Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Alpharetta, GA

These benefits are intended for people who are coping with a disability that will last for 12 months or more or will result in death. Additionally, you must have worked for five or more years out of the last ten. While it might sound like it’d be simple to get benefits, that’s not always the case. The Social Security Administration might disagree that what you have is actually considered a disability. It’s important to note that if your application is denied, you only have a limited amount of time to file an appeal. If you miss the deadline, you could be out of luck. This is why it’s smart to consult with and find experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Alpharetta, GA before you apply. This way, you can speak with them right away if your claim is denied, and they can start working on your case immediately. 

The following are the stages of the appeals process: 

• Reconsideration. If your initial claim is denied, your claim will be reviewed by a disability examiner. They will decide if they are going to approve or again deny the claim.
• Administrative Law Judge. You have the option to present (or have your lawyer present) your case in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). At least fifty percent of claims that have been previously denied are successfully approved at this stage. 
• Appeals Council: If your claim is not approved by the ALJ at this point, you can appeal to the Appeals Council. They will review the ALJ’s decision. 
• Federal Courts: If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council, you can then file a civil case in federal court. 

Anytime you do business with the Social Security Administration, you are permitted to have a representative – an attorney or a non-attorney. Once you appoint a representative, they can take the following actions on your behalf:

• Obtain information from your Social Security file
• Assist you in getting medical records or other information to support your claim
• Attend interviews, conferences, or hearings with you
• Request a reconsideration, hearing, or Appeals Council review 
• Prepare you and your witnesses for the hearing 

If you appealed a denial of your social security benefits and the decision was not reversed, and you disagree with the denial, you can take one final action—filing a civil suit in Federal district court. This is the final level of the appeals process.

In order to file the claim, you need to file it in the district court of the United States in the judicial district where you reside or where your principal place of business is located. When you file a civil action in Federal court, you are required to send copies of the complaint you filed, as well as the summons that was issued by the court. 

Keep in mind, if you wish to file an appeal in Federal court, you must do so within 60 days of receiving the notice of the Council’s decision in the appeal. If you miss this deadline, you will need to start the application process all over again. It could take years for you to get to this point of the application and the appeal process, so missing the deadline would be a very unfortunate error. 

The judge who presides over your case will make one of the following decisions: 

1. Uphold the decision made by the Social Security Disability Appeals Council;
2. Remand your case for further review by the Social Security Administration; or
3. Grant your Social Security Disability benefits 

Yes, there is a filing fee. However, if the filing fee will be a hardship for you, you can request that the courts waive the fee. This request must be made in writing. There is no guarantee that the request will be granted.  

We know how stressful it can be to be disabled and not get the benefits that you’re entitled to. The process of receiving Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated to navigate, so we want to do everything we can to help you. We have many experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Alpharetta, GA who we can put you in contact with. We have recovered more than $20 billion dollars in compensation for our clients. We always work our hardest to do whatever it takes to get the maximum recovery and the best possible outcome for everyone we represent. We have all the resources of a big firm with the personable feel of a smaller “boutique” firm. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free consultation.