Obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a time-consuming and stressful experience. Two out of every three applicants initially are denied. For years, Carol Morris has spent time helping others. When she became ill with lupus and needed back surgery, Allsup was there to make certain that she received her disability benefits. Read her story below. 

 

 

 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—Quiet determination, a strong work ethic and gratitude are three characteristics Carol Morris displays.

 

She’s the type of neighbor you could trust to watch your home while you are out of town. She doesn’t seek the spotlight. In her own discreet way, she wants to help others. “Helping people out and giving back is the way I was brought up,” said Ms. Morris.

 

The former administrative assistant worked for years to support herself and her family. Then one day, about 10 years ago, she fell and hurt her back, and never fully recovered. The fall, coupled with a diagnosis of lupus, an autoimmune disorder that affects organ systems, skin, joints and internal organs, prevented her from living a normal, active life.

 

“The pain became so bad that I couldn’t stand, sit or walk. My boss at my old job even gave me an assigned parking spot close to the office entrance to make it easy for me to come into work. Nothing seemed to work,” Ms. Morris recalled.

 

She underwent two back surgeries where rods and pins were inserted, but still experienced debilitating pain preventing her from working full time. She eventually had to retire.

 

In 2007, Ms. Morris applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program that provides income to people unable to work because of a disability. The first time she applied for SSDI, her claim was denied. She knew she needed professional help to navigate the SSDI process because there was so much at stake and the paperwork was overwhelming.

 

“A friend referred me to Allsup after my first claim was denied,” Ms. Morris said. “She found the company while searching the Internet. I didn’t feel like I had anything to lose by giving them a call.”

 

Allsup is a nationwide provider of Social Security disability, Medicare and workers’ compensation services for individuals, employers and insurance carriers. Founded in 1984, Allsup employs more than 600 professionals who deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible.

 

There are five levels within the SSDI application process. Many people who file get frustrated with the process and don’t continue when they are denied at level one—their initial application—and at level two—reconsideration. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies two-thirds of all initial applications. If someone is denied at reconsideration, the claim then goes before an administrative law judge (ALJ) at a hearing, or level three.

 

Ms. Morris’ appeal for reconsideration was denied. She was scheduled for a level three hearing in March 2008, and an Allsup representative was prepared to appear with her. The day before the hearing, however, she received a call from her Allsup representative who said she had been approved for SSDI in an on-the-record decision.

 

Judges will make an on-the-record decision when a fully documented case file, complete with medical evidence, is so convincing that an in-person hearing isn’t required. The evidence speaks for itself.

 

“This took a lot of stuff off my mind,” Ms. Morris said. “My Allsup team walked me through all the steps. I was so happy it turned out the way it did. I was nervous about the hearing. It worked out the best possible way.”

 

Allsup gets results. The company has a 98 percent success rate for those who remain in the SSDI process with them until a final decision is reached. The Better Business Bureau has recognized the company with its prized Torch Award for excellence in customer service.

 

Talented professionals are at the heart of Allsup’s success. Every day, each employee is guided by the company’s core values of Fairness, True Helping, Expert and Driven. Ms. Morris’ Allsup team demonstrated each of these core values.

 

“I couldn’t believe how point-on Allsup was. I was impressed by their professionalism, and yet they had a compassionate way of handling my case. I would recommend this company to anyone who has a disability and needs assistance,” said Ms. Morris.

 

“This company is knowledgeable about the laws of Social Security and answered my every concern,” she added. “They were patient with me as well as being diligent about my case. Thank you, Allsup!”

 

Now-a-days, Ms. Morris enjoys volunteering for her church, children’s nonprofit organizations and various community groups. “I like to volunteer,” said Ms. Morris. “It keeps me busy, active; and it is fun.”