DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR WOMEN

By Gregory Forsythe

Women represent about 34 percent of new disability claims today.  The number one impairment involves musculoskeletal impairments, followed by diabetes and impairments of the endocrine system.

The maximum benefit in 2020 is $3,011 per month, while the average benefit is around $1,275 per month.  Most claims also come with Medicare insurance coverage after the waiting period has been satisfied.

Here are the basic requirements you must meet to get disability benefits in Alabama or Tennessee:

1.  You cannot currently be working at substantial gainful activity (SGA).  A job is substantial and gainful if you earn at least $1,260 per month before tax.

2.  You have at least one severe medical impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 straight months. This impairment prevents the ability to perform all full-time work.

3.   There is sufficient medical evidence to establish the onset, duration and severity of the impairment(s).

4.  You have worked enough (and recently enough) to have insured status with Social Security.  A rule of thumb is:  Out of the most recent 10-year period, you should have worked at least 5 years.

It is possible to get back pay from Social Security.  Back pay can accumulate for two reasons:

A)  For months you were impaired before filing an application for benefits; and

B)  For months you were impaired after filing for benefits but had to wait on Social Security to reach a decision.

When your claim is settled, back pay arrives in one lump sum in SSDI cases, then your monthly benefit begins.  Monthly payments can last as long as you remain disabled.

 CAUTION:  Social Security frequently denies applications, even on good claims.  The process is flawed and makes a lot of mistakes, denying claims that should be paid.  Your best protection is to appeal an unfavorable decision within the 60 day deadline to protect your rights under the claim.

 When to get an advocate or attorney?  You may get representation at any time in the claims or appeal process.  Some claimants prefer to be represented from day one while others seek representation only for the appeals stage.  The fee charged by your representative is not usually based on how much work was done on your case; it's based on the amount of back pay you are able to recover.  So, getting a representative involved early usually will not cost you any additional money.
____________________
The Forsythe Firm
"Across from Bridge Street"
7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108    
Huntsville, AL 35806

 CALL:  (256) 799-0297


Email Us:  forsythefirm@gmail.com

 SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE



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