The Social Security Disability (SSD) program is a federal insurance program that provides benefits to workers with long-term disabilities that make them unable to work. It’s essential to use a Stone Mountain Social Security Disability lawyer. Using a lawyer can increase the likelihood that you get benefits.
John Foy & Associates has helped hundreds of people get SSDI benefits. We understand that getting these benefits could mean the difference between living independently instead of living with family or friends. We also realize that being denied benefits can be frustrating and confusing. Call us and get your free consultation today.
How Can a Social Security Disability Attorney in Stone Mountain Help Me?
Our Stone Mountain social security disability lawyers can help you in various ways:
- Gather all of the evidence and application materials required for approval
- Inform you about all of the legal options available if you get rejected
- Assist you in filing an appeal
- Ensuring that all of your paperwork gets filed correctly
- Handling all of your communications and ensuring that your best interests get represented at all times
We want you to focus on your health. Let us handle all of the grunt work required to get approved for SSD benefits. Our primary goal is to see you get the money you deserve after many years of work and contributing to the system.
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What Kind of Information do I Need to Provide with My SSD Application in Stone Mountain?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency in charge of reviewing SSD applications. But, they will usually use regional state-run entities to help process applications. Therefore, as part of your initial application, you should provide a variety of supporting documents.
If you don’t give SSA any additional information, they are much more likely to deny your claim. These documents may include the following.
Medical Evidence
Evidence of your disability from your doctor is perhaps the most critical piece of your application. Medical evidence should indicate not only what your medical conditions are but how severe they may be.
You should also have an opinion from a doctor about how long your disability is expected to last. Your medical records will need to be extensive. They should include both past and present medical information.
Employment Information
You should also include information about, at least, your last five employers. If your previous five employers don’t go back 15 years, you may want to add a few more in too. Provides dates when you started and finished work as well as a general description of what you did.
If you had accommodations at a job, it might be a good idea to get a letter from that employer confirming those accommodations. Likewise, if your employment ended because of your disability, a letter describing those facts might be helpful too.
Prescription Information
It’s also a good idea to include information about what medications you’re currently taking. Your doctor or pharmacist in the City of Stone Mountain will likely be able to provide you with a complete listing. You can also get a letter from your doctor indicating how long they expect you’ll have to take this medication.
Other Insurance Information
If you have another type of insurance, such as through short-term disability or workers’ compensation, it might be helpful to include information about those benefits. In some cases, SSA will be able to contact that insurance company to get information about your disability that can help your claim for SSD benefits.
Vital Information
You will also need evidence of essential information, such as your birth certificate. You can send in a copy, but you should bring the original if you meet an SSA representative in person. Other vital information, including information about your spouse and children, should be provided as well.
Evidence that Shows Your Daily Activities
Letters of support from friends and family can also be helpful for your application. SSA will want to know what your daily life looks like. Your family may be the best resource to indicate what you do on a regular basis, including how your disability affects your abilities to do basic things, like chores around the house or taking care of children.
Gathering all this information can be a daunting task. But, having someone on your side who has experience building these applications can be an invaluable resource.
How does the SSA Decide Whether Someone Is Disabled?
The SSA has a precise definition of “disability” that they use to evaluate your application. In fact, they even have a nearly comprehensive list of impairments that they consider disabling for purposes of receiving SSDI benefits. As a rule, your disability should:
- Inhibit your ability to work in any occupation; and
- Affect you for at least one year
The one-year requirement doesn’t have to be certain, but you should have an indication from your doctor that they expect that your condition will last at least one year. Also, you don’t have to be permanently disabled to get SSDI benefits—there is only a one-year duration requirement. Keep in mind that just because your doctor says you are disabled, that doesn’t automatically mean you are disabled, but that type of opinion is vital to your application.
SSD defines “work” for our purposes as “substantial gainful activity.” That is a certain level or type of work. That means that you can still work a few hours and be considered disabled for purposes of SSD.
Your specific condition will dictate how much money you can earn and still be eligible for benefits. These amounts are low, and they are generally under $1,170 per month, which equates to roughly $14,000 per year.
Don’t Give Up If You Received a Rejection
The Social Security Act isn’t meant to be a charity. It’s a system that all workers in America pay into over the course of their careers. The SSA is notorious for giving out rejections, but that doesn’t mean you should just throw in the towel and not receive the benefits you deserve.
It can be difficult to know how to appeal a rejection. The legal jargon and bureaucracy of the SSA aren’t easy to navigate alone. Instead of missing out on money necessary to help secure a stable living after you can no longer work, hire a lawyer. It’s the best investment you can make to ensure that you can get SSDI benefits.
No Hidden or Upfront Fees
When you retain one of our Stone Mountain Social Security disability attorneys, you can rest easy knowing that there are no upfront or hidden fees. With years of trusted service for hundreds of clients, we are always honest and transparent in everything we do. If we can’t recover benefits on your behalf, you owe us nothing for our services.
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Stone Mountain for Free
If you got denied benefits or you are considering applying for the first time, it’s a good idea to involve an SSD lawyer. Our team can evaluate your situation and determine if you qualify for benefits. John Foy & Associates can also be a valuable resource at any step in the appeal process. Contact us to get your free consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
