Do you suffer from a physical disability that has hindered your ability to work? Contact an attorney at Pitts & Zanaty, L.L.C. We have helped thousands of clients with Social Security disability applications and Social Security disability appeals. We also assist clients who are applying for Supplemental Security Income.
We represent clients suffering from these and other physical disabilities and health conditions:
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We have offices in Anniston, Albertville, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, Huntsville, Montgomery, Talladega and Tuscaloosa. We serve clients statewide throughout Alabama as well as in Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Florida.
To schedule a free consultation with a Social Security disability lawyer at our firm, contact Pitts & Zanaty, L.L.C..
It Is Not Welfare — It Is Your Right!
Social Security disability benefits are not a form of welfare. If you have worked, you have paid into the Social Security system with your taxes. If you are unable to hold a full-time job because of a physical disability and you have met the minimum requirements for SSDI eligibility, you have a right to receive the benefits you need.
We will help you protect and assert your rights. We will determine your eligibility and file all necessary applications and appeals on your behalf. We will work diligently to seek the financial and medical assistance you and your family need to get back on the right track.
Contact Us
To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Social Security disability attorney, contact Pitts & Zanaty, L.L.C.. If you are unable to travel to one of our offices, we can also provide you with information through the mail.
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that a successful applicant for disability benefits must be completely disabled. This is unlike some other programs and insurance policies that assist partially disabled persons. The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least one year (or has already lasted one year) or will result in the applicant's death. This does not mean, however, that the applicant has to be permanently disabled.
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. There are several levels of appeal: reconsideration of your claim; a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ); review by the Appeals Council; and review by the federal district court. You have a limited time in which to file the appeals, however. The advice and assistance of an attorney can help you make a stronger case during the appeals process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that you must not be able to perform "substantial gainful activity," which means the type of activity a person normally does for pay or profit. If your monthly earnings are below a certain amount (which SSA sets every year), however, you will not be considered to be performing substantial gainful activity. If you are receiving disability benefits but wish to try working, you can take part in nine months' worth of a work trial period, during which SSA will not stop your benefits if you are still disabled.
Yes. To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have both a disability and a sufficient work history. The required work history depends on your age when your disability began; you must have worked for a certain number of years. Your work also must be recent enough to qualify.
No. Your disability benefit will be based on your earnings history, not the specific nature of your disability.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are both run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI provides benefits to people who are unable to work because of their disabilities. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying work history and be disabled or blind. SSI is a needs-based program. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must have limited income and resources and be aged, disabled or blind.
Benefits typically are paid beginning in the sixth month after the disability started. The application and decision process may take a long time, so it is best to apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.
Workers' compensation benefits may reduce your Social Security Disability benefits, but you can receive them at the same time. If the total benefits exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings, your Social Security Disability benefit will be reduced.
