Many people in Riverdale with a medical condition that prevents them from working are eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits – but every day, people get denied these benefits. One of the best ways to improve your chances of approval is by hiring a Social Security Disability attorney in Riverdale for help.
Social Security Disability benefits started as a safety net to protect those who become disabled and unable to work. It’s a system meant to provide you with regular income to support those with disabilities (and their families) to cover living costs. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of applicants actually get approved for these benefits each year.
At John Foy & Associates, we have helped countless individuals with their SSD applications so they can get approved for the benefits they desperately need. We have more than 20 years of experience, and you pay nothing unless we win you money.
Should I Get a Lawyer for Social Security Disability?
Some people find that their SSD applications are easy to fill out and that they have very little difficulty gathering the materials they need. However, that’s often not the case. Many applicants have trouble figuring out what they need for their claim and how to get it.
If you’re having trouble with your claim, then you should get in touch with a Social Security Disability lawyer in Riverdale. There’s no risk in working with our team–our attorneys don’t get paid unless you successfully collect benefits, so you don’t have to worry about paying fees for a lawyer who doesn’t get you results.
Some SSD applicants might even find that the Georgia Social Security Administration (SSA) has denied their initial claim. If that’s the case, then you should definitely have an attorney by your side to appeal that decision. A denied claim isn’t the end of the road, but without legal help, it’s very hard to turn the decision around.
If you’re not sure whether it’s worth getting a lawyer for your claim, you can always get a free consultation with one of our SSD attorneys. We’ll assess your situation and tell you what steps you should take to get the benefits you need.
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How Much do Lawyers Get Paid for Social Security Disability?
Many Social Security Disability attorneys in Riverdale don’t take anything upfront, and only get paid once you get compensation. Their lawyer fees will come out of your past-due benefits, which is the money that you get when your application is accepted, as opposed to the ongoing benefits you may get in the future.
The federal government prohibits any SSD attorney from charging more than 25% of your benefits or $6,000, whichever is less. That way, you can have enough of your well-deserved compensation to support yourself and your family.
When you meet with one of our personal injury attorneys in Riverdale, they will tell you how much their fees are likely to be. They’ll come to an agreement with you as to their price, then they’ll get to work to make sure you get your benefits.
Why Social Security Disability Is So Important
Social Security Disability is provided by the Social Security Administration, an independent government agency. SSD benefits are provided through Social Security taxes, which are deducted from everyone’s paychecks to source two main programs:
- Social Security retirement benefits and
- Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits
The earliest someone can start receiving retirement benefits is at age 62. But according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), a young person beginning a career today has a one in three chance of qualifying for SSD or dying before they reach the full retirement age under Social Security. Plus, the risk of becoming disabled increases substantially with age.
SSD benefits are not just a perk; they are essential for many, many Americans who have become disabled at no fault of their own and can no longer work. Anyone can become disabled at any time, which takes an enormous toll on a family’s income and ability to survive.
The above information is why SSD benefits are so necessary for many individuals – and why we are so committed to getting you the benefits you need and deserve. Our firm has been working for decades to help people get compensation, and we know how much benefits may matter to you and your loved ones.
Your Chances of Getting Approved for Social Security Disability Benefits in Riverdale
Many applicants are denied SSD benefits, especially on the first application – even if they meet the qualifications:
- You must have a medical condition that the SSA recognizes as a disability.
- You must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes through your income over the past 10 years.
The best way to improve your chances of getting approved for benefits is by talking to an experienced lawyer. Many law offices will say they take on SSD cases, but you want to work with someone who can specialize in these claims.
Many SSD denials result from a lack of enough evidence for qualifications, paperwork errors, or other things that just need to be changed or improved. However, it’s hard to know where to start without consulting a legal professional who knows what the SSA is looking for to approve an application.
How Long It Takes to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits
The amount of time someone waits for Social Security Disability benefits depends on the situation. If you are approved on your first application, you may receive benefits within a few months. Your payments cannot begin until you’ve been disabled for at least five months, so payments typically start on your sixth month of disability.
The SSA will send you a letter if you are approved for benefits, and they will outline what your monthly payments will be and when they will officially start. The amount of time it takes to receive an approval or denial will depend on how long it takes the SSA to process your application. Initial claims typically take 30 to 90 days to process.
Disability benefits also continue for as long as your condition has not improved and prevents you from working. At your free initial consultation, your Riverdale Social Security Disability attorney will listen to your story and tell you how long they think it could take to get benefits, as well as how long your benefits will last if your claim is successful.
What Happens If Your Social Security Disability Application Is Denied
If you send your SSD application and get a rejection, you have options. Do not assume that all hope is lost for you to receive benefits. Call a trusted Riverdale Social Security disability lawyer, and read up on your appeal options.
There are four levels of appeal after an SSD application has been denied:
- Requesting a reconsideration
- Filing for an administrative law judge hearing
- Requesting an Appeals Council review
- Suing the SSA in Federal Court
The first two levels are most promising, and you’ll want to have a lawyer on your side to help you navigate each. You’ll need to clearly show what was changed with your initial application, and you’ll need to make all necessary changes before any level of the appeal. If it’s found that you were wrongfully denied benefits, you may get approved for the benefits you need.
When the SSA sends you a letter explaining that you were denied benefits, they will describe why you were denied. Your Social Security Disability lawyer in Riverdale will use this information to help you properly appeal the application. They will also look at your application themselves and determine what needs to be changed or improved.
Talk to a Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer in Riverdale, GA for Free Today
The Riverdale Social Security Disability lawyers at John Foy & Associates are extremely passionate about helping people get the SSD benefits they need and deserve. You should not have to bear the burden of not accessing the benefits you’ve paid into through your taxes for so many years. Let us help you, starting with a free consultation today.
To get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation and get assigned to the best lawyer for your situation, call us or contact us online today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
