Social Security Disability Lawyer in Carrollton

If a serious medical condition has made it hard or impossible for you to work, you may be looking for a Social Security Disability lawyer in Carrollton who truly understands what you’re going through. Applying for disability benefits can feel overwhelming. The paperwork is long. The rules are strict. And a denial letter can feel deeply discouraging.

At John Foy & Associates, our Carrollton personal injury lawyers have helped injured and disabled Georgians since 2003. Known across the state as The Strong Arm™, we bring over 350 years of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients.

If you’re struggling to get approved for benefits, you don’t have to face it alone. Even if you’ve been denied benefits in the past, we can go through your case line by line and build your appeal to ensure you get the outcome you deserve. Let us give you a FREE consultation.

How a Lawyer Can Help

You are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for disability benefits. However, the Social Security system can be confusing, and even small mistakes can delay your case for months or sometimes years. Missing paperwork, incomplete medical records, or unclear answers can all lead to denials.

Working with a Carrollton Social Security Disability lawyer can help you avoid those setbacks and present the strongest case possible from the start.

There are many things an SSDI lawyer can do. At John Foy & Associates, we:

• Review your application before it is filed
• Identify missing medical evidence and request proper documentation
• Prepare you for hearings so you know what to expect
• Question vocational experts at disability hearings
• Handle deadlines, filings, and communication with the SSA

We understand this process is not just about paperwork. It is about your rent, your groceries, your medical care, and your peace of mind. Having experienced guidance can make a big difference in protecting your future.

What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to people who cannot work because of a serious medical condition. To qualify, you must:

• Have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be unable to perform substantial work
• Have worked long enough to earn work credits through Social Security taxes

“Work credits” simply mean you paid into the system while you were working. Most people earn credits automatically through their paychecks.

There is also a program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is based on financial need rather than work history. Some people may qualify for one or both programs.

What are My Chances of Getting Approved for SSD?

You may have heard that it’s nearly impossible to receive SSD benefits, and that’s true in one sense—many people are initially denied. But quite a few of those decisions get reversed through the appeals process, and it has been shown that having a lawyer represent you increases your odds of being approved.

Currently, the acceptance rate for initial applications remains pretty steady at around 1 in 3. If that sounds low, bear in mind that this includes many applicants who either don’t meet the eligibility requirements at all or simply don’t have the work history to qualify for SSD.

And many of those who are rejected initially go on to be approved on a first or second appeal—eventually, appeals are heard by administrative judges rather than Social Security Administration employees. Judges tend to have a higher approval rate.

We Can Help You if You’ve Been Denied

During your initial consultation, our legal team will work to get you an accurate idea of whether you qualify for SSD, both in terms of your medical condition and in terms of your work history.

If you do not qualify, we may also be able to help you get approved for other types of benefits, based on either low-income status or having a short-term medical condition.

We believe that every disabled person should get the benefits that the law provides. We can make sure your medical information is detailed enough to support your claim and fight to get you approved.

Why are so Many Claims Denied?

Many first-time Social Security Disability applications are denied. That does not mean you are not disabled or that you do not qualify for disability benefits. It often means there were issues with how the claim was submitted.

Common Reasons for Denial

Claims are frequently denied because:

• Medical records were incomplete
• Forms were filled out incorrectly or lacked detail
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) believes you can still work

The Social Security Administration applies strict eligibility criteria. They use a five-step review process to decide if you qualify. A key part of that process is determining whether you can perform “substantial gainful activity.” This simply means steady work that earns above a set monthly amount.

If they believe you can work in any meaningful capacity, your claim may be denied.

The Importance of Medical Documentation

Strong medical documentation is critical. It is not enough to show you have a diagnosis. Your records must clearly explain how your condition limits your ability to sit, stand, focus, lift, or complete tasks consistently.

The Appeal Process and Disability Hearing

If your claim is denied, you can start the appeal process. Many people are approved after a disability hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is your opportunity to present updated evidence and explain your limitations.

While you are not dealing with insurance companies, the system is still complex. Our Carrollton Social Security Disability attorneys can help ensure your case meets SSA eligibility criteria and is properly prepared at every stage.

How Soon Should I Apply for SSD?

Generally, once you have become disabled or unable to work, you should start the application process right away. It’s worth it to take time to make a strong application, but we can often get your application filed within weeks.

As long as we can document that your condition is likely to last a year or more, or is terminal, the sooner it’s filed, the better. The reason for this is to get you benefits as soon as possible—and it will take time in the slow-moving federal system.

Once approved, benefits can sometimes be backdated, but this is limited to up to one year before the date of filing. If you have a condition that has kept you from your job or created a substantial change in your ability to work, you need to act as soon as possible.

Talk to a Carrollton Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are thinking about applying for benefits or appealing a denial, it is important to understand your rights. Small errors can lead to long delays.

Speaking with our Social Security Disability lawyers in Carrollton can help you move forward with confidence. The legal team at John Foy & Associates is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

You deserve respect. You deserve clear answers. And you deserve someone fighting for your future. If you’re still wondering if you need an SSDI lawyer, reach out today for a free consultation.