When it comes to Pound Law in Atlanta, attorneys specialize in various legal fields. It’s crucial to thoroughly research local lawyers before selecting one to represent you.
Partnering with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer from Pound Law means aligning with a professional well-versed in Social Security benefits claims processes. Opting for a lawyer without this expertise might result in missing out on owed money or having your claim denied.
At Pound Law, we’re recognized as The Firm Hand throughout Georgia, dedicated to supporting our clients diligently. Our collective efforts have resulted in over $1 billion in jury awards and settlements in the past twenty years. Equipped with the requisite expertise and abilities, we are committed to assisting you in securing the Social Security disability benefits you’re entitled to.
Reach out to us today to arrange a complimentary consultation. Let’s delve into your situation and explore the avenues available to you.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?
Experiencing an injury while on the job can leave you feeling disoriented, uncertain about the next steps to take. In the United States, workers injured in workplace accidents are safeguarded by disability insurance administered through the Social Security Administration. However, many individuals possess limited knowledge about this system, particularly its nuances within the Atlanta area.
Understanding how this program impacts you is crucial for leveraging it effectively and obtaining the compensation you deserve. Social Security disability serves as a safety net provided by the federal government for workers incapacitated from returning to their regular employment for the foreseeable future. Its primary aim is to offer financial support for covering expenses and supporting families during periods of unemployment due to injury.
Despite its intent to assist, the system has become increasingly complex over time due to policy shifts and bureaucratic intricacies. Navigating through the process of filing claims accurately and punctually can be arduous and bewildering. Consequently, many individuals seek guidance from Social Security disability lawyers to ensure proper adherence to the procedures.
How Much Money Can I Receive for My Disability Benefits?
The benefit you receive depends on your average lifetime income before becoming disabled. For instance, if you had an average annual income of $32,000 throughout your working years, this figure will be used to calculate your benefits.
Here are key details about the benefit amount:
- Most recipients typically receive between $700 and $1,700 per month.
- The average monthly benefit paid per person in 2022 was $1,358.
- The current maximum monthly benefit is $3,345.
- To qualify for the maximum amount, you need to have accumulated 40 Social Security credits during your working years and have reached full retirement age.
- After approval for benefits, there’s a mandatory waiting period of five months before payments commence. This waiting period includes the time taken for the application process, which usually lasts three to five months.
- To bridge the gap between losing the ability to earn income and the start of benefit payments, consult your Social Security disability lawyer in Atlanta to see if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) aims to offer support to individuals who have worked but are now disabled. However, if someone hasn’t worked for a sufficient duration or recently enough and requires aid, there’s an alternative program known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Primarily designed for older adults and individuals with restricted financial means, SSI provides assistance in such situations.
Under certain conditions, you might qualify for both programs. Although they have distinct criteria, consulting with a proficient disability attorney can assist in assessing your potential eligibility and benefits.
Why Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney in Atlanta?
When applying for Social Security disability, you might not initially consider hiring a lawyer, but if your claim gets denied, it’s crucial to enlist an attorney with expertise in disability claims. They and their legal team can assist you in the following scenarios:
- Navigating the filing process if it’s unfamiliar to you.
- Managing overwhelming paperwork or procedures.
- Overcoming language barriers, especially if English isn’t your first language.
- Enhancing your chances of approval.
- Appealing a previous denial of benefits.
- Acquiring essential documents or information to strengthen your case.
- Ensuring you receive the maximum financial compensation allowed by law.
Accidents, whether at work or elsewhere, are often unavoidable. If you’re injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the resulting inability to work could be prolonged or even permanent.
Without a successful Social Security disability claim, you risk losing your home, struggling to pay bills, or even facing hunger within your family. However, you can prevent these dire circumstances by reaching out to a disability lawyer at John Foy & Associates. Specializing in Social Security litigation, our team is dedicated to advocating for your entitlement to maximum benefits, enabling you to regain a semblance of normalcy in your life.
Our attorneys are committed to serving you, even if it means meeting you at your home or hospital to hear your story and initiate your claim promptly.
Factors that Strengthen a Disability Case in Atlanta
Sustaining injuries that render you eligible for Social Security disability can be arduous enough to overcome. However, the added stress of securing the benefits you rightfully deserve can exacerbate the challenge. These benefits are designed to offer financial support when you’re unable to work for a year or more due to physical or mental disabilities. To bolster your claim and enhance its likelihood of approval, it’s imperative to furnish all requisite information.
While it’s disheartening to face denials, it’s crucial not to passively accept such decisions. If you pursued benefits sans legal counsel, you might have inadvertently overlooked eligibility criteria or omitted vital supporting details.
Qualifying for a Social Security Disability Claim
Count on a proficient disability attorney to steer you clear of these pitfalls. Qualifying for Social Security disability hinges on various factors. Whether you believe you meet the criteria or are unsure, reaching out to a lawyer is wise.
Our legal team commits to securing the disability benefits you rightfully deserve. We’ll meticulously examine the essential qualifications with you and explore potential exceptions to bolster your case. Typically, individuals qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- They’ve accumulated sufficient work history according to the Social Security Administration’s standards.
- They’ve been actively employed within the Social Security Administration’s guidelines.
- They’ve earned adequate work credits.
- They’re incapable of performing their previous job.
- They’re unable to transition to alternative employment due to their medical condition.
- Their medical condition is anticipated to persist for at least a year.
- Their monthly income falls below the Social Security limit for the current year.
Factors that Automatically Qualify You for Disability Benefits
In certain instances, you might be entitled to disability benefits through Social Security without navigating the bulk of the claims process. However, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a seasoned Atlanta Social Security disability attorney. Here are three circumstances that automatically render you eligible for disability benefits:
- If you have a disease or injury listed on the Social Security Administration’s roster of “disabling conditions,” you are likely eligible.
- A diagnosis of a severe illness, including many forms of debilitating or terminal cancers, could qualify you for a compassionate allowance.
- Meeting any of the special provisions, such as experiencing low vision, being a surviving spouse, acting as a parent or legal guardian to disabled children, or being a wounded warrior, can qualify you for benefits.
Medical Conditions that Entitle You to Automatic Approval
For many people, obtaining automatic approval for Social Security disability benefits is a viable option when facing various physical or mental impairments. While the typical application process can be lengthy, certain conditions enable individuals to bypass much of the review process, expediting payment receipt. This is especially crucial in cases like terminal cancer, where prompt financial assistance can enable individuals to prioritize time with loved ones over bureaucratic hurdles.
Determining eligibility for automatic approval isn’t as straightforward as matching a medical condition to a list. Consulting with an experienced disability lawyer can provide valuable insights into potential exceptions or extenuating circumstances that may support approval. Some prevalent qualifying conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Senses and speech impairments
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological disorders
- Mental health disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Digestive tract problems
- Kidney disease
To qualify, your impairment must be medically determinable, meaning it stems from demonstrable abnormalities in anatomy, physiology, or psychology. A mere diagnosis from a medical professional isn’t sufficient; you need supporting evidence such as scans, test results, treatment records, and documentation from approved clinical and lab testing procedures.
Why Are Social Security Disability Claims Denied?
The primary reason applications get rejected is incompleteness. Missing information or insufficient supporting evidence often lead to denial. It’s crucial to ensure your medical history is thorough and supported by as many treatment records and test results as possible to increase your chances of approval.
Providing detailed documentation of the severity of your disability greatly strengthens your case. Failing to demonstrate adherence to prescribed treatment plans can also result in denial. The Social Security Administration expects active efforts toward recovery from disability when feasible.
Non-cooperation or failure to submit requested materials can also lead to denial. Additionally, having income exceeding the threshold can result in denial or reduction of benefits.
Disability benefits are intended for individuals unable to work due to injury and recovery. Working, even in a less demanding role, may lead to denial or reduction of benefits. If you’re already receiving benefits and the administration discovers you’re working, your payments may be reduced or stopped altogether.
What to Do If You Are Denied Benefits in Atlanta
Experiencing an accident that hinders both your enjoyment of life and your ability to provide for your family is already incredibly challenging. Learning that your claim for Social Security benefits has been denied can add an overwhelming layer of concern and uncertainty. However, having a dependable disability lawyer in your corner, advocating for what you rightfully deserve, can alleviate some of these anxieties.
It’s a reality that a significant percentage, around 65-70%, of initial benefit applications are denied, often for various reasons. But denial doesn’t signify the end of the road. You retain the option to appeal the decision and take steps to strengthen your claim.
You’re given a window of up to 60 days to initiate an appeal for reconsideration. Acting promptly is crucial, and seeking guidance from a disability lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of success.
During the reconsideration process, it’s essential to furnish any additional documentation that may have been lacking or insufficient in supporting your claim. While it’s possible to face denial multiple times, each rejection makes securing benefits more challenging. This is where the expertise of your attorney becomes paramount.
Get Help from an Atlanta Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
When you’re injured and unable to work, it’s crucial to submit a thorough and robust claim for the benefits you’re entitled to. A Pound Law attorney specializing in Social Security disability cases can make all the difference between receiving the vital support you need and facing financial hardship.
With Pound Law’s reputation for tenacity and expertise in Georgia, our legal team will guide you through the process of filing your claim with compassion and diligence. We’ll stand by your side throughout appeals and reconsiderations, ensuring you don’t have to navigate an uncertain future alone.
Take the first step toward securing your rightful benefits by scheduling a free consultation with our dedicated team. Call or reach out to us online today to discuss your case.