Gwinnett Social Security Lawyer

No one likes to think about not being able to work and provide for themselves. This is natural and understandable, especially when you consider the high cost of living these days. Unfortunately, each year, countless hardworking individuals find themselves disabled and unable to work full-time. When this occurs, many workers turn to the Social Security Disability Insurance program they have paid into for decades.

Sadly, even after paying into the program, many workers find they are denied benefits for ridiculous and obscure reasons. If you have been denied disability benefits, it may be helpful to consult a Gwinnett social security lawyer who could assist you.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Workers pay into the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program throughout the course of their career, and if they become disabled, they will gain access to the benefits they need to replace their income. According to the Social Security Administration, a person is considered “disabled” if an illness or injury prevents them from earning an income as a full-time employee.

Individuals suffering from the following conditions and illnesses may be eligible for benefits:

• Mental disorders (ex: anxiety, depression, schizophrenia)
• Chronic heart disease
• Vision or hearing loss
• Chronic pain or nerve damage
• Parkinson’s disease

Individuals with the conditions listed above are not the only ones eligible for SSDI, and it is important to understand that SSDI applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Filing a Claim for Disability Benefits

Individuals can file a claim for Social Security benefits online, over the phone, or by mail. To obtain benefits, people injured and ill will need to submit medical proof as well as income information. When evaluating the application of an injured person, the federal government will examine the application itself, in addition to income tax statements, information from physicians and other medical professionals, the names of medications, and any other information it needs to make a decision.

When evaluating an application, the government will also consider whether a person is capable of working in another profession or adjusting to their current job. If the government does not believe a person deserves these benefits, it will send a Notice of Denial in the mail.

Common Reasons for a Denial

Unfortunately, most claims for Social Security Disability will be denied at first. This can be frustrating, but it is a normal part of the application process. The Social Security Administration often denies claims for the following reasons:

• The disability experienced by the claimant is expected to last less than 12 months
• The claimant did not adhere to their medical treatment plan
• The claimant is capable of working at their current job or another job
• The disability experienced by the claimant is the result of drug or alcohol abuse
• The claimant did not submit a sufficient amount of evidence to support their claim

Disabled workers can file for a reconsideration after receiving an initial denial. During this stage, they will be allowed to submit additional medical evidence in their favor. If they receive another denial, they may need to speak with a Gwinnett County social security lawyer who can represent them in an administrative hearing.

Learn More From a Gwinnett County Social Security Attorney

Feelings of despair and anger can begin to set in when you receive your first denial notice from the Social Security Administration. However, it is important to remember you do have legal options and the right to appeal the decision multiple times.

Get in touch with a Gwinnett County social security lawyer today to learn more. A member of the team could help you understand the process and determine your next steps to get the benefits you need.