Social Security Disability Claims Assistance in Georgia and Nationwide

Social Security Disability Claims Assistance in Georgia and Nationwide

Social Security Disability benefits help people who cannot work because of physical or mental disabilities manage financial challenges. The claims process for approving much-needed benefits can be complicated and frustrating. Most applicants are denied after the initial application review and must appeal the decision.

The team of disability benefits professionals at The Keener Law Firm is committed to making a difference for people in need of Social Security Disability benefits. Our compassionate and dedicated attorneys provide exceptional disability claims assistance. We relieve you of the stress and frustration associated with the application and appeals process when you need benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.

Let A Disability Lawyer Help You Meet The Requirements Of The SSDI Program

The SSDI program provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. The work period must be long enough, with some of it being recently enough to the onset of disability to meet program requirements.

If you meet the work requirements for coverage under the SSDI program, you also must be disabled. The Social Security Administration uses a definition of disability that must be proven by medical documentation. Benefits through SSDI are not available for short-term or partial disabilities. 

The Keener Law Firm team of disability professionals can assist you by reviewing your claim to determine whether you meet the disability standard that requires:

• An inability to do substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
• The impairment or impairments must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in your death. 

An application for SSDI benefits must be supported by medical documentation that includes a diagnosis based on an examination and diagnostic test results. Disability claims assistance provided by The Keener Law Firm includes determining whether your healthcare providers have the medical records to support your application and prove that you are disabled and unable to work.

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits

The Social Security Administration provides multiple methods for people to use to apply for disability benefits, including:

• Apply by telephone: Start the SSDI application process by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will schedule an appointment for you to complete the application process over the phone.
• Apply online: Go to the Social Security website for online application information. You can complete and submit the application for SSDI benefits using the SSA website. 
• Apply in person: You can apply for SSDI benefits at a local Social Security office.

A common reason for disability claim delays or denials is an incomplete application or one that contains mistakes and inconsistencies. 

Disability claims assistance provided by The Keener Law firm includes a review of your application before submission to identify and address missing information, errors, and inconsistencies. Our disability professionals use their experience and knowledge of the disability benefits process to your advantage in an effort to prevent the causes of delays and rejections. 

The Application Review Process For SSDI

After you submit an application for SSDI benefits, it is first reviewed at a local Social Security office to determine if it meets the non-medical program requirements, such as work history. It must also be complete, without missing information, and free of errors. 

Applications that meet the non-medical criteria after review by the local office are sent to Disability Determination Services. The DDS is a state agency funded by the Social Security Administration.

The DDS reviews the application and the medical documentation supporting the claim. The DDS obtains records from your healthcare providers to determine if you have a medical condition meeting the federal disability standard. DDS may request that you undergo another medical examination by your doctor or by another medical practitioner.

Seeking help from The Keener Law Firm early in the process gives you a team of experienced disability professionals to review your application before submission to identify and correct the mistakes or omissions that delay or defeat a claim. It also allows our disability attorneys the opportunity to ensure that your claim has the medical and non-medical documentation it requires. 

The Social Security Administration determines whether your application meets the requirements for disability benefits. Keener Law can help by making sure that your healthcare providers have the medical evidence to support your claim before you apply for benefits. We remain in contact with Social Security to know when it needs additional information or documentation, and contact your medical providers to have records sent as quickly as possible. 

Disability Claim Assistance At The Initial Application Stage

The Keener Law Firm team of disability benefit professionals believes that disability claim assistance begins even before you submit your SSDI application. Steps we take to improve the chance of success include:

• Review your application before submission to identify and correct errors, omissions, or inconsistencies.
• The Social Security Administration does not pay SSDI benefits for partial or short-term disabilities, so we evaluate your condition to determine that it meets the disability standard.
• The diagnosis of a medical practitioner must be supported by medical evidence, including diagnostic testing. We coordinate with your medical providers to ensure the availability of the records to support your claim.

Representation by The Keener Law Firm gives you a disability professional to rely upon to guide you throughout the claims process. If your claim for benefits is denied after the application review, someone from our office will explain your options, including the right to appeal.

Guiding You Through The Appeal Process

The denial of an SSD benefits claim may be disappointing, but it does not mean you should give up. Discuss your options with a representative of The Keener Law Firm during a free consultation. Our disability lawyers have years of experience fighting on behalf of claimants who were initially denied benefits and achieving successful outcomes in the appeal process.

The appeal process includes the following levels:

• Reconsideration: A new examiner who was not involved in the original determination conducts a review of the claim and can agree with the denial of benefits or approve them..
• Hearing: If you disagree with the determination made at reconsideration, you may appeal it for a hearing with an administrative law judge. A hearing allows for the presentation of new evidence by your disability lawyer, including witnesses. You may be asked questions by the judge and your lawyer, which gives you the chance to explain how your disabling medical condition affects you on a day-to-day basis, including its effect on your ability to work.
• Appeals Council review: A decision by an ALJ may be appealed to the Appeals Council, which has the authority to decide the case or send it back to the hearing level.
• Federal court review: A lawsuit filed in federal court by your disability lawyer asks a judge to decide the claim in your favor.

SSDI disability claims assistance by a Keener Law attorney continues during the appeal process, with skilled representation developed through years of experience handling SSD claims from initial application to appeals.

Rely On The Disability Benefits Professionals At The  Keener Law Firm

The SSDI program provides financial resources for people with disabilities, but complicated regulations and confusing procedures make the claims process difficult to navigate on your own. The Keener Law Firm built a reputation for delivering outstanding disability claims assistance in Georgia and nationwide. Contact Keener Law today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions Disability Claims Assistance