Unfortunately, accidents and long-term injuries can be a part of life for many people. If this has happened to you, you might be worried about how you will feed yourself and your loved ones without a steady cash flow. This does not even include all the medical bills. So, you may be stressed wondering how you will make it. Although hiring an attorney during the Social Security Disability application process is not required, having an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney like Ellene Welsh to represent you may significantly increase your chances for approval.
Once you apply for Social Security Disability and get denied, contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in Columbus, Georgia as fast as possible. It is critical to move swiftly because your case could take months or even years to be heard before an Administrative Law Judge. Call The Law Office of Ellene Welsh today at 706-984-8963 for a complimentary consultation with your trustworthy Columbus, GA SSDI attorney.
Social Security Benefits Requirements in West Georgia
You could qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if you’ve had a permanent or temporary injury that hinders you from being able to work for at least 12 months. Before being qualified to apply, you have to have a certain amount of past work experience and have contributed to this plan.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are a type of financial help and support that does not demand an employment history. SSI was developed to help individuals who cannot work due to long-term disabilities.
To get Social Security Disability benefits in Douglasville, throughout the Columbus metro area and elsewhere in West Georgia, you must first inform the Social Security Administration of your past work history. Also, you’ll have to prove that you now have a medical condition that makes it extremely difficult to take a job. In particular, you have to illustrate that:
- You can’t do your job because of your health problem.
- A health care professional has documented what’s wrong with you.
- Your doctor believes that your affliction could last at least 12 months.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- You have at least 20 “work credits” based on the last ten years of job history to get benefits from Social Security.
- If your prior work history didn’t give you sufficient work credits to qualify for benefits, you need to prove that you have a low income.
These requirements may seem simple, but gathering and presenting the paperwork needed to prove your qualifications to the Social Security Administration could take a long time and be very challenging. Of course, a rejection could make the situation much worse, but we can guide you through it and help you fight for benefits that you may be entitled to.
Some conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits include:
- Liver disease.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Epilepsy.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Connective tissue disorders.
- Inflammatory arthritis.
There is a list of mental and physical disabilities created by the Social Security Administration for which an applicant may be eligible for SSD benefits. Nevertheless, just because you don’t meet a requirement doesn’t mean you’ll be turned down; this list might not include all disabilities that apply. If you would like to read more about qualifying from the Social Security website, visit here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
All these reasons are why you need to contact The Law Office of Ellene Welsh in West Georgia. In addition, you’ll need to discuss other facets of your case and see if we can assist you in acquiring the benefits you deserve. For example, you might be entitled to social security benefits in Douglasville, throughout the Columbus metro area and elsewhere in West Georgia if you have a specific illness.
Here are a few examples:
- Kidney illnesses
- Immune system diseases
- Autoimmune disorders
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological diseases
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Speech and sensory issues
- Heart and circulatory problems
- Depression, autism, anxiety, and other mental illnesses
West Georgia, Has Your SSD or SSI Claim Been Denied?
We could assist you if your initial SSD or SSI claim was denied. Attorney Ellene Welsh will:
- Help with the possibility of family benefits
- Advise you if your mental disability should qualify
- Verify that you have received appropriate medical care
- Describe the claims procedure and take you step by step through the entire appeals process
Since these claims are widely recognized to take a long time, we will use our many years of experience to try and expedite your case, so you receive the benefits you require as fast as possible.
Why Was My SSD Claim in West Georgia Denied?
Denial of SSI benefits can happen for a variety of reasons. First, the worker processing your case may be unfamiliar with your impairment. Or your documents may contain an error. Alternatively, the government might ask for additional documentation.
Other potential reasons for a social security benefit denial include the following:
- You failed to provide your medical records.
- You may have missed a deadline.
- You earn more than a predetermined sum of money.
- You were unable to keep an appointment with your SSA-approved physician.
You might be required to wait months as a series of setbacks derail what appears to be a simple process. Meanwhile, you are receiving no benefits. To try and avoid going through such a stressful process alone, call our Columbus, GA Social Security disability attorneys to help you today.
If your claim is denied, we will attend hearings and handle the appeals. Based on our prior experience, we understand what it takes to create a successful application. Our SSDI attorneys in Columbus, GA, will compile the necessary documentation and evidence to try and demonstrate that your circumstance should qualify you for benefits.
In West Georgia, How Many Times Can I Appeal My SSD Claim?
If you think your case was denied or underpaid unfairly, you still have options. You have four more chances to appeal your Social Security Disability claim after filing for an initial reconsideration. By following the steps outlined below, your attorney can file an appeal for a denied claim:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Review in Federal Court
Is it better to apply for SSDI or SSI? What Is the Difference?
SSDI and SSI both provide financial assistance to someone unable to work due to a disability, but some distinctions exist. The following factors will determine which one you should apply for.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI):
SSDI, unlike SSI, is based on your prior work experience and the number of work credits you have. As a result, the amount of your benefit is determined by your previous earnings at work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Injured and disabled workers and children born with a disability are eligible for SSI. Because SSI is eligible for children, previous work experience is not considered when determining eligibility. As a result, unlike SSDI, the amount awarded is based on a federal maximum rather than your work history.
If you’ve already applied and been denied, you should speak with a West Georgia Social Security Disability Attorney right away. The Law Office of Ellene Welsh will go through the specifics with you and help explain the process. Call us today at 706-984-8963.
Mental Illness is a Disability, Too.
Attorney Ellene Welsh recognizes that not all disabilities are physical. She’s here to provide a sensitive and caring defense for her clients, regardless of their situation. However, our firm also understands how critical it is for you to receive the help that you need. We can assist people with a wide range of mental illnesses.
Here are a few examples:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Dementia
- Mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of alcohol.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How to Hire a Social Security Benefits Attorney in West Georgia
Our compassionate and sympathetic attorneys are here to assist you. In addition, our legal firm helps Georgia residents who were denied social security benefits. Everyone may not require the services of a social security attorney. Some people prefer to apply for social security benefits first and consult an attorney later if complications start. But if you apply and are not approved, it is strongly recommended to reach out to a Social Security Benefits Attorney as soon as possible so that you don’t risk missing any potential deadlines for appeals.
When you cannot conduct your job tasks due to a disability, you could be eligible for disability compensation. However, the SSA frequently dismisses claimants for various reasons, including missing a cutoff date, failure to complete required documents, presumption of fraud, and other reasons.
You’ll need the extra help of a lawyer to ensure that you receive the benefits you desire because of those variables. Ellene Welsh in West Georgia, is a knowledgeable SS attorney with many years of experience. In addition, she is experienced with the paperwork protocol required to collect financial and healthcare benefits for you and your household.
Select a Top-Notch West Georgia Social Security Disability Law Firm
We work with clients who are uncertain about how to go through the benefits procedures, and the Law Office of Ellene Welsh in West Georgia is here to help explain it to you. We will listen to your story, collect supporting documents, and file documentation for your particular situation if you have a physical trauma or a mental impairment. To schedule a free initial appointment, call 706-984-8963.
A Disability Appeal Attorney in West Georgia Is On Your Side
If you have been denied SSD and cannot work, you need a lawyer who will battle for your rights and help get you the money you need. Getting the proper legal representation could mean the difference between being approved and being turned down for SS benefits.
West Georgia social security attorney Ellene Welsh is available to speak with you about your circumstances and help get your questions answered. Call us and schedule a free consultation now – 706-984-8963.
