Getting approved for Social Security Disability insurance benefits (SSD) in Austell isn’t often a smooth process, even if you clearly qualify. As an American who paid into the system, you should have the right to this insurance if you’re unable to work because of a disability. Sadly, approval for social security disability claims will be difficult.
At John Foy & Associates, we have a strong history of working with social security disability law and helping our clients who need SSD insurance finally get approved. So whether this is your first time applying or you’ve gotten denied several times, we’re here to help. Call us or simply fill out the form to the right for your free consultation.
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How does Social Security Disability Work in Austell?
SSD was initially set in place by the Social Security Act as a way to protect workers if they become disabled. SSD was supposed to provide insurance for workers if they couldn’t work and support themselves due to their disability.
Under the Social Security Act, a worker who becomes disabled and can no longer work gets paid regular payments to help cover living costs, such as rent and other basic needs, for themselves and their families. In addition, any type of disability may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, including serious diseases like cancer.
The disability also does not have to be related to your work, but it could include a disability resulting from a job injury or a personal injury.
Impairments that Qualify as Disabilities Under the Social Security Administration (SSA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which is the agency that processes claims, keeps a list of impairments in its Blue Book. The list includes disabilities related to:
- Musculoskeletal system
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Skin disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Mental health disorders
- Cancer
These SSDI benefits are available to anyone who truly needs them. But, unfortunately, receiving these benefits is not as easy as it should be. The SSA routinely denies them for minor reasons like a clerical error, missing paperwork, or by saying more documentation is needed.
Even good people who are disabled and clearly have a strong work history get turned away. This is why it’s so beneficial to work with a lawyer who knows the system and can help you make changes to improve your chances for approval.
How does the SSA Decide Who Gets Approved and Who doesn’t?
To get approved for SSDI, you’ll need to prove to the SSA that your disability is legitimate and that you have a long enough work history to qualify. The SSA will look at criteria like the following when considering your claim:
- Whether you earned enough work credits (worked enough hours) in your past
- If you worked recently and had 20 or more work credits within the 10 years before your claim (and if you don’t meet the requirement for work credits, they’ll look at if you qualify as low income)
- If you have documentation from a doctor that your condition was medically diagnosed
- Whether the condition is terminal or likely to last at least a year or more
- If your condition keeps you from working your previous job
- Whether the condition prevents you from getting a new work/entering a new line of work
The SSA will also require paperwork to support each of these points. Most people seeking Social Security Disability will meet the above criteria, but not having documentation to support them can lead their claim to be denied.
What If My SSDI Application Gets Denied?
Finding out your SSDI application got denied is certainly disheartening. But you aren’t alone. First-time applicants are routinely denied benefits in Austell, and it never means all hope is lost. Denials are usually a result of issues with:
- Paperwork
- Lack of documentation
- Or the SSA making a wrongful denial
After being denied, you can appeal your SSDI application. And thankfully, even though you got denied during the first process, your chances are good of getting approved the second time around. But this is only if you don’t try to appeal the application alone. We find many applicants will simply send in the same or similar paperwork as they did during their first appeal. But this rarely works.
You need a legal professional who can look at the first application, find the reason for the denial, and help you make the changes for your best chance at getting approved. This is why it’s so vital to work with an Austell Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible.
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What Can Cause My SSD Application to Be Denied?
There are several ways your application for SSD insurance benefits can get denied outside of clerical errors:
- You earn too much money.
- The SSA deems your disability isn’t severe enough.
- You don’t take good care of your health, or you don’t take proper cautions to maintain your health.
- You have a criminal record or committed fraud on your application.
Remember, don’t give up hope just because of your application denial. A rejection doesn’t mean the end of your chances to receive benefits. When you talk to one of our Austell social security disability lawyers, you will learn about all of the legal options you can take to ensure you get the money you deserve.
If I Can’t Work Because of a Mental Health Condition, Am I Eligible for SSD?
Yes. Mental health disorders fall under the SSA’s list of impairments. That includes:
- Affective disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Mental retardation
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- Substance addiction
Just like with a physical condition that prevents you from working, you’ll need to show you meet the criteria to qualify for benefits and that you can’t engage in a gainful activity because of it. This varies depending on the type of mental disorder. You’ll also need to show documentation that you’re receiving and following proper treatment for your mental illness while you’re in the process of claiming benefits.
Let a Social Security Disability Attorney in Austell Help You
When you hire one of our social security disability lawyers in Austell, you get experienced lawyers who can support you throughout the appeals or application process. We will:
- Help you gather evidence and organize your medical records to prove your disability.
- Ensure that all of your application materials are correct and filled out accurately.
- Handle all of the legal work involved in your case.
- Help you understand all of the legal options available to you.
- Handle your communications with other parties.
Don’t underestimate the amount of benefit hiring a lawyer can bring you. While you can appeal and fight for your SSD insurance benefits alone, you shouldn’t. At the very least, you should get a free case review to learn about how our team can help you.
With Us, You Can Enjoy No Upfront or Hidden Fees
Most people stress about hiring an Austell Social Security disability lawyer because they think that it’s going to be extremely expensive. The truth is, only predatory law firms will try to rip you out of your benefits. We never charge anything upfront, and we will never add on any hidden fees. We’re honest and transparent about our pricing.
We know that this is a challenging time physically, emotionally, and financially for you. The last thing we ever want to do is be another source of frustration and strain. There is no risk or obligation when you meet one of our experienced social security disability lawyers in Austell.
Our results and client testimonials speak for themselves. If we can’t get you the benefits you need, you don’t have to pay us anything at all. Our social security disability lawyers only get paid if we can bring successful results for your case.
Contact Our Austell Social Security Disability Lawyers Today
At John Foy & Associates, we work tirelessly to help our clients receive the benefits they need to support themselves and their families. Never take a denial as a sign that you’ll never get approved. If you have a disability that prevents you from working, it’s your right to receive these benefits. To get started today, call us or complete the form to the right, and we’ll give you a FREE consultation.
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