When you make a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, it is reasonable to expect that you would soon be awarded benefits. After all, you worked for years and paid into the system so that SSDI benefits would be available to you if you became disabled.
Unfortunately, the reality is that filing a claim for SSDI benefits is not a guarantee that you will actually receive those benefits. Many people who apply for SSDI benefits are denied, especially the first time around.
In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, only 28% of applicants are awarded SSDI benefits as a result of their initial claims. If you want to have the tools necessary to effectively fight back against a denial, you should contact an Alpharetta SSDI denial lawyer right away in order to pursue an appeal.
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits in Alpharetta
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publication entitled “Disability Benefits” states that there are two different types of eligibility criteria that an individual must meet in order to receive SSDI benefits.
First, individuals must meet the earnings requirement. The SSA considers an applicant’s age at the time of becoming disabled, as well as how long they worked and paid Social Security taxes. If an applicant has a sufficient work history according to SSA standards, then they would probably satisfy the earnings requirement for SSDI benefits.
The SSA also considers whether individuals meet the medical criteria for being disabled under SSA guidelines. Generally, if an SSDI applicant is working and earns a certain amount each month, the SSA would not even look at their medical condition, because they would not meet the definition of “disability” established by the SSA. However, if someone is not working or does not earn enough to meet the SSA limit, the SSA would consider their medical condition based on the following guidelines:
- Is the medical condition severe, or does it significantly limit the applicant’s ability to do basic work activities for at least 12 months?
- Does the medical condition meet or medically equal a listing on SSA’s list of medical impairments considered severe enough prevent a person from engaging in substantial gainful activity, regardless of age, education, or work experience?
- Can the applicant perform the same work that they did before?
- Can the applicant perform any other type of work, considering their age, work experience, education, and other skills?
Appealing a Denial of SSDI Benefits
These medical requirements are not always easy to meet, which results in many individuals being denied SSDI benefits. However, the SSA has an appeals process that allows individuals who are denied benefits to have their cases reconsidered.
This is where assistance from a SSDI denial lawyer in Alpharetta could be particularly helpful. An attorney who is experienced in handling SSDI denials will step in and work to strengthen a claim throughout the various levels of appeals.
Work with an Alpharetta SSDI Denial Attorney Today
The SSDI claims process is quite complex and requires a great deal of documentation about your current and past earnings, as well as about your medical condition. Fortunately, an attorney with experience in SSDI denials will assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation and submitting to SSA in accordance with any deadlines. Contact an Alpharetta SSDI denial lawyer today to find out what kind of difference they could make in your case.
There are many Social Security disability law firms throughout Georgia. What sets The Khaki Law Firm apart from the rest? Why should you choose us? We are honored to represent those who have worked hard most of their lives, but due to a mental or physical impairment are no longer able to maintain employment and earn an income.
