Georgia Social Security Disability Claims

   If you are a Georgia resident and have applied for Social Security disability, you are well aware that the disability claims process can take two to three years.  The Social Security Administration is aware of this problem but there is not much they can do.    The Atlanta and Atlanta North hearing offices are especially backlogged, with hearing delays lasting three years or longer.

   I can tell you that there is some good news about Social Security disability in Georgia.  When you do eventually get to a hearing, the judges in the hearing offices located in Atlanta and throughout the State are usually knowledgeable, fair and well prepared.  If your medical or mental health condition leaves you unable to perform basic work activities, there is a good chance that we will be able to win a favorable decision and recover both monthly cash benefits for you as well as a lump sum check for past due benefits owed.

   The Social Security judge listening to your case will be looking for very specific evidence in your case.  Specifically, judges are looking for evidence that your capacity for work activities has been impacted by your medical condition.   My job, as your attorney, is to identify the medical and vocational evidence that is necessary to win your case and to clearly and concisely present that evidence to the judge. 

Apply for Social Security Disability
By Phone or Online

   All Georgia Social Security disability or SSI claims must start with an application - either on-line or via telephone (Social Security Disability’s phone number is 800-772-1213).  Your Georgia Social Security disability benefit claim will then be evaluated by a disability adjudicator and most likely denied.

   If your claim is denied, please do not get frustrated and give up since many valid claims are denied.  There are many reasons having nothing to do with the merits of your case that might cause your deserving claim to be denied.  What you need to remember is that you or your representative must file an appeal (called a Request for Reconsideration) within 60 days, or else your case will be closed.

Choosing an Attorney for Your
Georgia Social Security Disability Claim

   I generally get involved in Georgia Social Security cases when a potential client receives his/her first denial notice from Social Security.  These denial notices are form letters that state generally why Social Security has decided to deny your claim.  The denial notice also provides that you must file your appeal of the denial within sixty (60) days of your receipt of the denial.  If you do not file your appeal within this sixty day period, your case will be closed and you will have to start the process all over again.

   If you have received a denial notice - whether at the initial stage or the reconsideration appeal stage, I encourage you to call my office at 770-393-4985 to discuss your case.

   Although I try Social Security disability cases throughout the State of Georgia, many of my hearings are either held in one of the Atlanta disability hearing offices or are heard by a judge based in one of these offices.  The Atlanta hearing offices are currently backlogged by thousands of cases.  Please see my special report about Atlanta Social Security disability claims.

    During my 21 year career as a lawyer, I have had the privilege of representing over 1000 Georgia Social Security disability claimants.  I am “AV” rated by the Martindale Hubbell peer review process and I have written two Social Security related books - the Disability Answer Guide, which can be found at Social Security disability forms and the Child SSI Disability Answer Guide. I am also the editor and publisher of two national Social Security disability sites: http://www.4socialsecuritydisability.net and http://www.4socialsecuritydisability.com.  I moderate a Social Security Disability blog and I produce Social Security radio each month on the Internet.

   I pledge that if you entrust me with your Social Security disability case I will use all of my skills and experience to create a case strategy that will result in a favorable hearing decision.

   I also want you to know that I handle most Georgia Social Security disability cases on a “no fee unless you win” contingency fee, with payment coming after you receive their lump sum past due benefit checks.   You may review my disability contingency fee contract by clicking on the link.   My Social Security disability law office is located in north Atlanta near Perimeter Mall.  You can reach me by phone at 770-393-4985 or by e-mail.