Security Disability (SSD/SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. We understand the process and the rules the government uses to determine eligibility for these programs. If your claim has been denied or if you have not yet filed your claim, we can represent you.

We will start by reviewing the medical evidence. If necessary, we can obtain additional medical evaluations that can support your claim. Unlike some Social Security Disability attorneys, we meet personally with our clients to prepare them for the claims hearing. We will explain the types of questions the administrative law judge will ask, and how to respond in a manner that advances your claim.

A lawyer from our law firm will accompany you to the hearing and provide the judge with the information needed to approve your claim. We will stand by you throughout the entire process.

Maximizing the total stream of benefits

A work-related accident can lead to both a workers’ compensation claim and a Social Security disability claim. In this situation, it is greatly to your advantage to have the same attorney handling both claims. If the workers’ comp claim is not handled correctly, it could dramatically reduce the SSD benefits you receive.

Powell & Denny can explain the interactions between SSD and workers’ compensation and how these can affect your case. We will work to maximize the total stream of benefits you receive.

Contact our Birmingham lawyers for help with your SSDI claim

Powell & Denny, P.C. helps clients throughout Alabama win approval for Social Security Disability Insurance claims. For attentive and responsive service, call 800-227-0882 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our Birmingham office is at 1320 Alford Avenue, just off I-65, and we also meet clients in our Huntsville office, at 600 Boulevard South.

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Our Office
  • Birmingham Office
    1320 Alford Avenue
    Suite 201
    Birmingham, Alabama 35226
    Phone: 205-978-2051
    Fax: 205-978-2054
  • Huntsville Office
    600 Boulevard South
    SW Suite 104
    Huntsville, Alabama 35802
    Phone: 256-705-3510
    Fax: 256-705-3513

We Wrote the Book

My Alabama Disability Claim
by William Powell & Gregory Denny
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