Henry County SSDI Lawyer
A severe medical condition could take a serious toll on your life. If you are physically unable to return to your current or former workplace due to an injury or illness, you may be able to receive financial support through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
It could be intimidating to face the setbacks of unexpected injuries without a Henry County SSDI lawyer’s guidance and assistance. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could be a strong advocate on your behalf and assist you in making a claim for benefits that might be crucial for your recovery.
Applying in Henry County
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows individuals to apply for SSDI benefits online, by phone, or in person at local SSA offices. The application for SSDI requires that individuals provide information about their work history and medical treatment for assessment of their eligibility.
If individuals cannot directly submit their medical records to SSA, they may sign a release of information form permitting their medical providers to send their records directly to the SSA on their behalf. No matter which method an individual applicant elects to use, an SSDI attorney in Henry County could help them ensure they include all necessary information and fulfill all the prerequisites for applying.
Claims Decisions
The Georgia Disability Determination Services office considers each claim for benefits according to SSA standards. An early step to determine eligibility involves an earnings test, which is based on a required number of quarters or periods of employment an individual could have to qualify for SSDI benefits. In this way, an applicant’s work history may determine their eligibility for benefits or the amount to which they may be entitled.
If the Disability Determination Services office decides that a claimant passes the earning tests, they could then consider whether the claimants meet the definition of disability. This definition could incorporate the following factors:
- Current monthly work hours and income, if any
- The severity of the medical conditions
- Medical conditions as compared to SSA impairment listings
- Ability to perform their previous type of work
- Ability to perform any type of work at all
If the office decides more medical evaluation or information is needed, another doctor may be sought after. A Henry County attorney could assist an individual in gathering the required medical records and adequate information to support their SSDI claim.
Appealing an SSDI Denial Notice
If the Disability Determination Services office denies eligibility for benefits, individuals could still pursue their claims through a multi-level appeals process. Individuals could file a request for reconsideration with the SSA, which asks the agency to further review the claim along with any new medical records or information that may be provided. Typically, claimants must file such a request within 60 days of when they received their denial notice. Individuals are recommended to reach out to a diligent attorney if they wish to appeal a denial.
Further Action to Appeal a Denial
If the SSA denies the initial request and request for reconsideration, injured individuals have additional actions they may pursue. After denial, claimants typically have another 60 days to further appeal by requesting a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
If the judge again denies the claim for SSDI benefits, individuals may next appeal to the Appeals Council, which is another branch of the SSA. In the event of a denial by the Appeals Council, individuals may have a right to file a final appeal through a lawsuit filed in federal district court.
Consulting with a Henry County SSDI Attorney
Applying and qualifying for SSDI benefits could be a long and complicated process, notably when you are dealing with a chronic illness or injury. The stress of sifting through and organizing medical information, dealing with various administrative offices, and filing for claims and appeals could be alleviated with the aid of a dedicated attorney.
If you are injured and are unable to work, a Henry County SSDI lawyer may be able to intervene on your behalf. Call today to find out how dedicated legal counsel could make the SSDI application process easier for you so you could focus on what matters most: your recovery.
