COVID-19

Updates:

• Georgia has been placed in the red zone for new COVID-19 cases as of July 26, 2020. As a result, government officials have issued the 6th amendment to General Order 20-01 to extend court closures through October 4, 2020. While there will be no civil or criminal jury trials in any division of the Northern District of Georgia until after this date, grand jurors may still be summoned, and grand jury proceedings may continue to be held. Summonses may also be issued to potential jurors for civil and criminal jury trials scheduled after October 4, 2020.
• Fulton Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney announced on July 16 that Fulton County and Cobb County schools are starting the 2020-2021 school year completely virtual.
• We have rolled out a re-entry plan to resume normal office routines including being open to the public – appointments are preferred over drop ins. This phase in started this week on June 15 with the goal of all staff resuming normal in office functions by the 2^nd week in July.
• Supreme Court of Georgia Justice Harold D. Melton has officially extended the Statewide Judicial Emergency order until June 12. State Bar of Georgia offices are to remain closed until Friday, June 12.
• Governor Kemp stated in a press release that businesses must maintain compliance with social distancing and sanitation standards through May 13. The stay at home order has been extended for vulnerable populations until June 12.
• SBA loans have been approved and applications start on April 27.
• Governor Kemp has officially issued a shelter order through the end of April. The Georgia Bar Association has confirmed that legal services are considered essential. Even though our team is working remotely, we are still serving all our clients as usual.
• Georgia is allowing notary and witnessing services to take place remotely after recognizing the need for such services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has affected many aspects of normal life in a short amount of time. With changes occurring at a rapid pace, we hope to alleviate some of your worries by providing resources and information about how Coronavirus is affecting local Social Security Administration (SSA) offices and our operations at the Khaki Law Firm. If you have questions about these resources, one of our knowledgeable legal advocates can assist you.

Moving Your Disability Claim Forward

While many SSA offices in Georgia are closed to the public, there are still many resources available to those who wish to apply for Social Security disability benefits or move their case forward.

Filing Applications or Requests through an SSA Office

The process of applying for disability benefits maybe easiest to complete online or over the phone. The Khaki Law Firm will help clients get this setup, and we handle all things related to filing an appeal. Submitting applications or requests in this way can be very useful for individuals going through the first steps of obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), as this may reduce delay in the benefits process.

Rescheduling a Cancelled or Delayed Hearing

While many disability hearings are being cancelled by the SSA and Administrative Law Judges, you still may have options. Scheduling a hearing online or over the phone may be a viable solution for you. You may also discuss rescheduling your hearing date with one of our team members.

Discussing Your Case with a Hearing Claims Advocate

At the Khaki Law Firm, our clients come first. Our hearing claims advocates are available for virtual appointments to help you with your specific circumstances. We are taking necessary and proactive measures to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and clients by arranging virtual meetings whenever possible.

Best Preventive Measures for COVID-19

During the Coronavirus pandemic, following guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other governmental organizations can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Some recommended practices include:

• Frequently washing your hands;
• Avoiding touching your face when possible;
• Practice social distancing;
• Avoiding unnecessary travel;
• Disinfecting frequently used surfaces; and
• Follow the state or city shelter in place orders.

Meeting with Legal Counsel

To proactively fight the spread of COVID-19, the experienced legal professionals at Khaki Law Firm will be working remotely until further notice. However, you can still contact our hearing claims advocates and employees for a virtual appointment over the phone or online. We have multiple technological resources available to ensure that you still receive quality assistance without compromising safety. These resources include:

• Scheduling an over-the-phone or video conference meeting;
• Ensuring frequent communication with clients; and
• Using high-quality, secure, and up-to-date software to manage operations.

Recent Blogs

• How COVID-19 May Affect Your Disability Hearing
• Taking Care of Yourself During the Coronavirus
• How COVID-19 May Affect Social Security Benefits

The Knowledgeable Legal Professionals at Khaki Law Firm Are Here to Help

We want to assure you that we are here to provide comfort and stability during these strenuous times. We will continue to update our site with significant information as it becomes available. Once the SSA creates a clear protocol, we will have more definitive answers to provide for you. If you have any questions about how COVID-19 may affect your disability benefits claim, contact the Khaki Law Firm today.