HOW TO CORRECTLY APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIILTY (SSDI)

Sponsored by the Forsythe Firm, Social Security Disability Advocates, Huntsville, AL
PHONE (256) 799-0297 

A complete, properly prepared application will increase your chances of being approved for Social Security disability benefits.  The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville offers these tips for a proper application.

• Complete the application on paper or online and leave nothing blank.  Take your time.  It will take 4 to 6 months to get action on your application, so take a few days to get the application right.

•  You must completely and accurately fill out the following forms:
• Application for Benefits
• Disability Report 
• Work History Report
• Function Report
• Any other forms Social Security sends to you in the mail

Recommendation:  Get your spouse, a friend or other trusted advisor to read over all your forms and make suggestions, especially on the Function Report.  Most applicants either under-estimate their functional limitations or leave out important information that could have helped their case be approved.  A proofreader who knows you well may help you give a more accurate picture of what you can do and what you cannot do.

Be sure to list every doctor, counselor, hospital, clinic or medical provider that you have seen in the 3 years prior to the application.  Social Security will order your medical records only from the doctors and providers that you list (with addresses and telephone numbers).  If Social Security gets these medical records, they will pay for them.  If you have to get them later, you will pay and it will be expensive.

Most attorneys will not help you complete the initial application.  They want you to do that yourself, then come to them after you are denied.  The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville will help you with the initial application and all the associated forms.  There is no charge for this and a fee will only be collected after you win and if you collect past due benefits.  If you do not collect past due benefits, there is no charge at all.  You may contact the Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297.