Social Security Lawyers in Decatur, Georgia | Decatur, GA Social Security Attorneys | DeKalb County, Georgia SSI SSDI Law Firms

Is it time you spoke with a Social Security lawyer in Decatur, Georgia?
 

Are you considering applying for Social Security because of a disability? Social security disability income, or “SSDI” for short, and “SSI”, supplemental security income, was created for those who cannot work due to suffering from a disability. The federal SSDI and SSI system can be difficult to navigate. Whether you are a first time applicant or whether you have been previously rejected, an experienced Decatur social security attorney can help you.  You can contact an experienced Decatur social security disability attorney by filling out the form on the website. You are under absolutely no obligation merely by filling out the form.
 

The importance of winning your SSI or SSDI claim
 

The statistics are not favorable for initial applicants. About 65% or more initial applicants are denied annually. An experienced Decatur social security lawyer can increase your odds of success. Your attorney should understand how to make your best case. Your attorney can also represent you on appeal. An experienced Decatur social security lawyer will look over your file, and help you make any additions and corrections necessary to best highlight the nature of your disability.  Those who face real disabilities potentially face hunger and homelessness. Winning your claim can provide a necessary safety net to our most vulnerable citizens. Successful claimants receive monthly payments from the federal government to cover those critical expenses. Many claimants also qualify for medical services through Medicare and Medicaid.
 

Decatur, GA Social Security attorneys: how much do they cost?
 

You may be surprised to learn that a social security lawyer is quite affordable, even if you have no source of income.  Social security attorneys are paid according to a strict fee schedule. They can only be paid if they win your case for you. That makes sense because claimants usually have no expendable money.  Social Security regulations set a cap for attorney fees.  As of June 2009, the cap is $6,000. Also, attorneys can only receive their money from the past due benefits awarded to you, a max of 25%. So, the most a social security lawyer can charge is: the smaller amount of 25% of your past due benefits or $6,000. By filling out the questionnaire on the webpage, an experienced Decatur Social Security attorney will contact you.
 

Learning about the SSI and SSDI programs
 

Two separate social security programs provide disability payments to injured people: SSI and SSDI (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance). To earn disability payments under either one, you must suffer from an injury that (1) prevents you from working for a year or more, or (2) will result in death. Short-term injuries are not covered by the social security system.
 

1. What is the Standard for Disability in Decatur, Georgia? - To receive disability benefits for Social Security Disability you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
   1. The term disability is that you are unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” [SGA] because of a medically physical or mental impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in your death.
2. If you are working in or around Decatur, Georgia is that a factor? - If you are working in Decatur and performing SGA, then you are considered able to work and not disabled. In 2012, the SGA limit is $1010 (after taxes) per month. If you earn more than $1010 per month, you are probably not eligible, unless there are special circumstances;
3. Do You Have a Severe Impairment? - You must have a medical problem which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to perform basic work activities. The impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or end in death;
4. Does Your Medical Condition Match One of SSA’s Listed Impairments? - SSA has a list of medical conditions ["Listing of Impairments."] that describes medical conditions so severe that SSA considers people who have the conditions disabled;
   1. If your condition does not meet or equal one of the conditions in the Listing of Impairments, then you must ask:
      1. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Work You Did in the Past? - SSA determines what you are able to do despite your medical condition. This is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). SSA compares your RFC with the physical and mental demands of your past jobs. If you are physically and mentally able to do a job that you have held within the last fifteen years, then SSA considers you "not disabled." However, if you are not able to perform any of your past jobs, then ask:
5. Despite Your Medical Condition, Are You Able to Do Other Work? - If you cannot perform your past work, then SSA decides whether you are able to perform other types of work.
    

Can Children in Decatur, GA Qualify for Disability Benefits? Yes, but What is the Criteria?
 

Financially, needy children under age 18 who have serious medical conditions may be eligible for Children's SSI. A child is disabled for SSI if the child is not working and earning more than the SGA level and has a medical condition or combination of conditions that cause "marked and severe functional limitations." Medical evidence documenting the child's medical condition is essential.
 

Do you qualify for SSDI? – Work with a Knowledgeable Decatur, Georgia Disability Insurance Attorney Soon
 

SSDI is a federal insurance program that pays disability benefits to people who have paid into the social security system.  To qualify, you must be disabled and have a work history of paying social security taxes. Thus, not everyone can qualify. Those who do qualify may also be eligible for Medicare coverage, depending on the duration of your disability. Contact an SSDI attorney to learn if you may qualify.
 

SSI: a welfare-based program - Contact an experienced Decatur Disability Attorney
 

SSI is paid out like welfare, meaning you cannot earn over a certain amount of money to qualify. In addition, you need to be disabled and unable to work. SSI pays out a smaller amount of money than SSDI, but unlike SSDI, you are not required to have paid into the Social Security system to qualify for payments. In addition, SSI recipients qualify for medical care through Medicaid. To contact an experienced Decatur SSI lawyer, fill out the questionnaire on this page.
 

Proving your disability: the process of applying and appealing your decision - Decatur, Georgia Disability Appeal Attorney
 

To apply for social security, you can start online, in person, or by calling the social security administration directly. The government can take upward of six months to review your case. You can have your case reviewed by an appeal panel if you are initially denied social security benefits.
 

Below is a list of some of the types of illnesses and injuries that can qualify for a disability under Social Security:
 

Local SSA Office in Decatur, GA
 

Low Cost Hospitals in Decatur, Georgia
 

Hospitals in Decatur, GA
 

Decatur Social Security Disability Lawyers serve clients throughout Northwestern Georgia, including Atlanta, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Stone Mountain, Belvedere Park, Panthersville, Redan, Scottdale, Tucker, Briarcliff, Collinsville, Embry Hills, Mechanicsville, Mountain View, Skyland, South Decatur, Turner Hill and other communities in Dekalb county.