If you have a disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. A Valdosta Social Security Disability attorney with Bader Scott can help you navigate the application process or assist with appealing denied or discontinued payments.
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Social Security Disability Is Two Programs
When you are disabled and looking for federal assistance, there are two programs that you may receive benefits from: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The SSDI application process involves gathering extensive documentation, including medical records, work history, and proof of citizenship, and completing a detailed application either online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. After submission, the Social Security Administration reviews the application to determine eligibility, which may take several months.
The SSI application process is designed for individuals with limited income and resources, requiring applicants to provide proof of financial need, medical records, and personal information to demonstrate eligibility. Applications can also be submitted online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office, and the SSA evaluates them based on income limits and disability criteria.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Valdosta, call (404) 888-8888
Initial Social Security Disability Applications Often Get Denied
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 240,000 disabled workers in Georgia received some form of Social Security benefits in 2023. While many disabled workers may qualify for SSD, applying for benefits can be tricky.
More often than not, applicants seeking benefits find that their initial disability claims result in denials. In fact, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the SSA approves less than 40 percent of SSD applications. Reasons for disability denial may include:
- Application errors: SSD applications are complex and require a lot of information. If you make a mistake, even a simple clerical error, it could result in a denial.
- Insufficient medical evidence: To receive benefits, you must show that you have a qualifying disabling condition. You will need to provide the SSA with proof of your disability, such as x-rays, lab test results, MRIs, or a physician’s treatment notes.
- The SSA does not believe your condition is a disability: Your impairment must prevent you from doing basic, job-related activities for a minimum of 12 months. If the SSA does not believe your impairment interferes with your ability to work for at least that long, it will deny your benefits.
- Income: You can work part-time and receive SSD, but your earned wages must fall below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit established yearly by the SSA. The SGA for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for statutorily blind individuals.
Valdosta Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Our Valdosta SSD Attorneys Can Help You Gather Information and Complete Your Application
Filling out a Social Security application can be overwhelming. Our Valdosta Social Security Disability attorneys are familiar with the claims process and can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that may lead to a claim denial. We can review your application and make sure you supply the SSA with all the information they need, including:
- Medical records
- Proof of United States citizenship
- Tax returns
- Work history
- A completed Adult Disability Report
- Evidence of other benefits, such as workers’ compensation
- Information regarding your spouse and dependents
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We Can Assist With Proving Your Qualifying Medical Condition
To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a physical or mental impairment that the SSA deems severe and disruptive enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or could result in your death.
The SSA Blue Book lists dozens of qualifications divided into categories, including the following:
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Cancers
- Skin disorders
- Mental health conditions
- Immune system disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Digestive system disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Chronic kidney failure (CKF)
- Blood disorders
- Respiratory problems
- Sense and speech disorders
- Blindness
- Congenital conditions that affect multiple body systems
However, just because your condition is not listed does not mean you cannot receive Social Security Disability benefits. Individuals with unlisted conditions can receive benefits if they meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.
Compassionate Allowances
If you have an impairment that clearly meets the SSA’s standards for a disability, you may be able to fast-track your application. Known as “compassionate allowances,” these conditions include some cancers, brain disorders, and other conditions, such as:
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s
- Huntington disease
- Liver cancer
- Tay-Sachs
- Acute leukemia
We can tell you more about Compassionate Allowances and whether your condition qualifies. If so, we may be able to help you achieve a decision from the SSA more quickly. Call Bader Scott today for your free case evaluation.
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Collecting Evidence of Your Work Credit and Income Requirements
As stated, the SSA oversees two distinct disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Eligibility for SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is a needs-based program for low-income individuals.
SSDI Recipients Earn Benefits Through Work Credits
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to have paid into the program through taxes on your earnings. You earn work credits via your contributions, and generally, you need a minimum number of work credits based on your age to qualify. If you do not require SSDI, you receive your contributions back as Social Security retirement income.
The higher your wage contributions and the more years you pay into the program, the more you can receive in benefits. According to the SSA, SSDI payments average around $1,580 per month for 2025.
SSI Recipients Must Meet Income Requirements
SSI provides benefits to disabled people who have limited financial resources and income. This program is needs-based, and you do not need work credits to qualify.
The SSA sets payment amounts yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. The 2025 federal monthly benefit rate is $967 per person or $1,450 per couple. Most states, including Georgia, provide additional SSI benefits.
A Valdosta Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Appeal Your Denied Claim
If the SSA denies your SSDI or SSI application or revokes your benefits, our disability attorneys can help you through the appeals process. You must start your appeal within 60 days of receiving notification about your claim. We can:
- Reconsideration: We can submit new evidence and request your case be reviewed by another person.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): A disability hearing before an ALJ would allow you to introduce additional evidence, your testimony, and witness statements.
- Appeals Council Review: You may request a review of your case by the Appeals Council. They may review it or return it back to the ALJ.
- Federal Court Review: If the Appeals Council denies your request or upholds the ALJ’s decision, we can file a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.
If you must appeal, consider reaching out to our Valdosta Social Security Disability lawyers. Appeals can be complicated, and having someone who understands the legal process on your side may increase your chances of success.
Connect With a Valdosta Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Bader Scott wants to help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. We know what a big difference these payments can make for those who need them, and our Valdosta Social Security Disability attorneys will fight hard to achieve a successful outcome for you and your family.
To learn more about how our legal team can help with your initial application or appeal, call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. A member of our law firm can answer your questions and tell you more about how we can serve you.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form