Working with an Atlanta Social Security Disability Attorney to Manage Your Benefits Options
Ideally, a government entitlement program such as Social Security disability benefits should not require the use of a disability attorney. But whether in Atlanta or in Georgia, or in any other part of the United States (Social Security is a federal program), determining eligibility often requires judgment calls. Potential recipients routinely use disability attorneys to iron out the challenges and difficulties associated with this process:
- Some aspects of applying for Social Security disability insurance benefits are standard for all applicants. First, everyone applies online (http://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/) or by telephone at 800-772-1213.
- If your claim is denied, or the size of your benefit is inadequate, you are allowed to appeal that decision in a reconsideration.
- Sometimes, after a claim is first approved, it still is subject to a quality control review, which can lead to a claim denial further down the road.
- Disability attorneys are often engaged in a reconsideration because the bureaucracy in filing an appeal through the Atlanta office is arduous and can involve lengthy delays – up to two years in some cases.
Filing an appeal
What might be your reason to file an appeal? What considerations may need a closer review?
You first have to prove, either on your own or through a disability lawyer, that you have a medically defined physical or mental impairment. It must be shown that the impairment is likely to end with your death or last for a continuous period of 12 months or more.
In Atlanta as much as in Marietta or smaller cities, towns and rural areas of Georgia, you need to prove this disability makes you unemployable (given other factors of age, education and work experience). A seasoned disability lawyer understands how to solidly present your best case in this regard.
Where location may come into play is if the Social Security Administration determines you are able to perform work other than what you previously did. To do this, the adjudicators evaluate residual functional capacity. But of course, being able to access jobs within your capabilities becomes an important factor. If you live in Atlanta, for example, your ability to work in a rural location is something qualified disability lawyers should be able to contest.
Choosing among the practicing disability lawyers in Atlanta & in Georgia
The Social Security Administration nationwide backlog of cases means that an experienced approach to filing appeals is likely to be the most productive. SSA judges appreciate a professional approach that answers all their questions in a time-efficient manner. Therefore, working with an attorney who has experience in this area usually yields the best results.
Contact us
Michael J. Brewster, P.C. is a disability attorney in Georgia, serving clients in Atlanta and would like to help you too. Contact us online or by calling 888-750-4018.
