Filing a Disability Claim in Atlanta

At Cruz & Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can be to figure out the logistics of filing a disability claim while also trying to adjust to life after your accident. We’re here to support you through the process and guide you through the paperwork. Having a partner to help manage the disability application process and increase your chances of receiving disability benefits is one of many reasons we recommend hiring a disability benefits lawyer. If you have already applied for disability insurance and benefits and you were denied, this isn’t uncommon. Hiring an attorney is the next step you should make in order to secure those benefits.

Disability benefits provide economic relief to employees who suffer catastrophic, permanently disabling injuries. An injured employee who develops a permanent disability may be unable to resume their previous job, or may be completely unable to work in any capacity again. In these situations, disability benefits may cover what workers’ compensation can’t. The two benefits programs also tend to run in tandem. If you or a loved one has experienced a life-altering disability, the Atlanta team of attorneys at Cruz & Associates can help you get the disability benefits you deserve.

The Disability Benefits Process

The initial application is relatively straightforward with the information you’ll provide to the Social Security Administration. You can apply for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Complete and submit your application either online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. It will be reviewed and then sent to the Disability Determination Services office in Georgia. Their response will be mailed to you, but you can check the status on your personal account online.

You have the right to appeal a denial within 60 days. It will involve a reconsideration, a hearing, and two levels of review. Having a disability lawyer by your side can help you navigate this part of the process.

Applying for Disability Insurance with Cruz & Associates

The average acceptance rate of initial applications is under 25%, so don’t be alarmed if this is the response you get. When you meet with Cruz & Associates about filing a disability claim, your experienced attorney will work to secure your benefits in a number of effective ways. We will start by assessing your situation and the reasoning behind your disability in order to build the case, before ensuring your disability qualifies as a physical or mental disability based on Georgia’s disability qualifications.

Once your disability is established as qualifying, your attorney will obtain medical records of the treatments you have received to use as evidence to strengthen your case. In addition to your medical records, other documentation such as accident reports, work history and educational information are gathered to further build your case. Once your case has the necessary evidence, your Cruz & Associates representative will use this information to help you make a disability claim.

Qualifications

There are a number of qualifications you must meet. The Social Security Administration provides a checklist called the Adult Disability Checklist you can review. Your work history will be an important factor, so be sure to prepare that information as well.

Below is a list of medical conditions that could qualify you for disability; however, these conditions almost never automatically qualify you to receive disability benefits. Your attorney will assess the severity of your medical condition to ensure there’s a valid case to earn the benefits you’re entitled to.

If your medical condition does not fall into the list above, that does not mean you have no chance of a disability claim approval. Your Cruz & Associates attorney will work hard to quickly and seamlessly build your application to get you the benefits your family needs, and that includes discussing if we believe you have a valid claim during your initial consultation. Our bilingual attorneys have years of knowledge and experience applying for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. So if you do not see your medical condition listed above but you are still unable to work due to your disability, give our Atlanta law office a call and let our team assess your unique situation.

Contact Cruz & Associates for a Free Consultation Today

At Cruz & Associates, we understand the importance of gaining disability benefits when you are unable to work due to an injury or disability. If you have made a disability claim and it was denied by the state, or if you are just starting to look into filing a disability claim, working with an experienced attorney can increase your chances of securing the benefits your family needs.

Hiring an Atlanta disability benefits lawyer can dramatically increase your chances of a successful disability claim. Our team has over 30 years of experience handling disability and other workers’ compensation cases in Georgia. Complete this online form or call today at (404) 444-1111 for a free initial consultation to see how we can help you get the benefits you deserve.