Making Social Security Disability Benefits More Accessible For You
Last updated on January 22, 2024
If a disabling injury or health condition prevents you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD/SSDI) provides monthly income and medical coverage. The amount of your benefits is based on how much you paid into the Social Security system through payroll deductions, subject to a maximum benefit. The vast majority of initial claims are denied, but with the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you may eventually win SSDI benefits.
At Skibiel Law in Jonesboro, we represent Social Security Disability claimants throughout the surrounding counties of metro Atlanta. Our established Georgia law firm is known for diligent legal work and attentive care of our clients. We will shepherd your claim through all hearings or appeals necessary to win your SSDI benefits.
Our SSDI Attorney Can Help You Through The Process
Our Social Security Disability lawyer, Joshua Landers, will personally handle your case. We invite you to contact us early in the SSDI application process to give you the best opportunity to obtain benefits. Most people are turned down on the initial claim and reconsideration. The third stage of a denied claim is a chance to tell your story to an administrative law judge. We prepare clients to convince the judge in your ALJ hearing that you cannot participate in the workforce and need SSDI benefits.
Who Is Eligible For Social Security Disability?
If you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet specific medical criteria and demonstrate why your condition prevents you from working.
You may be eligible to apply for SSDI benefits if:
- You are unable to find or sustain work because of your disability.
- You have been or expect to be out of work for 12 months.
- You have earned sufficient work credits in the last five years.
You may qualify for SSDI if you meet the stringent medical criteria of a listed impairment, or if you have multiple impairments that inhibit your ability to work. Claimants over the age of 50 and claimants with limited education also get special consideration because of their diminished employment prospects.
Qualifying Impairments Under Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration recognizes dozens of medical conditions, both physical ailments and mental impairments, as disabling. You do not have to be bedridden to receive Social Security Disability benefits, but you must file under one of the SSA’s listed categories of impairments, which include:
- Mental health impairments, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or schizophrenia
- Mental impairments, including traumatic brain injury or learning disabilities
- Back and neck injuries
- Orthopedic injuries (broken bones)
- Arthritis and degeneration of joints
- Crohn’s disease and colitis
- Lung problems, including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and COPD
- Complications of diabetes
- Fibromyalgia or lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Migraines
- Leukemia or cancer
- Complex regional pain syndrome/RSD
- Congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease and other disabling heart issues
- Complications of stroke
- Liver disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Vision and hearing impairments
We are familiar with the medical criteria for many of the physical and mental impairments listed by the Social Security Administration. We have been successful with both physical and mental impairment claims. We understand the SSA rules and procedures, including special considerations that may help your case. Our disability attorney will help you determine if you are eligible and how to present your claim in the most favorable light.
We Work To Make SSDI Applications Stronger And Easier
Some people are denied SSDI benefits because they are not truly disabled. However, many people with legitimate illnesses and impairments are turned down for technical reasons or for lack of medical evidence to support their claim. These problems can be avoided or overcome with the help of a knowledgeable disability lawyer.
We invite people to contact us early in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Our advice and review will give you the best chance of success in the early stages of the claims process. If your claim is denied – as the majority of initial claims are – our familiarity with you and your medical files will help us present a strong case for you during the appeals process.
Applying For Social Security Disability In Georgia
We can advocate for you at every stage of the process, including:
- Initial consideration – We help clients “fill in the blanks” on their applications so that the SSA can make a determination based on the listed criteria or special considerations (age, education, multiple health problems).
- Reconsideration – If you received a Notice of Denial, you can request a formal review. We will help you update your medical records and meet the deadlines. About 90 percent of claim denials are upheld on reconsideration, but this is a necessary step and you cannot miss the deadline.
- Disability hearing – You have 60 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) who only considers SSDI cases. The ALJ hearing is your opportunity to tell your story in person and represents your best chance of winning benefits. We will prepare you for this important but intimidating court appearance.
- Appeals Council – If the judge upholds your denial of benefits, we can ask the SSA’s Appeals Council to determine if the judge followed the law and made the right decision based on the evidence presented. The council can grant benefits, deny benefits or send the case back to the ALJ for a re-hearing.
- Court appeals – If there is a question of law, an unfavorable ruling in the administrative process can be appealed in the appellate courts of Georgia.
Having a seasoned attorney like ours by your side can make all the difference in getting the SSD benefits you deserve.
Start Pursuing SSD Benefits Today
There is little margin for error in the complex Social Security Disability system. Put your best forward by hiring a law firm with a history of effective representation on behalf of the injured and disabled.
We understand how complex and frustrating the process can be. Our mission is to put you in the best position to obtain your benefits, including retroactive payments, as soon as possible.
Start today with a free attorney consultation. You can call us locally at 770-400-0963 or toll-free at 770-968-3554.