Shelley Davidson
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Shelley Davidson

Attorney Partner

Location

Macon, Georgia

Areas of Practice

Social Security Disability Law

For more than four decades, Shelley Davidson has dedicated her legal career to helping individuals obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they need to move forward with dignity and financial security. As a partner with Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, LLP, she focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability law, representing clients throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

Shelley understands that applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially for individuals already coping with serious medical conditions and financial uncertainty.

She works closely with every client to guide them through each stage of the process—from the initial application through hearings and appeals—providing compassionate counsel and experienced advocacy along the way. Her goal is simple: to help clients secure the benefits they have earned while making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Recognized nationally for her knowledge of Social Security Disability law, Shelley has built a distinguished career representing claimants and advancing the profession. She is a past President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). Throughout her career, she has lectured at numerous educational programs sponsored by NOSSCR, the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Legal Services Corporation, the Florida Bar, and the Alabama Bar, helping educate attorneys who practice in this highly specialized area of law. She has chaired or co-chaired the Georgia ICLE program on Social Security Disability since 1989

Shelley is equally committed to serving her community. A lifelong resident of Middle Georgia, she grew up in nearby Cochran and has been an active member of Congregation Sha’arey Israel in Macon since childhood. She has served multiple terms as President of the congregation and also serves as President of the Federation of Jewish Charities of Macon and Middle Georgia. She is a past President of the Macon Chapter of Hadassah and is a graduate of Leadership Macon. Her dedication to both her profession and her community reflects the same commitment to service that defines her legal practice.

Shelley earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Georgia and earning an Associate of Science degree with honors from Middle Georgia College. Since her admission to the Georgia Bar in 1982, she has devoted her career to Social Security Disability law and has earned the respect of clients, colleagues, and the judiciary for her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to those she represents.

Fraternities

  • Phi Delta Phi
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia, 1987
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia, 1987
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1982
  • Georgia Court of Appeals, 1982
  • Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2001
  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Georgia
    J.D. – 1982
  • University of Georgia
    A.B. magna cum laude – 1978
  • Middle Georgia College
    A.S. – 1977
  • Honors: With Honors
  • Lectured at numerous National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR) events and Georgia ICLE of the State Bar
  • Macon Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, Member, Executive Board, President (1996–1997), Member council of Past Presidents (1997–Present)

Social Security Disability FAQs

What is Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly abbreviated as SSD or SSDI, is a federal government insurance program paid for by payroll taxes and run by the Social Security Administration. Its purpose is to provide financial help (benefits) to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.

SSD benefits may be given on a temporary basis or permanently, depending on whether the person’s disability is treatable over time or they will live with it for the rest of their life.

Am I eligible for SSD benefits in Georgia?

If you have paid into Social Security and you suffer an injury, impairment or illness that leaves you unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The Social Security Administration defines a “disability” as an impairment that arises from a serious medical condition that has been diagnosed by an approved doctor and is expected to last for at least 1 year or longer, possible until death. To be eligible for benefits, the SSA must determine that you are unable to adjust to other types of work due to your disability.

Disability claims are determined on a case-by-case basis, which is why you ultimately need to consult an experienced attorney to review your case and find out if you are eligible for benefits — and if so, how much.

What types of disability benefits can I receive?

It depends on how your type of disability, as well as its severity and how long you’ve paid into the Social Security system. Generally speaking, the Social Security Administration runs to separate programs that pay out benefits to disabled individuals who qualify:
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD). SSDI benefits are paid out of the Social Security fund, and eligible applicants must meet a work history requirement. Unlike SSI, however, SSDI doesn’t depend on the income of the disabled individual receiving it — meaning a person of any income level can receive SSD benefits as long as they are living with a legitimate disability.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI benefits are not paid out of the Social security fund. Rather, this is an income-based program that is paid via the general tax fund. There is no work history requirement to receive SSI benefits because the general purpose of this program is to provide benefits to disabled adults and children with limited means. In order to receive SSI benefits, you must earn an amount that is below the set income level.

How can a Social Security attorney help?

First-time Social Security disability applicants face tough odds. Many are denied, often due to a simple misunderstanding or for submitting the wrong paperwork at the wrong time. While some people choose to navigate this complex process by themselves, statistics show that consulting experienced Macon Social Security lawyer Shelley Davidson will significantly help improve your case for benefits.

If you’re applying for disability benefits for the first time, Shelley can make sure your claim is properly filed and managed, helping you avoid the stressful and complicated appeals process. If your claim was denied, she can help you appeal the decision and secure your benefits.

When should I contact a Social Security lawyer?

When it comes to applying for Social Security disability benefits, the best rule of thumb for when to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney is “the earlier, the better.” Most lawyers offer free consultations, so it won’t cost you a penny to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, as well as help you file your initial application.

 

Overview

For more than four decades, Shelley Davidson has dedicated her legal career to helping individuals obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they need to move forward with dignity and financial security. As a partner with Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, LLP, she focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability law, representing clients throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

Shelley understands that applying for disability benefits can be overwhelming, especially for individuals already coping with serious medical conditions and financial uncertainty.

She works closely with every client to guide them through each stage of the process—from the initial application through hearings and appeals—providing compassionate counsel and experienced advocacy along the way. Her goal is simple: to help clients secure the benefits they have earned while making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Recognized nationally for her knowledge of Social Security Disability law, Shelley has built a distinguished career representing claimants and advancing the profession. She is a past President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). Throughout her career, she has lectured at numerous educational programs sponsored by NOSSCR, the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Legal Services Corporation, the Florida Bar, and the Alabama Bar, helping educate attorneys who practice in this highly specialized area of law. She has chaired or co-chaired the Georgia ICLE program on Social Security Disability since 1989

Shelley is equally committed to serving her community. A lifelong resident of Middle Georgia, she grew up in nearby Cochran and has been an active member of Congregation Sha’arey Israel in Macon since childhood. She has served multiple terms as President of the congregation and also serves as President of the Federation of Jewish Charities of Macon and Middle Georgia. She is a past President of the Macon Chapter of Hadassah and is a graduate of Leadership Macon. Her dedication to both her profession and her community reflects the same commitment to service that defines her legal practice.

Shelley earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Georgia and earning an Associate of Science degree with honors from Middle Georgia College. Since her admission to the Georgia Bar in 1982, she has devoted her career to Social Security Disability law and has earned the respect of clients, colleagues, and the judiciary for her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to those she represents.

Fraternities

  • Phi Delta Phi
  • Phi Beta Kappa
Bar Admissions
  • Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia, 1987
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia, 1987
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1982
  • Georgia Court of Appeals, 1982
  • Supreme Court of Georgia, 1982
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2001
Education
  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Georgia
    J.D. – 1982
  • University of Georgia
    A.B. magna cum laude – 1978
  • Middle Georgia College
    A.S. – 1977
  • Honors: With Honors
Classes/Seminars
  • Lectured at numerous National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives (NOSSCR) events and Georgia ICLE of the State Bar
Associations and Memberships
  • Macon Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, Member, Executive Board, President (1996–1997), Member council of Past Presidents (1997–Present)
FAQ

Social Security Disability FAQs

What is Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly abbreviated as SSD or SSDI, is a federal government insurance program paid for by payroll taxes and run by the Social Security Administration. Its purpose is to provide financial help (benefits) to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.

SSD benefits may be given on a temporary basis or permanently, depending on whether the person’s disability is treatable over time or they will live with it for the rest of their life.

Am I eligible for SSD benefits in Georgia?

If you have paid into Social Security and you suffer an injury, impairment or illness that leaves you unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The Social Security Administration defines a “disability” as an impairment that arises from a serious medical condition that has been diagnosed by an approved doctor and is expected to last for at least 1 year or longer, possible until death. To be eligible for benefits, the SSA must determine that you are unable to adjust to other types of work due to your disability.

Disability claims are determined on a case-by-case basis, which is why you ultimately need to consult an experienced attorney to review your case and find out if you are eligible for benefits — and if so, how much.

What types of disability benefits can I receive?

It depends on how your type of disability, as well as its severity and how long you’ve paid into the Social Security system. Generally speaking, the Social Security Administration runs to separate programs that pay out benefits to disabled individuals who qualify:
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD). SSDI benefits are paid out of the Social Security fund, and eligible applicants must meet a work history requirement. Unlike SSI, however, SSDI doesn’t depend on the income of the disabled individual receiving it — meaning a person of any income level can receive SSD benefits as long as they are living with a legitimate disability.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI benefits are not paid out of the Social security fund. Rather, this is an income-based program that is paid via the general tax fund. There is no work history requirement to receive SSI benefits because the general purpose of this program is to provide benefits to disabled adults and children with limited means. In order to receive SSI benefits, you must earn an amount that is below the set income level.

How can a Social Security attorney help?

First-time Social Security disability applicants face tough odds. Many are denied, often due to a simple misunderstanding or for submitting the wrong paperwork at the wrong time. While some people choose to navigate this complex process by themselves, statistics show that consulting experienced Macon Social Security lawyer Shelley Davidson will significantly help improve your case for benefits.

If you’re applying for disability benefits for the first time, Shelley can make sure your claim is properly filed and managed, helping you avoid the stressful and complicated appeals process. If your claim was denied, she can help you appeal the decision and secure your benefits.

When should I contact a Social Security lawyer?

When it comes to applying for Social Security disability benefits, the best rule of thumb for when to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney is “the earlier, the better.” Most lawyers offer free consultations, so it won’t cost you a penny to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, as well as help you file your initial application.

 

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