Which Medical Conditions Are Likely To Qualify For Disability
While any of the above medical conditions are qualifying disabilities, some medical conditions are more likely to lead to an approval of benefits than others. We recently surveyed our readers about their experiences in applying for disability benefits and compared their answers to government statistics. The conditions most likely to get approved were multiple sclerosis and some types of cancers. Respiratory disorders and joint disease were also high on the list. For the details, see our article on survey statistics on getting Social Security disability for common medical conditions.
What Conditions Qualify For Disability
The listing manual includes the following categories of conditions, which will automatically qualify you for disability if you meet the requirements in the listing:
- musculoskeletal problems, such as back and joint injuries
- cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
- blood disorders, such as hemolytic or sickle cell anemia or bone marrow failure.
To learn the disability requirements for getting disability benefits for many of the above conditions, see our section of articles on Medical Conditions, Impairments, and Problems.
The conditions most likely to get approved are multiple sclerosis and some types of cancers. Respiratory disorders and joint disease are also high on the list.
What Documentation Will I Need
The Social Security Office requires several types of documentation, not only to prove your disability eligibility, but your documentation will also go far in determining your needs, payment amounts and other disability benefits. Be sure you have with you:
- Proof of age and Social Security number
- Names, addresses and all contact information for your caseworkers, doctors, clinics and hospitals
- List of your medications, instructions and dosages
- Medical records in your possession
- Lab results
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Consider Legal Help As You Seek Social Security Disability Benefits
Disabilities can have adverse effects on your quality of life, as well as the quality of life of those who depend on you. Health conditions do not take your character into account, and you could be in a difficult position through no fault of your own. You may be able to ease your financial burden with assistance from various benefits programs. You can reach out to our Social Security Disability attorney, who can guide you through the benefits process.
Listed And Unlisted Conditions Must Be Severe
Whether the SSA has or hasnt listed your impairment, you will need more than a diagnosis to qualify for disability benefits. For listed conditions, your diagnosis and medical records must match the SSAs requirements for that specific condition. The medical evidence you present must align with the symptoms, signs, and other criteria for that impairment. If you dont meet all the requirements of a listed condition, you can still present your medical evidence. The SSA can review it and determine if its severity is equal to an impairment it considers severe.
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How To Apply For Ssdi In Georgia
The application process for Social Security Disability occurs in one of three ways: in person, over the phone, or online. Those who want to apply in person can do so at their local Social Security field office.
In Georgia, there are 33 offices to choose from listed below. You can apply online at the federal Social Security website, or over the phone at 800-772-1213.
When you apply, youll need to provide personal information about you and your family, as well as documentation of marriages, divorces, or military service. You will also need to show medical records supporting your disability claim including contact information for doctors, clinics, or other health care providers.
Can You Do Any Other Type Of Work
If you cant do the work you did in the past, we look to see if there is other work you could do despite your medical impairment.
We consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills you may have. If you cant do other work, well decide you qualify for disability benefits. If you can do other work, well decide that you dont have a qualifying disability and your claim will be denied.
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Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits In Georgia What You Need To Know
There are generally three stages in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits: initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. In this table, you can see how Georgia compares to the national average when it comes to approval rates at each of those stages.
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Social Security Disability Insurance For People With Cancer
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal disability insurance benefit earned by people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Its only available to people who have disabilities that keep them from working. If you have cancer, you may be able to have your SSDI application processed more quickly
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How Work Credits Work
You must have a certain number of work credits to qualify for the work portion of SSD. For most people, the minimum work credits are 40 overall with 20 being earned within the last 10 years before you became disabled. If you are a younger worker, you may be able to qualify with fewer credits.
The way credits are earned has changed throughout the years but currently, you can earn up to four credits per year if youre working and paying Social Security taxes. If youve worked a significant portion of your lifetime, chances are good that youve earned enough credits to meet the minimum for benefits.
If you dont have enough work credits, you probably wont qualify for benefits. However, you can earn more if you return to work at any time. Your work credits stay on your record.
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When To Hire A Georgia Disability Lawyer
Over the years, we have found that many folks have little to know understanding of the disability process. Many believe that being diagnosed with a condition that sounds horrible means they are automatically disabled. And many individuals know that they feel horrible most days, which should be enough to be found disabled.
Unfortunately, this feeling is never quite enough. Instead, the disability application process can be grueling and unnecessarily imbalanced against those seeking benefits. Much of the imbalance stems from agency rules that require evidentiary showings that can be unduly burdensome. This is particularly true when considering the changes made in the Listing of Impairments over the last decade, as well as the changes made in the domains relevant to childhood disability.
And as you may already know, medical record-keeping leaves much to be desired. Treating physicians and caregivers are often not diligent in accurately noting a patients specific complaints in their charts. Another obstacle in this regard since the shift from handwritten notes to software-managed electronic files is the repeated boilerplate charts that see very little revision of patient complaints and clinical findings over time.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
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How Is Ssdi Calculated In Georgia
If you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits or SSDI, the payment you receive each month is based on your average lifetime income earnings before your disability started. And the amount of monthly benefits that you receive is not based on the type of disability you have or how much money you currently have in the bank. Most people who are awarded benefits receive anywhere from $800 to $1,800 per month. But if you are receiving disability payments from other sources, your payments could be reduced. Keep reading to learn more about SSDI payments in Georgia.
What Are The Options For Georgia Disability
Georgia residents who meet the federal definition of disability have options for help on both the federal and state levels. To get the most benefits, a person should start with the federal programs, of which there are two available.
Through the Social Security Administration , Georgians can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance , or Supplemental Security Income . The first looks mostly at prior work history, the second at financial need.
Currently about 28%, or around one in four adults in Georgia have a disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , most are in the mobility or cognition-related disability category. Following that are people who struggle with independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care. Basically 2,150,179 people in Georgia have a disability but only a small percentage of that number are getting any assistance.
How do you increase your chances? Well, retaininga Georgia disability attorney is one way, but well get to that. The best place to start, however, is by applying.
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Ensure Your Impairment Meets The Criteria
The SSA has a group of criteria based on body part or function for which significant negative changes are determined to be severe enough as to be disabling without further inquiry. The SSA has drawn up its Listing of Impairments in such a way that the listings often require medical findings and tests results that are not normally found in treatment notes.
For this reason, the remaining 2 steps often must be completed prior to a finding of disability for most applicants.
What We Mean By Disability
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:
- You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.
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Hiring A Georgia Social Security Disability Attorney
Most Georgia Social Security Disability applicants will wait more than a year before obtaining a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Many applicants do not want to wait a year or more before receiving disability benefits and these individuals often wonder if there is any way to avoid having to endure the lengthy disability appeal process. The only way for a Georgia Social Security Disability applicant to avoid a disability hearing is to be approved for benefits during the initial stage of the disability claim process. Fortunately, retaining the services of a qualified Georgia Social Security Disability lawyer may increase your chances of receiving an approval of your initial disability application.
When you work with a qualified Georgia Social Security Disability attorney, your lawyer will help you through the initial application process by assisting you in obtaining the medical evidence that will be needed to support your disability claim. They will also help you prepare your application so that it may be presented properly to the Social Security Administration. This will increase your chances of obtaining an approval at the initial stage of the claim process and will help you avoid the hassles of the disability appeal process. If, for some reason, your application for disability benefits is denied by the Social Security Administration, your Georgia Social Security Disability attorney can move forward to represent you during the disability appeal process.
Ssa Disability Hearing Offices In Georgia
Georgia is part of SSAâs Region 4, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In Georgia, there are 5 regional hearing offices, in addition to the regional headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
Below is a list of SSA disability hearing offices in Georgia for your convenience.
Atlanta Office of Disability Adjudication and Review245 Peachtree Center Avenue
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Determining Substantial Gainful Activity
Your condition must prevent you from performing whats known as substantial gainful activity in order for you to qualify for benefits. SGA basically means work in which you make more than a certain amount each month. The exact amount changes each year. The amount for 2019 is $1,220 for non-blind applicants and $2,040 for blind applicants. This does not include income you might be receiving from sources other than employment, such as investments or interest.
If youre making more than what counts as SGA each month, the SSA will not consider you disabled. Otherwise, theyll determine whether youre able to perform the work of your last job or jobs you had in the last 15 years. If the answer is no, the SSA will see if you can still perform other types of work. Theyll also consider facts about you like your education level, age, skills youve learned, and all limitations you have.
You also cannot apply for benefits if you were already denied disability benefits within the last 60 days or you are currently receiving benefits on your Social Security record.
Additional Information That May Impact Your Benefits Eligibility
The SSA outlines some of the requirements to apply for benefits under SSDI and SSI. They include:
- Having a condition that has prevented you from working for at least one year
- Being at least 18 years of age
Beyond these basic requirements, the SSA will request several types of information as part of your application. Your answers to these questions and your ability to provide various forms of documentation may directly impact your eligibility for benefits. Some questions on the Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application may ask about:
- The age you were at the time that you became disabled
- How many years you participated in the workforce before becoming disabled
- The nature and severity of the medical condition that causes you to be disabled
- Your marital status
- Whether you have any dependents
- Whether you can complete any type of work to earn an income
- Your education and work history
Your ability to provide thorough documentation about the nature of your medical condition and the date of the conditions onset is essential in determining your eligibility for benefits through SSDI and SSI.
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How Do I Know If I Qualify For Social Security Disability In Georgia
Home » FAQs » Social Security Disability » How Do I Know if I Qualify for Social Security Disability in Georgia?
Social Security Disability benefits were created as insurance for people who cant work because of a medical condition. However, the process is more complicated than it sounds. If you submit an application for Social Security Disability , youll need to understand what those who review your application are looking for to confirm that you qualify for benefits.
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What to Do After Applying
Centrally located in Brunswick, Georgia and serving the coast, the Social Security disability attorney at the Strom Law Firm is devoted to helping disabled workers secure the benefits they need and deserve.On the page below, well help you understand if you can apply for disability benefits and how to get started on your disability application.
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Get Legal Advice From An Experienced Ssi And Ssdi Lawyer
Practicing law since 1988, our attorney Ellene Welsh has secured disability payments for numerous individuals in Georgia. She knows what documentation is necessary to present in an appeal, will represent you at any hearings and can answer all your questions about your case. Rest assured, she will remain by your side each step of the way.
To arrange a complimentary initial consultation, contact us. We look forward to working with you and pursuing the SSDI or SSI benefits you deserve. We handle SSDI and SSI cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us no attorney fees until we secure benefits for you.
What Else Do I Need To Know
Once youve got your placard in hand, there are a few things you should keep in mind about disabled parking in Georgia. Make sure your placard is clearly displayed once your vehicle is parked it should not be hanging up while youre driving. The most important thing to remember is that your placard must only be used by you you cannot ever lend it to friends and family. Its sole use should be for when youre in the vehicle, no matter if youre the one driving or are just a passenger.
With a disabled parking permit in Georgia, you are permitted to park in designated handicap parking places throughout the state. However, if parking is prohibited in a specific place, you are still not allowed to park there, even with a disabled parking placard. Other specific privileges is up to each countys discretion. If youre not sure about any other parking rules for disabled drivers, check with your local County office to get your questions answered.
If youre wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Georgia, just follow the steps laid out above, and youll be able to receive your official handicap placard in no time.
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Applying For Social Security Disability And Ssi Benefits
You can apply online for Social Security Disability benefits, you can file in person at your local Social Security office, or by calling 772-1213.
To find your local Social Security office, click here and enter your home zip code. Locate a Social Security Office.
Before you begin your application, you should collect certain information regarding your medical treatment, work history and other facts. To view a checklist of the information that you will need, Disability Checklist.
When you are ready to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits, Apply for Disability. You will not have to complete the entire application in one sitting. You will have the option of saving your application and returning to it later.
You can also complete most of your application for SSI Disability benefits online, but to finish the application process you will have to visit a Social Security office. You canApply for SSI to begin the SSI application process for yourself or for a child.