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3 TESTS TO SEE IF YOU ARE DISABLED

Are you disabled under Social Security's rules?  Are you eligible to receive monthly Social Security disability payments?  Here are some questions to help determine potential eligibility:

TEST 1:  Out of the most recent 10 year period, have you worked at least 5 years on a regular basis? Have you worked regularly during the most recent 5-year period? If the answer is yes, you have probably earned enough work credits to be covered by the Social Security Act.  Coverage is earned by working and paying FICA tax through payroll deductions.  Work done long ago may not count.

TEST 2:  Are you now working at substantial gainful activity (SGA)?  For purposes of simplicity, SGA is defined as current earnings (salary, wages, commisions) totaling at least $1,130 per month before tax or withholding.  If you are currently working at this level, you are not eligible for SSDI benefits.  Note:  SGA includes only earned income from salary, wages, tips, commissions, etc. and does not include income from child support, alimony, investments, insurance payments, retirement accounts, etc.

TEST 3:  Do you have a severe physical and/or mental impairment that is (a) medically provable and (b) has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months?  If yes, you may become eligible for benefits. You will, however, have to present Social Security with objective medical evidenced to prove the nature, severity and duration of your medical/mental impairments.
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The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville gives free advice and helps qualified individuals to file for Social Security disability.  We provide consultations at no cost and never charge a fee unless the claimant wins the claim and recovers past due benefits. The Forsythe Firm is NOT affiliated with the US Social Security Administration or any other agency of the US Government.  Phone (256) 799-0297. 

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