Alabama Social Security Disability Lawyer

Conditions That Qualify for SSD Benefits

To check if your medical condition qualifies as a disability, review the Social Security Disability Blue Book online. The Blue Book includes two sections—SSA Medical Listings (A) and Childhood Listings (B)—with additional conditions for childhood applicants. Each condition has a category and subcategory number, outlining in detail the criteria for disability benefits. Many types of severe disabilities appear in the Blue Book. The following are some of the conditions listed:

If your medical condition matches a Blue Book listing and meets the specific severity requirements, your claim stands a better chance of approval. If your exact diagnosis is not listed or your limitations do not fit the listed definition, you may still qualify if your disability equals another listed condition in severity.

Throughout Alabama, hospitals and healthcare providers regularly treat a wide range of disabling conditions. Providers often work directly with Disability Determination Services, making sure your supporting records address everything required by SSA guidelines. Our experience with documentation for disability hearings in Alabama gives us insight into what local examiners need to see in your medical evidence.

The Process of SSD Appeals

If the SSA denied your initial SSD application, you have 60 days to file a Reconsideration Request. If denied again, you have another 60 days to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. If the Administrative Law Judge also denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council or to Federal Court.

Meeting each deadline matters. If you miss the deadline, you may need to start over and could lose past benefits. If an Administrative Law Judge does not approve your claim after a hearing, you have two more appeal options. First, you may request that the Appeals Council review the ALJ’s decision. Next, you can pursue your claim at the federal level.

When you work with Carmichael Law Group, we can file your appeal, preparing a detailed brief for your case and identifying errors in the ALJ’s decision. If the Appeals Council denies your request, you have the option to file a lawsuit in Federal Court. Our attorneys have years of experience representing claimants through each stage of the SSD appeals process.

Reconsideration often results in another denial since the same agency reviews the file a second time. You have a better chance on reconsideration if you submit new medical evidence or correct earlier mistakes. Only about 13 percent of reconsiderations are approved, but your attorneys can help identify what needs to change or be added.

Your application may have been denied for several possible reasons, including a lack of medical evidence, excess work income, or incomplete paperwork. After a reconsideration denial, you may request a hearing with an ALJ. In Alabama, it sometimes takes up to a year for cases to reach a hearing, so file your appeal as soon as possible.

If you appeal in Alabama, you could attend hearings at offices like the Birmingham Hearing Office or Mobile Hearing Office. Since hearing wait times can vary by location, we share practical insights about timelines and any regional factors that might affect your appeals process.

If you receive approval at any stage, you will receive back pay to the time of your initial disability application. According to the SSD Resource Center, about 50 percent of all cases heard before an ALJ are approved, though this includes roughly 40 percent of unrepresented claimants and 62 percent of those with representation. If the ALJ denies your appeal, you can proceed to the Appeals Council, and then—if necessary—to Federal Court.

Federal SSD Remands

If the Administrative Law Judge does not approve your claim, the Appeals Council can overturn their decision, remand the case, or let the decision stand. A remand is when a higher court or authority sends the claim back to the original decision-maker, usually the same ALJ, for further review. Remands contain instructions for the hearing but do not require a specific outcome. A Federal Court may also remand an SSD case back to the Appeals Council, often with guidance for handling the case on return.

How Alabama Disability Determination Services Impact Your Claim

Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Alabama play a central role in reviewing and deciding medical eligibility for Social Security Disability cases. After you apply with a local SSA office, DDS collects your medical records, contacts healthcare providers, and may schedule consultative exams. Their team reviews whether your documents show a disability as defined by federal rules. Many applicants in Alabama receive requests for new tests or records if documentation is missing. Understanding how DDS evaluates cases helps you prepare a comprehensive set of records and respond quickly if DDS asks for more information. Our guidance supports you through this step and explains common reasons for delays or additional requests involving local medical documentation. Effective communication with DDS reduces confusion and can help your case move forward efficiently.

SSD FAQs

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI, by contrast, is need-based and helps low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, regardless of their work record.

How long does it take to get a decision on my claim?

Most initial decisions take between three and six months, though the process can last longer if you appeal an initial denial.

Why are so many disability claims denied initially?

Many claims fail because they have incomplete medical evidence, unclear proof of disability, or simple application errors. Most people are denied at first but often succeed on appeal.

Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

You can, but only up to a certain amount. The SSA allows a “trial work period” where you can test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately. If your earnings go above specific limits, you may become ineligible.

How much will I receive in benefits?

For SSDI, your monthly amount depends on your earnings record. SSI provides a federal base rate, but the exact payment depends on your income and where you live.

How far back will my disability benefits be paid?

If SSA approves your SSDI claim, you may receive back pay from the date SSA determines your disability began. SSDI starts after a five-month waiting period, so benefits begin with the sixth full month after your disability started.

Can I apply for SSD while still employed part-time?

Yes, but your earnings must not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which changes annually. If you go over that threshold, you may not receive benefits, even if you are medically disabled.

What happens to my benefits if I move to another state?

SSDI benefits stay the same if you move because it is a federal program. SSI benefits may change slightly based on the state’s supplemental benefit policies.

How often will the SSA review my disability status?

The SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) every three to seven years, depending on your condition. If your health improves, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.

Will I lose Medicare or Medicaid if I get SSD benefits?

You become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period if you receive SSDI. For SSI, Medicaid eligibility varies by state but often comes automatically.

Can my family receive benefits if I’m approved for SSDI?

Yes. Some family members, including a spouse, divorced spouse, or children, may receive auxiliary benefits worth up to 50% of your SSDI benefit amount.

Do I need recent medical treatment to be approved?

Recent and consistent medical records are important for proving your disability's severity. A lack of current medical care is a common reason for denial.

Is there a way to speed up the disability claims process?

Some claims move more quickly if you have a terminal illness, are a wounded veteran, or have a condition on the SSA's Compassionate Allowances list.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

Having an experienced attorney can help your case, especially if you appeal a denied claim.

Are there different rules for SSD benefits in Alabama compared to other states?

Social Security Disability uses federal rules across the United States, so eligibility does not change based on location. However, Alabama's DDS may affect the timeline and types of local medical documentation needed.

Where are the main SSA offices in Alabama?

Alabama has field offices in cities like Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville. You can submit paperwork, attend interviews, and get help at these local locations, which may affect processing time for your claim.

Can I receive both state and federal benefits if approved for SSD in Alabama?

If you qualify for SSI, you may receive supplemental payments depending on your finances and Alabama policies. SSDI benefits are federal, but you may also be eligible for state-based programs depending on your circumstances.

How Our SSD Attorneys in Alabama & Georgia Can Help

Carmichael Law Group will provide you with years of experience in getting disability applications approved. Not only will we help you gather all necessary medical information for your disability claim, but we will also guide you through the process of appeals. We will represent you in hearings as your claim requires. Our consultations are free, and we only get paid if we win your case. Going through the process alone can result in lost opportunities to win disability benefits. We will help make the process as simple and easy as possible. Give our Social Security Disability lawyers in Alabama and Georgia a call today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. It is important that you take the initiative; we will help you find the solutions you need. 

We handle disability claims throughout the states of Alabama and Georgia and are happy to assist you. Contact Carmichael Law Group by calling (888) 687-6022 today.