The Knowledge And Guidance You Need When Applying For Social Security Disability Insurance
Most people expect to work until they reach retirement age. Unfortunately, that’s not always a possibility. Estimates reveal that about 25 percent of workers who are 20 years old today will eventually need to leave the workforce early due to disability. In addition to the physical burdens of disability, these workers may also face serious financial hardship.
There is a safety net in place in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Unfortunately, SSDI benefits are often much harder to access than they should be. If you live in Georgia and have a disability that has left you unable to work, contact Lisa Smith Siegel, Attorney at Law, to learn how my firm can assist you. I am a lawyer with more than 34 years of legal experience. For the past 12 years, my practice has been exclusively focused on serving the legal needs of Georgians with disabilities.
How Do You Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?
In order to be eligible for benefits, you must meet criteria related to both your disability and your work history.
Your disabling condition must:
- Be severe enough to interfere with many of your basic work-related activities, including memory, lifting, sitting/standing, etc.
- Last or expected to last one year or more
- Be on the Social Security Administration’s list of disabling conditions or be approved as sufficiently severe
- Prevent you from doing the work you did previously and prevent you from doing any other type of paid work
Some applicants suffer from two or more conditions that might not qualify on their own but would be deemed sufficiently disabling in combination.
Your work history is the other factor under consideration. Based on their annual income, each person can earn up to four work credits per year. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have acquired a certain number of work credits (specific requirements depend on your age at the time of disability). Your work history must also include recent work in order to qualify. If you’ve never been able to work (or work enough) due to a lifelong disability, you might be eligible for financial help in the form of Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Are you a military veteran who suffered a service-related disability? Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible for both VA disability benefits and SSDI benefits. You do need to apply for each of these separately, and it is wise to seek the advice of an attorney who understands the finer details of these programs.
Why It Is Important To Work With An Experienced Lawyer
There is no legal requirement to hire an attorney when seeking SSDI benefits. You could apply on your own. However, the application and the application process can be lengthy and complex, and most claims are rejected the first time they are submitted.
Working with an experienced attorney can make the entire experience smoother and less stressful. It can also increase your chances of making a successful claim. When you hire me, I will walk you through the application step by step and ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete. I can also coordinate with your medical providers to obtain or create the necessary medical documentation to support your claim.
Finally, if your claim is initially denied, I am ready to represent you through all stages of appeal. While no attorney can guarantee an outcome, I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to help you claim the benefits you need and deserve.
Reach Out Today For A Free Initial Consultation
Based in Sandy Springs, Lisa Smith Siegel, Attorney at Law, serves clients throughout Georgia. I invite you to contact my office to discuss your legal options during a free initial consultation. If I am unable to help you for some reason, I would be happy to provide what information I can and refer you to others who can assist you. To get started, give me a call at 404-255-9838 or submit an online contact form.