Obtaining much-needed disability benefits can be complex. The process can be significantly facilitated by having an experienced Atlanta disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group by your side. We will not only help you assess your eligibility for SSD benefits, but we will also ensure your application is complete and has the very best chance of success.
Our lawyers have been helping people in the same position as you now find yourself for many years. We have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of obtaining SSD benefits, whether at the application level or the appeals level. When you need answers to your disability questions, the Carmichael Law Group is ready to answer them, helping you obtain disability benefits.
Information on this page:
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security’s online compendium, known as the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security details the physical and mental health disabilities that can qualify you for SSD benefits. If you suffer from one of the listed disorders, this only means that Social Security recognizes the disorder as one that meets its baseline disability definition.
The definition of a disability under Social Security is one that prevents you from working for at least one year (or is expected to prevent you from working for a year), or one that will result in death. In addition to meeting the definition of a disability, you must also have limited financial assets and income and you must have spent a specific amount of time working at a job where you paid SS taxes. The disability listings are split into a section for adults and one for children. The adult section is further divided into 14 categories of disorders and diseases.
What Is the Process for Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits?
If your initial Social Security Disability benefits application is not approved, the appeals process can be long and difficult. There are four levels of appeal—if you must avail yourself of all four levels, it could take longer than a year to get your final determination. It’s important that you make sure your initial application is properly filled out and that you have all the necessary supporting documentation. You can file online, in person at your local SS field office, or over the phone.
You can find the list of information and documentation you need for your initial SSD benefits application here. If your application for benefits is approved—congratulations! If it is denied, you have sixty days to file your first level of appeal, which is known as Reconsideration. When you move into the appeal process, it is imperative that you have a strong Atlanta disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group by your side. When you have a legal advocate who truly cares about the outcome of your disability application, you are more likely to be awarded SSD benefits.
What Are the Primary Reasons Initial SSD Applications Are Denied?
Since less than a third of all initial SSD applications are denied, you might wonder about the most common reasons for those denials. The number one reason for SSD denials at the initial level is the lack of hard medical evidence. To qualify for SSD benefits you must be able to prove that your disabling condition prevents you from working.
Your medical records must clearly show that your disability has interfered with your ability to perform the necessary activities of your job—or for any job you are otherwise qualified to perform. The records from your primary care physician will be very important in determining the outcome of your SSD claim. These records should state how your disability impacts your work life and if you have doctor’s notes excusing you from work, these should be included. Other reasons for denial include:
- Prior denials—if you have been denied SSD benefits, it is much better to appeal that decision than to start from scratch and re-apply.
- Your income is above the allowable level. If you are working and making more than $1,350 per month (as of 2022), your claim will likely be denied.
- You have failed to follow the treatment plan outlined by your doctor. If you appear unwilling to cooperate with your treatment, then your SSD application will probably be denied.
- Failure to cooperate with those handling your claim. No matter how you feel about the Social Security employees handling your claim, it is absolutely in your best interests to cooperate, provide requested documentation, and show up for scheduled medical exams and appointments.
How Do I Choose an Atlanta Disability Lawyer?
When choosing an Atlanta disability lawyer, you want someone who understands what you are going through and is committed to helping you get the benefits you need and deserve. You want a disability attorney that has significant experience helping people just like you who are disabled, unable to work, and unsure of where to turn. At Carmichael Law Group, we help clients nationwide.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and making a living, you are entitled to SSD benefits. We will fight hard for your right to receive your benefits—we can help you with your initial application, or at any stage in the appeal process. Of course, the earlier we are on your case, the less time you will likely have to wait for your benefits. We take the time to answer your questions in an understandable manner and will always work hard on your behalf.
How an Atlanta Disability Lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group Can Help
An Atlanta disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group, LLC can help you through the confusing, often overwhelming process of filling out initial disability paperwork, or through the appeals process. A significant amount of information and documentation is required for your disability application for benefits. We will ensure your file is complete and tells your story in the best way possible.
Your “story” includes not only how your disability affects your work, but also how it affects your daily life and your overall enjoyment of life. Don’t face your disability application or appeal on your own. We are nationwide Social Security Disability attorneys, waiting to help you get the benefits you need and deserve. Contact the Carmichael Law Group, LLC today.
Atlanta Social Security Field Office
The Atlanta Downtown and Atlanta West Georgia Social Security Field Offices located at NetSuite 2860 FLR 28, 401 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308 provide services to disabled claimants living in Fulton County. The direct telephone number for the Atlanta Downtown and Atlanta Westfield Office is 1-866-931-9946 and the direct fax number is 1-833-950-2558.
