If you are applying for social security in Athens, Georgia, you start by calling your local social security office and setting up a disability. Approximately 70 percent of the people that apply for disability benefits in the State of Georgia are turned down the first time. This means that that the number of appeals filed in the state is high, and most people work with a social security disability lawyer on their appeal in order to secure benefits.

What is Discussed in the Disability Interview

You will be asked about your current disabilities, what your diagnoses are and about your previous work history. During the interview you will be asked to provide names of treatment providers and you will sign releases for the social security administration to talk to the providers on your behalf. You will be asked about your symptoms, and why they prevent you from working gainful employment. You will provide a work history for the past 15 years, if applicable, and once your application is complete, your case will go on to the determination unit.

The Next Step: Disability Determination Services

All disability claims are reviewed by a disability examiner, who will look through the entirety of your case to determine if you should receive social security benefits. This step takes three to four months, sometimes longer if your disability is because of a recent surgery. If you are sent for further consultation by the social security administration, your case can take even longer.

The Request for Reconsideration

When you have been denied benefits, the first appeal process is the request for reconsideration. This appeal has to be filed within 60 days of your denial, and the chances of winning this reconsideration is actually lower than when you first applied for benefits.

Request for a Hearing

If you been denied social security in Athens, Georgia, a second time, you can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Like the previous appeals, you must file this within 60 days of your previous appeal. When you qualify for a disability hearing, the approval rates rise drastically as administrative law judges can determine the case independently without worrying about a supervisor at the social secuirty administration.

Morgan & Morgan can help throughout this process. Contact us today for help filing for social security disability.

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Morgan Lawyers