Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal program protecting everyone in Dawsonville and throughout the country. Although SSD as originally created with good intentions, there are pitfalls in the system that prevent many disabled people in America from receiving the benefits they’re due. If you’re disabled and believe you qualify for SSD benefits, it’s best to have a Dawsonville Social Security disability lawyer on your side.
The bureaucratic process of receiving Social Security Disability benefits is lengthy and often complex. If you’re considering working with a lawyer on your case, make sure they know how to represent clients in disability cases. At John Foy & Associates, we have 20+ years of experience working on these types of cases. We understand the hearing process and have first-hand knowledge of the unique aspects of pursuing SSD benefits.
To speak with one of our experienced attorneys today, call us for a FREE consultation at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right. During this free consultation, we’ll discuss your case and what you can do to move forward.
How do I Know If I’m Eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?
If you feel you qualify for SSD, there are a number of different factors to consider. To be sure you qualify, it’s best to contact a social security disability lawyer who can help you. That’s because even if you don’t seem to fit the qualifications for benefits, there may still be exceptions in your case. That being said, here are the seven criteria you typically need to meet you qualify for social security disability benefits:
- You’ve recently worked enough under Social Security.
- You’ve worked long enough enough under the Social Security guidelines.
- You’ve earned enough work credits.
- Your monthly income this year was less than the Social Security Limit.
- You’re unable to perform the type of work you were previously doing.
- Because of a medical condition, you’re unable to adjust to other types of work.
- You’ve had a medical condition (or are expected to have it) for at least one year.
And to automatically qualify for SSD, your condition needs to be on one of these lists:
- The “disabling conditions” list by Social Security
- Compassionate Allowances, which includes conditions like adult brain disorders, certain cancers, and rare disorders affecting children
- Special provisions, including widowers, disabled children, wounded warriors, and those with low vision
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Blue Book that lists a number of physical and mental impairments, such as those above, that automatically quality you for either disability benefits or Supplemental Security income, a different program.
Other conditions that automatically qualify for SSD in Georgia include:
- Cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Musculoskeletal problems like back conditions
- Respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD
- Issues with speech or sense, such as hearing or vision loss
- Mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, autism, schizophrenia, or retardation
- Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s
- Digestive problems like IBD, kidney disease, or liver disease
- Immune system disorders like lupus, HIV/AIDs, and rheumatoid arthritis
But again, even if you don’t fit these criteria, there could be exceptions you might not be aware of. This is why it’s good to speak with a Social Security Disability lawyer who can help you determine your options for your specific condition and assists with the appeals process if your application happens to get denied.
My Application for Social Security Disability Was Already Denied. What Are My Options?
If you’re disabled and aren’t able to perform necessary work tasks, you’re eligible for disability benefits. However, it’s common for the Social Security Administration to deny many disability cases if there were issues like missed deadlines, forms filled out incorrectly, crime convictions, suspicion of fraud, and more.
If your application was already denied, there are four levels of appeals you can go through:
- Filing for a hearing
- Requesting a reconsideration from the SSA
- Requesting a review from the SSA’s Appeals Council
- Suing the SSA in federal court
The first two options are the most likely to offer you a good chance of approval – if you’re able to highlight what was wrong and make changes to the initial application before appealing. The third and fourth options are less likely to get results but still possible. And if you appeal the denial and your appeal is denied too, you’ll have to wait and re-file a new application. If you’re denied during a court hearing, you can file a new application at the same time you appeal that denial.
Does Having a Lawyer Really Make a Difference?
Yes. Because of the possible barriers to receiving disability benefits, it’s important to work with a lawyer who can help you with the approval process so you can still live, feed your family, and stay at home while you’re out or work. A Social Security disability lawyer can also help ensure your application contains all necessary information to help get you approved, such as extremely detailed evidence of your medical treatment and documentation of exactly how your conditions prevents you from working properly.
If you qualify for benefits and are receiving medical treatment for your conditions, never stop pursuing your claim. When it comes to SSD cases, persistence often pays off and can get you results.
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Talk to a Dawsonville Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free
When you’re pursing Social Security benefits that prevent you from working as usual, you need a lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and the financial recovery you deserve. Make sure it’s a Social Security Disability lawyer who understands this specific type of litigation, as it’s much different than a Dawsonville personal injury or car accident case.
At John Foy & Associates, you can rest assured you’re getting the right representation in your case. Our attorneys are on your side to help you receive what you need to support you and your family. And working with us is risk-free—we don’t get paid unless you get the money.
For a FREE consultation, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right today.
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