Dublin
Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer

Social Security Disability (SSD) is meant to provide income benefits to those in Dublin who are disabled by a medical condition. However, many applicants struggle to get their benefits, even when they meet the qualifications. It often takes the assistance of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in Dublin to improve an application and finally get it approved.

At John Foy & Associates, we have helped countless SSD applicants get that approval letter telling them they will begin receiving regular payments to help with living expenses. We know how much of a lifeline these benefits can be for you and your family. That’s why we’ve been providing SSD legal services all throughout Georgia for more than 20 years.

To discuss your case with us and how we can help today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We’ll look at your application (or help you get started with one) and talk about how we can assist you. If you choose to work with us, there is no fee unless we win you money.

How You Can Receive Social Security Disability in Dublin

The idea of Social Security Disability (SSD) was discussed when the Social Security Act was signed in 1935 and retired Americans began receiving benefits. In 1956, SSD insurance was finally set up to provide benefits to those who cannot work because of a disabling condition.

SSD is a type of insurance program that is paid through taxes on wages. When you earn income, a portion is taken as Social Security taxes. It’s these taxes that pay for the SSD benefits you receive. These benefits are meant to help you and other disabled individuals pay for rent, food, and other necessities for yourself and your family.

Social Security Is Not a Handout

SSD benefits are not provided for no reason. If you need to apply for SSD benefits and you qualify, it means you’ll be requesting help from a system you have paid into for your entire working career. It’s your right to receive these benefits if you can no longer work.

Two Things You Need to Qualify for Social Security Disability

Before you have a chance at approval for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be able to provide proof of two things:

1. A disabling condition and
2. Sufficient work credits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews all SSD applications and determine who qualifies for benefits. They will access the two criteria above in every application.

If you have worked much at all in the past 10 years, there’s a good chance you will have enough work credits. You must also meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.

1. Disabling Conditions Recognized By the Social Security Administration

Under SSD, you must have a total disability to qualify. Short-term and temporary disability is not an option through Social Security. The idea is that you’ll be able to turn to other sources, such as workers’ compensation, for short-term benefits.

The SSA maintains a list of conditions that they have recognized as severe enough to be disabling. Although you do not necessarily need to have a condition on this list, your condition will be compared to a similar condition on the list when you apply.

The following questions will also be asked about your situation when your application is being evaluated:

• Are you currently working?
• Is your condition considered to be “severe”?
• Can your condition be found on the list of disabling conditions?
• Are you able to do any work you did before?
• Can you adjust to other types of work with your condition?

If you clear each of these sections, the SSA will determine that you are disabled. However, you will also need to have enough work credits to qualify for benefits.

2. Work Credits Through Social Security

You must have paid into the Social Security system through your income long enough and recently enough. To determine if that applies to you, the SSA will see how many work credits you have:

• Work credits are based on your yearly income. The number of wages needed per credit changes each year. (For example, one work credit in 2020 was equal to $1,410 in wages.)
• You can earn up to four work credits per year.
• Workers aged 62 or older typically need at least 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the 10 years immediately before they became disabled.
• If you are a younger worker, you will require fewer credits to qualify.

Have questions about work credits and how many you need? Contact an SSD lawyer in Dublin. They can determine what exactly you need to qualify. They can also make sure your application is strong enough to show that you meet the qualifications for these benefits.

What Happens If Your SSD Application Gets Denied

It’s, sadly, incredibly common for SSD applicants to get denied benefits—even if they actually qualify. Someone might get denied because there was not enough evidence of their condition, there were paperwork errors, or something else needed to be improved or fixed.

If you get denied after applying for SSD, don’t give up hope. You can appeal the decision, and an SSD lawyer can help you do it. It’s very important that you do not start a new application, as this can actually hurt your case. It’s far better to appeal your current application.

There are four levels to the appeal process for SSD:

1. A reconsideration
2. An administrative law judge hearing
3. An Appeals Council review
4. A Federal Court review

Your Social Security Disability lawyer can help you through each of these steps. They can also examine why you were denied benefits and use that to help improve your application. The goal is to show the SSA how you qualify for the benefits you need and deserve.

Speak with a Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer in Dublin, GA for Free Today

The Social Security Disability process can be long, confusing, and frustrating. Thankfully, you don’t need to handle it alone. Get a legal professional on your side who can give you the best chance at approval for benefits you’re entitled to receive. Call John Foy & Associates today.

There is no risk to you when working with us because you don’t pay a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE of charge. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today.