Finding A Disability Attorney Marietta GA Can Trust
Disability can affect any person at any time. Many people may lead a relatively normal life for years, only to suffer a tragedy. All of a sudden, a healthy person may endure a serious medical event. In other cases, chronic disabilities completely disrupt normal, everyday functioning.
Fortunately, disabled individuals can receive long-term help. If a person is disabled, poor and/or unable to work, assistance exists. Both children and adults can benefit from such assistance.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is directly in charge of administering this assistance. The SSA is a government agency that provides benefits for millions of Americans across the country.
However, assistance is administered for a reason. Not all applicants for Social Security have the right reasons. In fact, many people who apply for disability benefits will not receive Social Security. In order to qualify, a claimant must demonstrate a number of important conditions.
The criteria for Social Security benefits vary in nature. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes its determination based on three primary factors: (1) medical disability conditions, (2) vocational history and ability, and (3) financial circumstances.
Claimants for social security disability must meet a combination of criteria. With the help of the best disability lawyers, claimants are more likely to get approved.
Hiring A Social Security Marietta GA Attorney
Disability attorneys are important for several reasons. Firstly, a sound legal mind can adapt. A good lawyer will understand the many complications of law. Because social security law is complex, many applicants will struggle. Most laypersons simply don’t have the time or knowledge to understand social security law.
Disability lawyers also know what the Social Security Administration (SSA) seeks. The SSA requires specific forms and types of documentation. The application must be filed properly and completed. If the application is lacking, the applicant may be rejected immediately.
This is why many disability claimants elect to hire attorneys.
Claimants who hire attorneys will enjoy certain attorney-client privileges. These privileges allow the claimant to discuss important and sensitive information without fearing disclosure. Furthermore, disability applicants can rely on their attorneys for substantial assistance.
Because the application process is difficult, a seasoned lawyer will offer numerous services. The best social security attorney will help the client with both applying and appealing. This legal expert will analyze laws, documents and determinations throughout the process.
The top disability attorneys can also accompany clients to appointments. Many claimants may require further medical and financial meetings. Each claimant should consult his or her lawyer before visiting the Social Security Office Marietta GA has established.
A good attorney is also willing to help with appeals. Some attorneys may fear litigation and court. However, the top social security lawyers do not. In fact, the best disability attorneys have experience in winning a variety of claims and cases.
When a claim goes to trial, a social security attorney can argue the client’s case before a judge.
Understanding Social Security Disability Programs
Although every claimant may feel qualified, this is not the case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can be very strict about determinations. Applicants should know exactly how, and why, they are applying.
A seasoned social security advocate understands this. When applying for disability, a client can rely on legal expertise for improved results. A sound legal mind can make a significant difference in the outcomes of disability claims.
However, every client case is different. When applying for disability benefits, claimants have two options. These options are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Some applicants apply to both programs.
The Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
The SSDI program administers benefits to persons who are either disabled or blind. However, these recipients must be “insured.” In order to qualify for this insurance, beneficiaries must have paid into the Social Security trust fund.
These contributions to the fund come from a worker’s history of earnings. These contributions can also come from one’s spouse or parents, per the requirements of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). Dependents of these recipients may also receive benefits from the earnings record.
Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI)
By comparison, the SSI program prioritizes the need of its beneficiaries. This program administers cash payments to persons who are aged, blind, and disabled. Recipients may be both children and adults.
To qualify for SSI, an applicant has to show limited income and resources. These resources include combined assets of a certain type. The Social Security Administration (SSA) puts a cap on allowable income.
To qualify, an individual cannot earn more than $771 in countable income per month. Meanwhile, a couple cannot earn more than $1,157 monthly.
The SSI program also counts assets. These typically include: (1) money in bank accounts, (2) any investments, (3) secondary real estate and (4) certain personal property and household items.
Overall, the SSI and SSDI programs can significantly help people who are struggling. Although it can be difficult to determine eligibility, applicants should not be discouraged. A good disability lawyer can help claimants make all necessary calculations.
Concerned claimants can also contact their local Marietta Social Security Office. The Marietta Ga Social Security Office Phone Number is (800) 772-1213.
The Specifics of Social Security Disability Programs
In general, Social Security Disability programs help those who cannot help themselves. There are numerous reasons that individuals and families encounter difficulty. Medical conditions can arise from nowhere. Disability can become absolutely life-changing. Financial and vocational struggles occur.
Unfortunately, many medical conditions can become devastating. Lost wages can be crippling. Children can suffer. Spouses can suffer. In some cases, death is imminent.
When persons are struggling, SSDI and SSI can help. However, applicants should understand the specifics. The best attorneys will understand these many complicated criteria.
It is crucial that both client and attorney fully understand the definitions of the Social Security Administration (SSA). One of the most important definitions is the concept of disability. Although common definitions of this term exist, the SSA has a more specific understanding.
The SSA follows specific rules to determine that an applicant is ‘disabled.’
Defining Social Security Disability For Adults
Disability claimants for social security disability must prove a certain type of disability. So-called total disability is different than short term or partial disabilities. Total disability is a disabling condition that has lasted and/or is expected to last.
By comparison, short-term and partial disabilities typically improve after a short period. An adult claimant is said to be ‘disabled’ if:
(1) He or she cannot perform substantial gainful activity; and
(2) the condition is expected to result in death; or
(3) the condition has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of 1 year or more
In every case, the disabling condition must be a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This can include issues resulting from emotional and/or learning conditions. There are also exemptions, in which the SSA determines certain conditions to be qualifying.
However, the requirements for ‘disabling’ conditions are not always the same. For children, there is a different set of disability criteria.
Defining Social Security Disability For Children
Any person who is under the age of 18 may qualify as a disabled child. That individual must clearly demonstrate a medically determinable physical or mental impairment,including learning and behavioral disorders.
These conditions are considered ‘disabling’ if they:
(1) result in marked and severe functional limitations; and
(2) are expected to lead to death; or
(3) have lasted or are expected to last continuously for 12 months or more
For children, marked limitations are considered severe. These limitations are said to interfere with a child’s ability to start, continue and finish various independent tasks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes this determination by looking through the daily functioning of the child.
The SSA also makes certain exceptions for individuals with clear and designated conditions. The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program quickly identifies certain conditions listed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
CAL conditions typically include various cancers, brain disorders and rare child impairments. The CAL program makes it easier for the most disabled applicants to get approved. In the end, the people who need benefits most will get them.
However, the SSA will also carefully examine work capacity. Even if an individual is impaired, that individual must demonstrate limited work ability. The benchmark for this work capacity is called substantial gainful activity (SGA).
As of 2019, the SSA will determine any work amounting to over $1,220 a month to be SGA. Many part-time jobs may even qualify as SGA. If an applicant demonstrates SGA, he or she will not receive benefits. Blind applicants are an exception.
This is why it’s important to understand all criteria for disability benefits. With the help of the best disability attorneys around, many applicants can receive the benefits deserved. Disability claimants should consult with attorneys as soon as possible.
The top social security lawyers in Marietta are ready.
