Did you know that most Social Security Disability claims in Canton are initially denied? In fact, upwards of 70% of applications are immediately rejected nationwide. Unfortunately, many applicants give up at this stage, assuming that they are not really entitled to benefits.
But in many cases they’re simply missing out. The denial could simply be because of a paperwork error or because you didn’t present your information the right way. If you’re counting on your SSD benefits coming through, don’t face the system alone. Get the help of a Canton Social Security Disability lawyer on your side.
John Foy & Associates has helped hundreds of individuals obtain SSD benefits. The SSD program is designed to provide income to those who have a disability and cannot work. If you fit that description and your Social Security Disability application has been denied, it may be time to take the next step.
Let us give you a free consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
How Can an SSD Lawyer Help with My Social Security Claim?
Although many SSD applicants fill out the paperwork themselves, they are far more likely to be successful in obtaining benefits if they use an attorney who is familiar with the process. A good lawyer will know what type of information you need to provide to the reviewers or the administrative law judge. Your attorney will also be able to ask your doctors the right questions to get the medical evidence you need to support your claim.
Even though you may meet the requirements to obtain benefits, submitting just the right information in the right way can be difficult. An SSD lawyer can walk you through the process, help you gather information, and present your case in the best light possible. While success is never guaranteed, all of this experience and knowledge gives you a substantial edge.
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What Is Backpay for SSD?
It often takes several months and even years to obtain Social Security benefits. You may have been unable to work for quite some time before you actually receive benefits. There are several reasons for this slow process.
- The application process takes time. The SSA is a massive government entity that deals with millions of claims. It takes time to process applications and work through the appeal process.
- You must meet the “durational” requirement. You must be expected to be unable to work for at least a year to qualify for benefits. This expectation is hard to prove, so some people choose to just remain off work as required by their doctor or another medical professional. This time off work helps your Social Security Disability claim, but it is not technically required.
- You must meet the waiting period requirement. SSA has a five-month required waiting period to receive benefits that starts as of the date of the onset of your disability. This waiting period is hard for individuals because they often need a paycheck to keep up with ongoing bills, like the mortgage and utility payments.
To account for the delay in providing benefits, SSA gives workers backpay. Backpay “kicks in” on the date that you were disabled and continues until you start receiving SSD benefits. Your backpay will be provided in a lump sum as soon as SSD determines that you’ve qualified to receive benefits, including meeting the waiting period requirement.
Keep in mind that your backpay benefit is based on the amount of benefits you will regularly receive from SSA, not your wages before you stopped working.
How Much Will My SSD Benefits Be?
Everyone’s benefit amounts for SSD are different. That is because benefits are based on how much you made when you were working. SSA will calculate your benefits based on the average amount you earned while you were working. This number is called the “Average Indexed Monthly Earnings” (AIME). Your monthly benefit will be a specific percentage of your AIME. The rate varies depending on your income level.
Your benefits can also be reduced if you are receiving benefits from some other sources, including state disability benefits or workers’ compensation benefits. The most you can get in benefits is 80% of your before-disability earnings.
How Much Will a Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer Cost?
Many disabled individuals in Canton hesitate to get an attorney because they assume it will be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. At John Foy & Associates, we believe that the purpose of your benefits is to help you and your family make ends meet—and we respect that. We make it as easy and affordable as possible to get the legal help you need so that you can get your application approved.
There are two ways we ensure affordability:
- We charge nothing unless we get you money. All of our work is done on a strict contingency basis. That means that if we get your benefits approved, we take a fee out of those initial benefits and you keep the lion’s share. If we don’t get you money, you owe us nothing at all.
- There are hard limits on our fees. Federal law puts limits on how much lawyers can charge a client for helping with their SSD benefits. We support these laws and believe the money should go where it’s intended—to you and your loved ones.
You don’t need to spend anything to get legal advice. Take advantage of a free consultation and get the help you need.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free
Getting disability benefits is not an easy process, even if you clearly qualify. Don’t get discouraged if you were denied—it is extremely common. The team at John Foy & Associates can help you prepare and present your application in the best light possible to increase your odds of getting benefits.
We can also help you through the appeal process if you’ve been denied benefits. Let us give you a FREE consultation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
