In order to qualify for social security disability in Birmingham, AL you will need to meet specific criteria as set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Birmingham social security disability benefits are paid to eligible workers who have suffered a debilitating medical condition which keeps them from achieving gainful employment for at least 12 months. In order to receive benefits, you need to be able to prove that you are either permanently disabled or suffering from a condition that keeps you from being able to work for an extended period of time.
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), only about 30% of the initial social security disability claims filed in the state of Alabama are awarded. If you file a claim with the SSA and your initial claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and ask the SSA to reconsider your case. If your appeal is denied (86% of first appeals are denied), you can ask for your Birmingham social security disability case to be heard before an administration law judge (ALJ). The Birmingham hearing office awarded 58.1% of the cases heard in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Birmingham Health Resources
The Social Security Administration appoints the Alabama Disability Determination Services (DDS) to review your Birmingham social security disability case file. The DDS makes determinations on your case by using your medical records to assess the severity of your disability. As such, it is extremely important that you are getting regular medical treatment for your disability. As a general rule, you should begin treatment as soon as you suffer an injury. The more documentation in your medical file to support your disability claim, the better your chances of winning your case. Insufficient documentation often leads to your Birmingham social security disability claim being denied.
If you cannot afford regular treatment, there are several free and reduced-cost health care facilities in Birmingham that may be of service to you.
Cahaba Valley Health Care Inc.
5099 Caldwell Mill Road
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 991-7762
Carraway Methodist Medical Center
1600 Carraway Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35234
(205) 502-6000
HealthSouth
1 Health South Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35243
(888) 476-8849
The Kirkin Clinic
2000 6th Avenue
South Birmingham, AL 35249
(205) 801-8000
Jefferson County Department of Health
1400 Sixth Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
(205) 933.9110
Mental Health Resources in Birmingham
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you are suffering from a mental health issue that prevents you from getting and keeping gainful employment, you may qualify for Birmingham social security disability. There are several mental health professionals in the Birmingham area that may be able to assist you.
Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.
2 Metroplex Drive, #500
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 879-1150
Brookwood Center for Mental Health
2010 Brookwood Med Ctr Drive
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 877-1000
Eastside Mental Health Center
129 East Park Circle
Birmingham, Alabama 35235
(205) 836-7283
Birmingham Supplemental Social Security Benefits
The monthly Federal social security disability benefit rate is $943 for an independent individual and $1,451 for a couple.
When to Find a Birmingham Social Security Disability Attorney
Filing a social security disability claim can be time-consuming. Gathering the right documentation and making sure that you are submitting the information needed by the Social Security Administration to make a decision takes careful attention to the detail. To expedite the process and improve your chances of being awarded your Birmingham social security disability claim, you may benefit from the advice of a seasoned professional. You have the right to hire a Birmingham at any point during the determination process. Many attorneys only charge you if they are able to win your case for you. If your attorney wins, a standard fee of 25% of your award is collected from past due benefits or through a fee petition. The maximum an attorney can collect is $6,000. If you are interested in obtaining an evaluation of your Social Security Disability case, click the "Free Disability Evaluation" link at the top of the page for your free case evaluation or to get more information about hiring a Birmingham disability attorney.
