For individuals with health conditions that arise slowly, there is time to adjust to a new way of life. Unfortunately, stroke survivors are not afforded the same luxury.
The sudden nature of a stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack, often turns the life of its victim upside-down.
The National Stroke Association estimates that 10 percent of people who have a stroke make a full recovery. However, the vast majority of stroke survivors suffer long-term impairments.
The good news is that there are numerous state and local resources available to individuals who are unable to return to work as a result of a stroke within the state of Alabama.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) created the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to assist those who have become disabled as a result of a serious health event, such as a stroke.
Neurologists in Alabama
If you have suffered a stroke, you probably have worked closely with a neurologist. Neurologists are doctors who specialize in assisting patients who are experiencing health difficulties related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
While your neurologist will play a critical role in your health recovery, he or she will also be instrumental in helping you to obtain disability benefits. The SSA requires disability claimants to submit a significant amount of medical evidence with their application.
The SSA will look closely at the information provided by your neurologist, such as updated medical records. Therefore, it’s critical that you establish a solid working relationship with your neurologist.
In the unlikely event that you are not currently working with a neurologist, here are three neurology practices in Alabama that could be of service in your care.
University of Alabama
Department of Neurology
2000 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
(205) 801-8986
https://www.uab.edu/medicine/neurology/patient-care
Neurology Consultants of Montgomery, P.C.
1722 Pine Street, Suite 700
Montgomery, AL 36106
(334) 834-1300
http://ncmmgm.com
University of South Alabama Physicians Group
USA Stroke Center
2451 Fillingim Street
Mobile, AL 36617
(800) 388-8721
http://www.usahealthsystem.com/usa-regional-stroke-center
Stroke Support Groups
Those impacted by a stroke can be left feeling scared, overwhelmed, and hopeless.
Stroke survivors must find a new way to navigate the world, and their previous support systems may no longer meet their needs.
However, research confirms that social support is imperative to the emotional healing that needs to occur after a stroke. Joining a stroke support group can help those affected to feel more connected to others who have experienced a similar road.
In addition to providing a valuable educational resource, stroke support groups often help survivors deal with the complicated emotional and physical challenges that occur as a result of a stroke.
There are numerous stroke support groups within the state of Alabama, with three of the more popular listed here:
UAB/ SRC Bold Strokes Support Group
Meets Every 4th Thursday at 1:30 pm
1717 6th Avenue South, Room R-030
Birmingham, AL 35249
(205) 541-1613
East Alabama Stroke Support Group
Meets Every 3rd Tuesday at 11:00 am
2027 Pepperell Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 528-1964
Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support
Meets Every 3rd Monday at 2:00 pm
1 Infirmary Blvd
Mobile, AL 36607
(251) 435-3034
Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in Alabama
Applying for disability benefits for a stroke is a little bit different than the application process for other health conditions. When an individual has a stroke, the long-term health consequences may not be immediately known.
Sometimes, the health deficits that occur with a stroke resolve within the first couple of months. As a result, the Social Security Administration will not consider stroke claims until a full three months have passed since the original cerebrovascular accident.
By allowing three months grace period, the SSA can determine which health deficits are long-lasting and which are more transient.
As with all medical conditions being considered for Social Security disability benefits, the effects of your stroke must keep you out of work for at least one year.
If your neurologist believes that your health condition will last for at least 12-months, you could be eligible for disability benefits.
If a full three months have passed since your stroke occurred, you can apply for disability benefits online or at any of one Alabama’s many Social Security offices.
Here are three of the most popular:
Birmingham Social Security Office 35285
1200 Rev Abraham Woods District Office, 1st Floor
Birmingham, AL 35285
(800) 772-1213
Montgomery Social Security Office 36106
4344 Carmichael Road
Montgomery, AL 36106
(866) 593-0914
Mobile Social Security Office 36602
550 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(866) 593-1922
Can A Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Stroke in Alabama?
With over 4.8 million residents in the state of Alabama, the Social Security offices are quite busy.
The average wait time for an appeals hearing in the state is approximately a year and a half. As a result, it’s essential to get your application right the first time around.
Hiring a Social Security disability lawyer can drastically improve your chances for a disability approval related to your stroke.
An experienced lawyer will work with you to ensure that all of your medical documentation has been obtained and that your application is completed appropriately.
He or she will work directly with the SSA on your behalf, thus leaving you more time to focus on your health.
