You work hard and pay into Social Security every year with the promise and expectation that those benefits will be returned to you when you become eligible upon retirement, or in the tragic event that you suffer a debilitating and disabling injury or medical condition.
So why are most claims for disability benefits initially denied, despite the physical and mental disabilities you may be suffering?
This is where legal help comes in.
At the law firm of Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, our team boasts some of the most experienced Social Security attorneys in Georgia and nationwide — like Shelley Davidson, past president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. NOSSCR is a national organization of over 3,000 lawyers across the country who advocate for disabled individuals under the Social Security Act.
We’ve helped clients throughout Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee receive the Social Security benefits they are entitled to for almost half a century. We’ll cut through the red tape and make sure you get the disability benefits you deserve.
If you haven’t applied for Georgia Social Security Disability, or you’ve been denied a wish to appeal, there are strict deadlines that you must follow. The clock is ticking — act now.
So many hardworking Georgians mistakenly view Social Security as a government handout and don’t want to be seen as ‘leaching’ from the system. Understand that Social Security Disability isn’t charity. You’ve paid into the system through your taxes for your entire career. You deserve to benefit from these contributions if you suffer a debilitating disability. That’s what it’s for. My team and I can help you succeed in applying for benefits.
Social Security isn’t just something that older Americans should know about. In fact, studies show that just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67. It’s important to learn what “safety net” you can fall back on if you become disabled.
Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and paid for by payroll taxes. The purpose of SSD is to provide income assistance to individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disabling injury or medical condition. Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help you pay for housing, food and other expenses to keep your family afloat financially.
There are 2 main types of SSD assistance for people with disabilities. Both programs are administered by the federal government (SSA), but each has different eligibility criteria and requirements. These programs are:
If you apply for either program, the SSA will gather your medical information and other details to determine whether or not you qualify for disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of “disability.” The SSA assumes that individuals and families have access to other resources that provide financial support during cases of short-term disability (such as workers’ compensation, insurance, savings, etc.). For this reason, Social Security only pays for total disability. In other words, you don’t qualify for SSD benefits if you suffer a partial or short-term disability.
All of the following statements must be true for Social Security to consider you eligible for disability benefits:
Common physical and mental disabilities that can make a person eligible for Social Security include:
Social Security denies an estimated 53 percent of disability claims on average. Yes, you read that right: over half of all disability applications are denied, according to SSA’s own data. Other sources have found that as much as 70 percent of Social Security Disability applications are denied upon initial evaluation.
While the exact reasons for denial can vary greatly and be particular to each application, they are generally categorized as either medical denials or nonmedical (technical) denials. Here are the most common examples of each type of denial and why an applicant’s SSD benefits may be denied:
If you are among the majority of Social Security Disability applicants whose application is denied, it’s time to consult an experienced disability lawyer near you who can counsel you on what steps to take now.
Our Macon Social Security Disability attorneys have represented clients for over 50 years. We understand the in and outs of the Social Security system, and we can help you navigate your claim — whether you’re applying for benefits for the first time or appealing a denial.
Mr. Hinson handled a personal injury matter for me. He kept me well informed and did an excellent job. I was very pleased with the outcome.
When you file a Social Security benefits claim, you state that you are eligible for benefits and are requesting that those benefits be paid to you. In some cases, the issue of eligibility is not clear cut to the Social Security Administration.
Even if you meet all of these requirements, the SSA still regularly denies applications.
So what should you do if your disability benefits are denied?
The SSA typically asks the following 5 questions to determine if you are truly “disabled” under the organization’s strict definition:
According to the Social Security Act (Titles II, XVI and XVIII), every person has the right to be represented by an attorney while pursuing a claim for SSD benefits.
Our lawyers can guide you through the process of proving your eligibility. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
For more information about pursuing the benefits you deserve, contact our firm at any time.
From our offices in Macon, Albany and Warner Robins, we help clients statewide in Georgia and across the Southeast. You will owe no attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Macon Social Security office
3530 Riverside Dr
Macon, GA 31210
1-888-759-397
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9am-4pm
Once again, Westmoreland Law has been recognized by its peers as part of an elite group of approximately 10 percent of all attorneys who hold an AV Preeminent Rating. An AV Preeminent Rating is a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.
