STATE AND FEDS INVOLVED IN YOUR SSDI CLAIM

Both your state government and the federal government get involved in a Social Security disability claim.  You get a double-whammy, having to deal with bureaucratic red tape from the state and also the feds.

STATE INVOLVEMENT.  When you file a disability claim, it goes to a state agency.  In Alabama, this is the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham.  The state pulls your medical records, examines your application and makes the initial decision about whether you can get benefits.  In about 7 out of 10 cases, the state will deny the claim.

FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT.  Once your claim is denied and you file an appeal, you are headed toward a hearing with a federal officer called an Administrative Law Judge.  So here the United States government gets involved.  The hearing is a legal proceeding that will take a brand new look at your claim and can issue a new decision--which can be more favorable than the one the state issued.  This is your best chance to get approved.

Obviously, there is a lot of paperwork, red tape and rules and regulations to deal with.  Social Security is totally controlled by federal rules and regulations.  You have to understand these regulations in order to comply with them.

Going into a hearing without understanding the rules invites disaster. Imagine a person who has never played Poker sitting down to a poker game with professional players without knowing any of the rules!  Don't put yourself in that disastrous position.  Get professional help, especially when your case falls into federal jurisdiction during an appeal.