Additional Information
Disability is a subject you may read about in the newspaper, but not think of as something that might actually happen to you. But your chances of becoming disabled are probably greater than you realize.
Studies show that just over 1 in 4 of today's 20 year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67.
While we spend a great deal of time working to succeed in our jobs and careers, few of us think about ensuring that we have a safety net to fall back on should we become disabled. This is an area where Social Security can provide valuable help to you (www.ssa.gov).
Mr. Goodman was recently a guest attorney on Law Call, a weekly television show, to discuss Social Security Disability. The three videos below are examples
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, we pay monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.
"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
According to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), "in Georgia, the average wait time for a SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSD (Social Security Disability) hearing is 14.2 months. The average case processing time in Georgia is 479 days. The Georgia average for winning a disability hearing is 44%." (www.disabilityjudges.com).
"It is not required to have an attorney for your disability hearing. However, having an attorney will help to ensure that you are given a fair hearing. A lawyer will make sure that all the right questions are asked at the hearing. Your lawyer will also help to organize your case and make it the most presentable for the Administrative Law Judge. Your attorney will be familiar with the disability law, including which medical records are needed to prove your disability and will make sure that your physician(s) fill out these forms as well as gather any other valuable information regarding your case. Your attorney will know how best to show that you cannot return to your prior work and cannot perform work at a substantial gainful work level. If you are represented by a disability attorney, you don’t need to bring anything to the hearing except yourself. A good disability representative will make sure that all of the documents needed to prove your claim are assembled in your file for the judge to review. The Administrative Law Judge decides cases based on what he/she sees in your file. This will include information that has been gathered by a disability examiner, which may not always be favorable to your case. Your attorney is knowledgeable in how to counter any negative input that a disability examiner may have added (www.disabilityjudges.com).
This law office is experienced and dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve. Our staff has decades of experience with Social Security Law. We understand the Advantages to Obtaining Disability Benefits. We will help you start the process and receive the best legal advice. Many claims are initially denied, despite validity of the claim. We are here to guide you through this complicated and lengthy process.
Contact us today for your initial consultation. It will be helpful to this office and for your case if you can provide us with as much information as possible concerning your claim. Complete our Information Checklist BEFORE your appointment.
