It’s not easy to get approved for social security disability (SSD) benefits in Athens, even if you need them. But it’s your right as an American who paid into the Social Security system to receive benefits when you need them. Unfortunately, the government agency in charge of reviewing and approving SSD claims makes the process difficult – that’s why you need an Athens Social Security disability attorney.
John Foy & Associates has some of the most experienced social security disability lawyers in Athens. Our firm has over 20 years of experience helping individuals get approved for their benefits. In that time, we have grown to become one of the state’s largest and most respected SSD law firms, so call us today and let us evaluate your case for free.
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How does Social Security Disability Work in Athens?
The federal Social Security Act originally established SSD insurance. It was conceived of as a sort of insurance policy to protect workers in the event that they become disabled. Since a disability can rob you of the ability to work and support yourself, SSD provides a sort of “safety net” to provide you with an income.
Under the Social Security Act, if you develop a disability that prevents you from working, you are given disability benefit payments that will help you pay your rent and basic necessities. In some cases, an SSDI payment is the difference between being able to take care of your family or not.
Unfortunately, the government doesn’t always make it that easy. The agency in charge of processing claims is the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Athens SSA office has a reputation for denying claims based on missing paperwork, minor clerical errors, or simply because they demand more documentation.
What Will Your Social Security Disability Lawyers Do for Me?
Our social security disability lawyers can do many things to help you in several different ways to ensure that you get the SSD benefits that you’ve been paying for all your working life. For instance, they can:
Ensure You File Your Application Properly
One of the most common reasons people get denied SSD benefits is that they didn’t fill out their application correctly. Even making a minor mistake or forgetting one section is enough for the SSA to reject you. Our Social Security disability attorneys in Athens have experience with these applications and can ensure you get them filed entirely and accurately.
Gather Evidence and Medical Records
If your claim gets denied, you will need strong evidence and your medical records to prove your disability and inability to work. Remember, even people with valid disabilities get denied for trivial reasons. We won’t let the SSA get away with that. After gathering evidence and proof of your disability, we will help you appeal your decision and get you the benefits you deserve.
Handle All Legal Aspects of Your Case
You don’t have to spend all of your time making appeals. We don’t want you to go through all of the loopholes and processes involved with applying and receiving your SSD benefits. We know that getting denied is crushing and can put you in a position of financial strain.
While you move forward with your life, allow us to handle everything on your behalf. With lots of money on the line, you shouldn’t risk having any room for error. We are experienced, dedicated, and will help you get the money you need. Let us handle all of the legal aspects surrounding your case.
How do I Know If I Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Any kind of disability can potentially qualify you for SSD. It doesn’t have to be a work-related injury or even necessarily an injury at all. For example, people with serious diseases such as cancer qualify for SSD benefits too. The benefits are supposed to be available to all who need them.
As a general rule, all former workers who cannot work because of a disability qualify for SSD benefits. This includes both physical disabilities and psychological ones. But you need to prove to the SSA that you worked enough in the past to qualify and that your disability is legitimate.
Here are the criteria the SSA looks at:
- Did you earn enough work credits by working enough hours in the past, under SSA rules?
- Have you worked recently prior to your disability claim (20+ work credits in the past 10 years)
- If you don’t meet the work credit requirements, do you qualify as low income?
- Do you have a medically diagnosed condition with documentation from a doctor?
- Is your medical condition terminal?
- If the condition isn’t terminal, is it likely to last 1 year or more?
- Does your condition prevent you from performing your previous job?
- Does your condition prevent you from entering a new line of work?
For most people seeking SSD insurance benefits, the answer to the above questions is “yes.” But the SSA will require paperwork to support your claim, and this is where many applicants go awry.
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Are There Specific Conditions that Count as Disabilities?
Any condition that prevents you from working will count, but there are some specific conditions the SSA already considers disabilities. If your condition isn’t on the list, it’s harder to get approved. The SSA’s list of “disabling conditions” is broad, however, and includes things like:
- Back problems
- Heart problems
- Blindness, low vision, and hearing loss
- Nerve conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Mental disorders such as anxiety disorders or depression
- Gastrointestinal disorders like IBS
- Life-threatening illnesses like cancer or kidney disease
- Severe asthma
All of these conditions are seen as potentially preventing you from working. Even if you have one of these conditions, you may have to justify it being advanced enough to count.
An exception is a group of severe conditions that qualify for “compassionate allowance.” These always count as disabilities and include kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious medical conditions. The SSA provides a list of disabling conditions.
Remember, you don’t need any of these conditions to qualify for disability. Any condition qualifies if it prevents you from working.
What If I Already Had My Social Security Disability Claim Denied?
You aren’t alone – this is very common for first-time applicants in Athens. Fortunately, there is an appeals process, so when you appeal your SSD application, there is a good chance you can get it approved even though it got denied in the first round. However, you shouldn’t try to handle the appeal yourself.
Many applicants submit their appeal with the same or similar paperwork to the first one. Unfortunately, this just means the SSA will deny it again. Eventually, you will run out of appeals, and then you may miss your chance at disability payments forever.
If you have already had your SSD application denied, it is imperative that you speak to a lawyer.
Why Should I Trust Your Lawyers?
Not all lawyers are equally experienced with Social Security claims. Many take these cases simply because they see it as an easy way to pick up clients. But those lawyers may not have the experience to appeal a denied SSD claim successfully.
In some cases, they may not even be familiar with the reasons the Social Security Administration turns down applications or the specific information most likely to get you approved. Any lawyer who offers to help you with your claim should have a strong history of successfully helping people just like you. They should be dedicated to Social Security disability law.
Our social security disability lawyers are honest, transparent, and dedicated to helping you get the legal support you need. Don’t let the SSA deny you of your benefits without a fight. With no fees upfront, we only charge you if we successfully resolve your case, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn about your legal rights and options.
Talk to an Athens Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free
Getting your disability benefits may be the only way to pay your rent. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. At John Foy & Associates, we believe in helping people like you get the benefits you deserve. Don’t wait. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
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