Snellville
Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer

Social Security Disability (SSD) refers to monetary benefits set up for individuals who can no longer work because of a disabling condition. In Snellville, too many people receive a denial letter even when are sure they qualify. This is unfortunately all too common, and it can be frustrating and discouraging. Thankfully, working with a Snellville Social Security Disability lawyer can help in a big way.

At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have over 20 years of experience working on SSD cases and getting applicants the benefits they so desperately need. It often takes the eye of a legal professional to get an application approved. Let us take a look at your case and discuss how we can help, starting with a FREE consultation today.

Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.

How You Can Apply for Social Security Disability in Snellville

Before applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to ensure you meet each qualification set up by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Those include:

Having Enough Work Credits

Work credits show that you have worked enough, and recently enough.

Most people need at least 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years ending with the year you became disabled. The SSA website has more information on how to earn Social Security credits.

Meeting the Right Definition of “Disability”

The SSA defines disability differently than other programs. To qualify, you must have a total disability. Short-term or partial disabilities do not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

You are considered to be totally disabled if:

• You can no longer do any type of work you used to do
• Your condition prevents you from adjusting to other types of work
• And your disability is expected to last—or has already lasted—for at least a year (or it is expected to result in death)

The SSA is very strict on this requirement because they assume those with a less-than-total disability will have other resources like insurance, savings, or workers’ compensation benefits to help them.

If you meet the qualifications outlined above, it, unfortunately, doesn’t mean you will automatically receive benefits. You will need to prove your qualifications to the SSA, and that is easier said than done. (This is why hiring an SSD lawyer in Snellville is so highly recommended.)

Here is what you will need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

Information About You

You will need to provide the following personal information:

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security number
• Name, date of birth, age, Social Security number, and marriage date for current spouse (if applicable), including any past spouses
• Names and birth dates of any minor children you have (if applicable)
• Your bank information and electronic routing number if you want to have your benefits paid online

Work History Information

The SSA wants to see that you have paid into Social Security enough through your work history. In your application, you’ll need to show the following:

• The amount of money you earned this year and the previous year
• All employer names and addresses from both years
• Up to five of the past jobs you had within the last 15 years before you were disabled
• The dates you worked those past jobs
• A copy of your Social Security Statement outlining your disability insurance benefits
• Any other benefits, such as workers compensation, you have filed a claim for (or plan to file for)

Medical Condition Details

The SSA will also want to see a lot of proof regarding the medical condition that has left you unable to work. You will need to provide:

• Diagnosis and details of the condition that has disabled you from working
• Contact information (including phone numbers, addresses, names, and treatment dates) for each doctor you have seen and hospitals where you were treated
• Your patient ID numbers
• Medical tests you went through, what they were, and when you had them done
• Names of prescription medications you are taking and when and where they were prescribed
• Contact information (including full name, phone number, and address) of someone else who can be contacted regarding your medical condition

If you need assistance obtaining any of this information, a Snellville Social Security Disability lawyer can help.

Where You Can Apply for SSD in Snellville

You should begin applying for benefits as soon as you become disabled from working. You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits in three different ways:

1. Online
2. Over the phone
3. At a local Social Security office

Common Reasons Social Security Benefits are Denied

There are a number of reasons why the Social Security Administration may deny claimants benefits. The reasoning varies per application, but there are four main explanations that most denials fall into.

1. There Was Poor Evidence of Medical Condition

You might have a completely legitimate medical condition that prevents you from working, but if the SSA does not see enough evidence of that fact, they will deny your application. You will need to prove as much information as possible showing your disability and how it has affected your ability to work.

Sometimes, you may need to request additional information from a doctor who has treated you. For example, if you are getting monthly treatments for your condition but your doctor is not documenting those thoroughly, you might get denied due to lack of evidence.

An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer will know how to pinpoint what is missing and assist you in getting that information. They may help in contacting your primary care physician for records or obtaining notes saying you are unfit for work long-term.

2. Your Income Is Too High

If you are still working and making much money, you will likely be denied quickly. Typically, you cannot receive disability benefits while you are doing what’s known as “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), working and earning over $1,200 per month (as of 2019).

3. You’ve Already Been Denied

If you have been denied for benefits, the best thing you can do is appeal the denial on that same application—not start a new one. If the SSA sees that you have already applied for benefits with another application and been denied, chances are high they will deny your new application.

Call a Social Security Disability lawyer right away. They can help you go through the appeals process with your current application.

4. You Were Not Following Your Doctor’s Recommendations

You must continue following the treatment prescribed by your doctor for your condition. If you do not, the SSA will probably deny you. Always follow the recommendations from your doctor.

Talk to a Social Security Disability (SSD) Lawyer in Snellville, GA for Free Now

At John Foy & Associates, our experienced and compassionate SSD lawyers are ready to help you with your claim. For a FREE consultation to get started, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.