How Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits?

If a person is unable to work due to an injury or medical condition, they may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. The person must suffer from a permanent medical, psychiatric, or psychological condition to qualify. The disability must be determined to prevent someone from getting employment or from continuing to work.

A person must apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. This can be done online, over the phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. It is not necessary to hire an attorney to file the application, but an attorney can certainly be of help in gathering records and completing the necessary paperwork. All medical records must be submitted for review by the Social Security Administration. Detailed medical records will include the following information:

• Dates of treatment from all doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• Names and dates of medical tests and who referred the patient for testing
• Names of medications prescribed and the medical provider who prescribed them

These supporting medical records, as well as required personal documents and employment history, will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration. Their decision will be mailed to the applicant.

If the application for disability benefits is denied, an attorney should be consulted immediately. More than 60% of disability applications are initially rejected. There are time limits for filing an appeal, and an attorney can guide clients successfully through the process. They can help gather any additional records that will support the case and can prepare witnesses for the appeal hearing. Applicants who hire an attorney to represent them are more likely to win their case.

If you need help in filing for disability benefits or handling an appeal process, contact the law firm of Morgan & Morgan for a free consultation. Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are paid only if you win your case. Attorney fees will come directly from the Social Security Administration.

Lee Paulk Morgan

Lee Paulk Morgan

With more than 41 years of experience in the areas of Bankruptcy, Disability, and Workers’ Compensation, Lee Paulk Morgan is one of the most respected Bankruptcy and Disability attorneys in Athens, Georgia. His tireless dedication to serving clients has gained him the reputation of a premier attorney in his areas of practice, as well as the trust and respect of other legal experts, who often refer clients to him.