If you live in the state of Georgia and you have a disability that has rendered you disabled and unable to work, you may wonder if you should file for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. You may also wonder how to go about doing so.
What types of benefits are available? What steps should you take to start the process? How long does it take for an application to be approved? How much might you receive? These are all normal and understandable questions to ask. Let’s take a closer look at some of the answers together.
What Types of Benefits are Available?
The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
In order to be approved for either type of benefit, an applicant must be able to provide evidence establishing that they have a qualifying medical condition that has caused them to be disabled for at least one continuous calendar year or more. Proving that you have such a condition will generally require medical records and evidence – and may also require information regarding your employment and inability to work due to your condition.
In addition to the preceding factors, in order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, an individual must have worked a qualifying job for a sufficient amount of time, through which they regularly paid a portion of their salary into the Social Security system. This is known as being “insured.”
In order to receive SSI benefits, however, an individual need not be “insured.” He or she does, however, need to have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. That limit may change from year to year.
In Georgia, as in other states, the amount of SSDI or SSI benefits paid each month does not depend upon an individual’s particular disability. Instead, SSDI benefits typically depend upon the applicant’s employment and earning history.
SSI benefits, by contrast, are paid based on an individual’s total income and resources, and additionally, may be impacted by the state in which the applicant lives. In Georgia, for example, SSI recipients may also be eligible to receive a state SSI supplement in addition to their federal payment.
What is the Typical Application Process?
Applying for benefits, like most legal matters, involves a step-by-step process. In Georgia, as in all states, an individual must first establish that they meet the initial criteria for SSDI or SSI benefits. This means proving:
- The existence of a qualifying disability
- The disability has rendered the individual disabled for one continuous calendar year or more.
In addition to providing this proof, an individual must establish that they are “insured” to receive SSDI benefits, while those receiving SSI benefits must prove that they have income and resources below the necessary limit.
After determining eligibility, an individual in Georgia must begin the application process. Although Social Security is a federal administrative program, in Georgia, Disability Adjudication Services determines benefits.
Important things to know about the application process include:
- Those interested in applying can fill out their application online at www.SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance from a qualified representative.
- Generally, the application process will consist of gathering necessary medical proof and employment records if needed, completing the required paperwork, and submitting it to the appropriate authorities.
- It is essential to have an attorney who knows and understands the law to guide you through the application process. This will ensure that you fully assert your rights and don’t overlook any important steps.
- After the application process itself is completed, the claim will be forwarded to the Georgia DAS board.
- If a claim is denied, an applicant must generally wait around 60 days after the first application to try again. At that point, a hearing may be granted, and the claim may addressed by an Administrative Law Judge, who will ultimately render a decision.
This process may seem complicated and overwhelming – and that’s understandable. The good news, though, is that it doesn’t have to be. At Muse Disability, our legal team is here for you, and we can help you each step of the way.
Muse Disability – Here For You
Being disabled is difficult. There’s no question about it. When you’re struggling with a disability, you need and deserve time to focus on treating your condition and enjoying life with those you love. The last thing you need is to worry about how you’ll pursue the disability benefits you need and deserve. Instead, you can turn to the knowledgeable and experienced legal team at Muse Disability. When you do, you can rest assured that you’ve put your case in good hands. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to help. Give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.