If an illness, injury, or your overall health prevents you from earning a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Our Decatur Social Security Disability lawyers know how this process works and how to get claims approved. We can help you prepare your claim or fight a denial.
Our Decatur personal injury lawyers at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers have recovered over $30 million for our clients. We understand how important SSD benefits are to you. Let us review your case for free to see how we can help. Contact us today to get started.
Why Work With Our Team of Decatur Social Security Disability Attorneys?
At Bader Scott, our clients work directly with their lawyers to prepare and file their SSD claims or build strong appeals. We understand how important securing benefits, retroactive pay, and back pay are to clients applying for Social Security Disability.
We provide free initial consultations. You will speak with us within 48 hours of your call. When you choose to let our personal injury law firm represent you, you can expect quick, easy-to-understand communication from your attorney, whether you have a question or want a case update.
Our Decatur SSD attorneys also work on contingency. There are no upfront costs to hire our firm to represent you and advocate for you. We only get paid if we get you approved for Social Security Disability benefits.
When and How Can a Decatur SSD Attorney Help Me?
Our Decatur disability lawyers can help you at several key stages before and during the SSD claims process, including:
- Before applying: We can determine if you qualify for one or both SSD programs based on your work history, income, and other factors.
- When filing your claim: We will prepare and complete accurate paperwork on your behalf, helping you avoid common errors that lead to denials.
- After a denial: Our attorneys file timely appeals, including requesting reconsideration and representing you at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing.
- Throughout the process: Our team will communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for you, track deadlines, and ensure your case stays on course.
Contact us today to learn more about how our team at Bader Scott can help you with the Social Security Disability claims process.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Decatur, call (404) 888-8888
A Decatur Attorney Can Help You Understand Your Options for SSD Programs
Our Decatur SSD lawyers understand the two SSD programs and their required qualifications. Each program serves a different purpose and has different guidelines to determine who has a qualifying disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify, you must have a sufficient work history and earned enough work credits. In addition, you must not earn more than the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a need-based program for those with limited income and few resources. It provides financial help to the disabled, including adults, children, and senior citizens, regardless of recent work history.
Decatur Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Qualifying for SSD Benefits Based on Your Disability
At Bader Scott, our attorneys know how the SSA evaluates claims. We will explain the agency’s assessment process and what criteria it will use to determine whether your medical condition prevents you from working and qualifies you for benefits.
In general, there are two ways you can qualify for SSD benefits based on your condition:
Blue Book Evaluation
The first way someone can qualify for benefits is by meeting the criteria listed under their diagnosis in the SSA Blue Book. If your medical evidence shows your condition is as severe as the impairment listing based on your diagnosis, you may receive approval for benefits based on your medical records.
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment
If your condition does not meet the criteria in a Blue Book listing, you can undergo a residual functional capacity assessment. This is an evaluation of your medical records and possibly a consultative exam meant to determine what activities you can do despite your limitations. The RFC assessment includes evaluating your physical and mental abilities to see if you can still perform your past work or adjust to other available jobs.
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How Our Decatur Social Security Disability Lawyers Fight Denied Claims
Claimants must navigate several steps to appeal a denial of their Social Security Disability claim. If you do not already have an attorney when you receive a denial notice, contact our personal injury law firm as soon as possible. You only have a short time to request reconsideration.
Generally, you only have 60 days to act. Our legal team will guide you through this process, working toward getting you approved for benefits, retroactive pay, and back pay. First, we will review your denial letter to learn more about why the SSA denied your claim. We will then gather stronger medical evidence, identify any mistakes made in your claim, and develop a strategy to fight the denial.
Reconsideration involves asking the SSA to review your claim again. If this is ineffective, we will request a disability hearing and submit additional evidence to the ALJ to bolster your claim.
What if the ALJ Does Not Approve My Claim?
If the Administrative Law Judge denies your claim, you are not out of options. If necessary, we can pursue further appeals. For example, we may ask the Appeals Council to hear the case or file a lawsuit in federal court.
Our experienced attorneys will continue to fight your denial through every channel possible. You can count on our team to focus on your best interests.
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Talk to Our Decatur Lawyers About Your Social Security Disability Claim
At Bader Scott, we provide free consultations for Decatur residents who cannot work because of a disabling illness or injury. Contact us today to learn how our Decatur Social Security Disability lawyers help individuals fight for the benefits they deserve.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form