En Español
Acworth is full of hardworking families, and the thought of being willing but not able to provide for you and your family is distressing. Life throws its share of curve balls, from unexpected accidents to debilitating illnesses. In the blink of an eye, your world can be turned upside down, and you find yourself struggling to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. In these cases, Social Security Disability (SSD) may be your only option—and it’s your right. Don’t let the bureaucratic maze of the Social Security Administration prevent you from getting the benefits you’ve earned. You need to talk to an Acworth Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyer.
The attorneys of John Foy & Associates have over 20 years of experience getting results for people just like you. Our knowledgeable, hardworking lawyers will walk you through the claim filing process and make sure you file the strongest application possible. Our goal is simple: making sure individuals like you aren’t left behind. We charge nothing if we’re not able to get you money. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at 404-400-4000 now for a free consultation.
What is Social Security Disability (SSD)?
Social Security Disability is a federal program under the Social Security Administration that provides financial compensation and other benefits to people who have a legally recognized disability and are unable to work. SSD is available to people who have accumulated a certain number of “working credits” over the years. If you have spent the majority of the past ten years working, then you most likely will have earned enough working credits to potentially receive SSD insurance.
SSD insurance is paid for by employment taxes. Therefore, an applicant is considered covered by SSD insurance because they spent a significant portion of their adult life working and contributing to Social Security through their Social Security tax payments. Through this program, a spouse or dependent child may get partial benefits. Otherwise, only those over the age of 18 may apply and be eligible for benefits.
What counts as a disability for SSD?
Before you begin receiving SSD insurance, you must be declared legally disabled. Simply put, a disability is any physical, mental or psychological conditions that prevents a person from participating in “substantial gainful activity”—(basically, working to earn an income). So almost any physical, psychological or mental conditions that hinders you from being employed could count as a disability.
In addition, there are several criteria you have to meet. For example:
- Either your condition must have kept you from substantial gainful activity for the past 12 months or more,
- It can be reasonably expected to keep you from 12 months of substantial gainful activity in the future, OR
- If your condition is likely to be fatal, then you are almost certainly eligible for SSD
If your condition meets just one of these three criteria, you likely have a disability by SSD standards.
When should I apply for SSD?
SSD Insurance cases can take a long time to process, usually between 90-120 days. However, in some cases it may take longer. Considering the fact that the Social Security Administration is a large, complex organization, you are encouraged to apply as soon as you become disabled and unable to work.
However, bear in mind that you need to make the strongest application possible. While it’s always better to apply sooner rather than later, it’s worth it to take a few weeks to get the right documentation, get a legal opinion, and put together an application that’s likely to get approved. If your application is denied, you can appeal it, but this adds months (or longer) before you eventually get benefits. If you aren’t sure what documentation you need, a personal injury lawyer can prepare the application for you and make sure it meets all the requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to file a disability claim?
While you can certainly go through the process of filing for SSD insurance alone, it may not be in your best interest. A lot of cases are initially denied, and having a lawyer navigate the system makes a crucial difference. An experienced SSD lawyer can make sure your application contains all pertinent information, including medical evidence, to lessen the chance of having to appeal. In addition, it has been shown that a person’s chances of being improved for SSD benefits rises when the applicant has legal representation.
Here is what a good SSD lawyer will do for you:
Stronger application.
Your lawyer will optimize your “alleged onset date” (the day you were no longer able to work), give a compelling argument that your particular condition satisfies the impairment requirements in the Social Security “blue book,” and help focus your application on only those facts that will be most convincing in a hearing.
Effective appeals if needed.
At first and second appeal, a lawyer can acquire an opinion from a doctor, collect and submit useful medical evidence, write and submit a brief to the Administrative Law Judge, and prepare you for any questions the judge may have for you.
Useful Testimony.
Your lawyer can coach you into giving useful testimony if you will be speaking at your hearing, as well as cross-examine expert witnesses (such as a doctor or vocational expert) to demonstrate your inability to work.
A good SSD lawyer will be with you and your loved ones every step of the way, from your first application until you start receiving benefits.
Talk to an Acworth Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free
Whether you’re providing for just yourself or for a family, it can be frustrating not being able to work. Sometimes it seems like the more in need you are, the more difficult and confusing it is to get help. Don’t let this be the case with you. John Foy & Associates knows how to take on the complicated SSD system and get you the benefits you deserve. Let us give you a FREE consultation. Fill out the form to the right or call us at 404-400-4000 for a free consultation.
