If you are struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, it can be challenging to support your family. It might comfort you to know that you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. If you’ve been denied the benefits you need, contact Covington Social Security Attorney Ellene Welsh today.
Let a Covington Social Security Lawyer Help You Get the Benefits You Need
Social Security Administration offices handle SSD benefits claims. Getting the assistance you need can be challenging without the help of an experienced lawyer.
Having practiced law since 1988, attorney Ellene Welsh has extensive experience in social security benefits. In addition to gathering the necessary documentation and writing persuasive briefs, she is very experienced in appeals of claim denials. Drawing on her substantial experience, attention to detail, and knowledge of SSD laws, Attorney Ellene Welsh is here to help you get the benefits you need.
How Much Does an SSI Attorney Cost?
Our firm handles Social Security Disability family benefit cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees until we secure financial assistance for you.
Claim Denied? You Have An Appeal – Make It Count by Hiring an Experienced SSDI Lawyers in Covington
More often than not, the SSA denies a disabled person’s claim. When this happens, a series of appeals may be available to you, including an appeal to the federal district court. We are here to assist you through the entire appeals process. Contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation, or call our office at 770-489-3456.
What is Social Security Disability?
Older Americans aren’t the only ones who should understand Social Security. According to studies, approximately one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled before they reach 67. If you become disabled, it’s important to know what you can fall back on as a “safety net.”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Social Security Disability (SSD) program, which is funded by payroll taxes. Disability insurance provides income support to people who are no longer able to work because of an injury or medical condition. The Social Security Disability program is intended to assist you in meeting your basic needs, such as paying for housing, buying food, and making ends meet for your family.
The SSD program offers two types of assistance to people with disabilities. SSA administers both programs, but their eligibility requirements differ. When you apply for either program, the Social Security Administration will collect your medical information and other details to determine whether you qualify for benefits. Programs include:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you work long enough and pay Social Security taxes, you and certain family members may be able to receive benefits under this program. To qualify, someone must show they have earned a certain number of “work credits.” These credits are based on their income or annual wages, and they can earn up to four credits per year. Your required number of work credits will vary depending on your age at the time of disability. For most people, 40 credits (or 10 years of employment) are needed to qualify, though disabled younger workers might qualify with less.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Those who meet certain requirements and have limited resources and income are eligible to receive benefits through this need-based program. SSI benefits may be available to U.S. citizens who have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 if married) and receive minimal income.
Requirements for Social Security Benefits in Covington, GA
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may be available to those who are disabled for at least one year due to a temporary or permanent injury. You must have a certain amount of previous work experience and contributions to the plan in order to qualify for this program.
In contrast, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits do not require a work history and are designed to help those who cannot work due to long-term disabilities.
To qualify for SSDI benefits in Covington, you must demonstrate to SSA that you have previously worked but are currently unable to work. Specifically, you need to prove the following:
- At least 20 work credits have been earned in the last ten years
- Your medical condition prevents you from performing your duties
- Your medical condition has been diagnosed by a doctor
- It is expected that your condition will last for at least a year or that it will be fatal
- As a result of your previous employment history, you have enough “work credits” to receive SSDI benefits
- Your health also prevents you from performing other types of employment for which you are qualified
- Applicants who do not have sufficient work credits from their previous employment must prove a low income to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits
It may seem straightforward to meet these requirements, but it can take time and effort to gather and present the documents needed to prove your eligibility to the Social Security Administration. A denial might make things worse, but you can fight back with our assistance.
Disability benefits may be automatically awarded if you meet the following criteria:
- You meet a social security listing
- Compassionate allowances for people with serious illnesses
- Special provisions exist for people with low vision, widowers, disabled children, and wounded veterans
You may qualify for automatic approval if you have the following medical conditions:
An applicant may qualify for SSD benefits if they have a variety of mental or physical disabilities listed by the Social Security Administration. It is important that you contact us at The Law Office of Ellene Welsh so that we can assess other factors in your case and see if we can help you.
In Covington, you may qualify for social security benefits if you suffer from certain disabilities, such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Immune system disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Neurological disorders
- Respiratory diseases
- Kidney disease
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, autism, and more
- Issues with speech and senses (hearing, sight, etc.)
When to Hire a Covington Social Security Benefits Lawyer
It is best to apply for social security benefits on your own first, then contact a lawyer if there are any issues or you receive a denial. Our firm specializes in helping those denied social security benefits. If you’ve been denied, we want to help you with your appeal to try and get you the benefits you need.
If you are disabled and unable to perform your job duties, you may be eligible for disability compensation. Unfortunately, the SSA frequently denies claimants for various reasons, such as a person does not complete the necessary documents, missing a deadline, being suspected of fraud, or many other reasons.
Since these factors are so variable, you’ll need to hire a lawyer to ensure you’re getting the benefits you’ll need to support your family and pay your bills. Ellene Welsh, a qualified attorney in Covington, GA, has years of experience and is familiar with the filing procedure for obtaining financial and healthcare benefits.
Has Your SSD or SSI Claim Been Denied in Covington, Georgia?
If your initial SSD or SSI claim is denied, we’re here to help. Attorney Ellene Welsh will:
- Determine if you have a qualifying mental disability
- Determine if you have a qualifying physical disability
- Ensure you receive proper medical treatment
- Explain the claims process
- Walk you through the appeals process
Although these cases can take years to resolve, we always strive to expedite the process, so you get your benefits as soon as possible.
Why Was My SSD Claim Denied in Covington?
A denial of your SSI claim may occur for several reasons:
- The person reviewing your application may not be aware of your disability.
- You may have an error in your application.
- The government may request additional documentation.
Denials of social security benefits can also be caused by:
- Missing an appointment with your SSA-approved doctor
- Not submitting your medical records
- Making more than a specific amount of money
As a result, you may have to wait months while one setback after another prevents you from receiving benefits. Thankfully, you still have options – a Covington Social Security disability lawyer can help.
Our SSDI lawyers in Covington know what it takes to create a successful application based on our previous decades of experience. In addition to assembling the necessary paperwork for your case, we will present evidence that proves that your condition qualifies you for benefits. We can attend the hearings and handle your appeal if your claim is denied.
What is the Maximum Number of Appeals I Can Make for My SSD Claim in Covington, GA?
The Social Security Disability claim process allows you to appeal your claim four more times after you have requested an initial reconsideration. If your claim was denied, you still have options. Here are the steps your attorney will need to take to appeal a denied claim:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
- Review by the Appeals Council
- Federal Court Review
Contact an Experienced Social Security Lawyer in Covington, GA
You must act quickly if you have applied for Social Security Disability and have been denied. An Administrative Law Judge can take several months or even years to hear your case. Get in touch with your trusted Covington, GA SSDI attorneys at The Law Office of Ellene Welsh today at 770-489-3456.
