Social Security Disability Lawyer in Fayetteville, GA

Are you searching for a Social Security Disability lawyer in Fayetteville, GA?

You're not alone. Every day, hardworking individuals in our community find themselves unable to work due to unexpected illnesses or injuries. It's a challenging situation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain about your future, and unsure where to turn for help.

At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we understand what you're going through.

For over 35 years, our SSD lawyer has been helping people just like you get their Social Security Disability benefits. We know the system inside and out, and we're committed to fighting for workers’ rights and ensuring they get the support they deserve.

Take the first step towards securing your financial future today.

Contact the Law Office of Ellene Welsh at 770-489-3456 or fill out our online contact form for a FREE consultation with our Fayetteville SSD attorney.

Who Can Get Social Security Disability Benefits in Fayetteville?

You might be eligible for SSD benefits in Fayetteville if you are unable to work due to a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Our SSD lawyer wants you to know that to qualify for disability benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have earned enough work credits.
2. You have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability.
3. You are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your condition.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established strict guidelines for determining disability eligibility, and they do not offer short-term or partial disability benefits. Your disability must be serious and long-lasting in order for you to qualify. Our SSD lawyer could help you determine if your circumstances warrant financial support.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSD Benefits?

The SSA maintains a list of medical diagnoses, known as the "Blue Book," that automatically qualify for disability benefits if the criteria are met.

Some of the conditions that may qualify include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, arthritis)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease)
• Mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
• Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma)

Our Fayetteville SSD lawyer wants injured and disabled workers to know that even if their specific diagnosis isn't on the SSA list, they shouldn’t lose hope. You might still qualify if your disability is serious enough to keep you from working.

How Does the SSA Determine if I'm Disabled?

An important role of an SSD attorney is to guide workers through the five-step eligibility process administered by the SSA:

1. Are you working? If you're earning above the SGA limit, you generally won't be considered disabled.
2. Is your disability severe? Your condition needs to significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities for at least 12 months.
3. Is your diagnosis on their list of disabling conditions? If yes, you're automatically considered disabled. If not, they move on to steps 4 and 5.
4. Can you do the work you did before? If not, they move to step 5.
5. Can you do any other type of work? They'll consider your age, education, past work experience, and skills to determine if you can adjust to other work.

This process can get pretty complex, and the SSA needs solid evidence at each step.

Our Social Security Disability lawyer in Fayetteville, GA can guide you through this process and make sure your application presents a clear and compelling case for your disability.

SSD Benefits And Payments

If approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you'll receive monthly payments to help cover your living expenses. The amount you receive depends on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began.

As of 2024, the average monthly SSD benefit is approximately $1,537, but it could be more or less depending on your situation.

In addition to monthly payments, SSD beneficiaries may also be eligible for:

1. Medicare coverage (eligible in 24 months after you start getting SSD benefits)
2. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to keep up with inflation
3. Extra benefits for your spouse and kids based on your work record

What to Do if Your SSD Claim is Denied in Fayetteville?

It’s common for SSD claims to be denied the first time around. In fact, approximately 65% of applications are rejected at the initial stage!

If your claim is denied, the SSD lawyer at the Law Office of Ellene Welsh is here to offer guidance through the appeals process. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many denials are overturned on appeal.

The appeals process has a few stages:

1. File a reconsideration request: This is the first step in the appeals process. It allows you to submit new evidence or clarify any mistakes in your original application.
2. Request a hearing: If your reconsideration request is denied, you can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ).
3. Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the judge rules against you, you can take your case to the Appeals Council, which will review the ALJ’s decision.
4. File a federal court appeal: If the Appeals Council denies your claim, you can take the case to federal court.

Each stage of the appeals process has strict deadlines and specific requirements. Having an experienced SSD lawyer in Fayetteville by your side can significantly increase your chances of success.

At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we've got a track record of turning those "no's" into "yes's" and getting our clients the benefits they need.

Why Choose Us as Your Social Security Disability Lawyers in Fayetteville, GA?

When it comes to choosing a Fayetteville SSD attorney, you need someone with the experience, dedication, and local knowledge to effectively handle your case.

Here's why the Law Office of Ellene Welsh stands out:

Experienced Legal Team

With over three decades of experience in Social Security Disability law, we've seen it all.

Our SSD lawyer has handled thousands of disability cases, giving our legal team insights into the nuances of the system that less experienced attorneys might miss.

Plus, we stay on top of the latest changes in SSD regulations to provide you with the best possible representation.

High Success Rate

We don't like to brag, but our track record speaks for itself. Our SSD lawyer has helped countless Fayetteville residents successfully obtain the disability benefits they deserve, even after initial denials.

Local & Easy to Reach

We're not some faceless law firm from out of town - we're right here in Fayetteville. We’re easily accessible for in-person meetings, and always just a phone call away when you need us.

Plus, our SSD attorney is familiar with local medical providers, employers, and the specific economic conditions that might affect your case.

No Upfront Fees

We know you're already dealing with enough stress. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't pay us a dime unless we win your case.

Our success is tied to yours - we only win when you do!

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability

Governed by a complex system, Social Security Disability benefits often bring up a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common concerns workers in Fayetteville have when applying for SSD:

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Social Security Disability?

We'll be honest with you - the timeline can vary quite a bit.

For initial applications, our SSD attorney estimates about 3-5 months for a decision. If your claim is denied and you need to go through the appeals process, it can take longer - sometimes up to two years or more.

Can I Work Part-Time and Still Qualify for SSD Benefits?

Yes, you can work part-time and still qualify for SSD benefits, as long as you earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,537 per month in 2024.

If your earnings exceed this limit, the SSA may determine that you're able to work, and you could lose eligibility for benefits. If you have questions concerning part-time work and disability eligibility, reach out to our SSD lawyer in Fayetteville with your inquiries!

What if My Disability Doesn’t Meet the SSA’s Strict Criteria?

Even if your disability doesn’t exactly match the diagnoses listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you could still qualify if your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working.

The SSA will assess your ability to perform work based on your limitations and overall health through a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation.

Can I Qualify for SSD Benefits if I Have Multiple Conditions?

Yes, you can qualify for SSD benefits if you have multiple medical conditions.

The SSA will evaluate the combined impact of all your diagnoses to determine whether they prevent you from working.

Even if each condition alone may not meet their strict criteria, the overall effect on your ability to function and hold a job can still qualify you for benefits. Our SSD attorney is here to help those with complex medical situations evaluate the likelihood of a successful application–feel free to reach out to our Fayetteville office!

Contact a Fayetteville SSD Attorney Today

Don't face this challenging process alone. Reach out to the Law Office of Ellene Welsh today and take the first step towards securing the benefits you deserve with the help of a dedicated SSD lawyer.

Your future and your peace of mind are worth fighting for, and we're here to fight alongside you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Remember, there are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case.

Call 706-984-8963 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with our compassionate Fayetteville SSD attorney.

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Meet Your Douglasville Social Security and Workers Compensation Attorney Ellene Welsh

MEET ELLENE WELSH

At Ellene Welsh's Law Office, our mission is to assist clients in obtaining essential benefits such as workers' compensation, Social Security Disability payments, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With a legal career spanning back to 1988, attorney Ellene Welsh is a strong advocate for individuals facing physical and mental disabilities that hinder their ability to earn a livelihood. Serving clients across Georgia from our Columbus and Douglasville offices, we're committed to getting you started promptly. For immediate contact with Attorney Ellene Welsh, please dial 770-489-3456 today.

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With 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Ellene Welsh specializes in assisting individuals in the Douglasville, Columbus, and West Georgia areas to secure Work Comp, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the systems and collaborating with admin officials to secure her clients the financial support they deserve.

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