Social Security Disability Benefit Myths

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Setting Straight Social Security Disability Benefit Myths

Social Security myths tend to spread rapidly, as concerned elderly and disabled persons who can no longer work are relying on benefits as a large, and sometimes only, source of income. In the interest of calming some common worries, this article will highlight some misconceptions regarding Social Security benefits.

Social Security Is Just a Retirement Program for Workers

Not true. Social Security has actually expanded to include low-income earners, disabled individuals and survivors through Social Security Disability (SSD) payments and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Congress added disability benefits in 1956 and SSI benefits in 1974. With the addition of SSI, you do not need to have worked in order to receive benefits; rather, you simply must meet the qualifying requirements. SSI is given to children, disabled adults and those over age 65 who have limited resources.

Social Security Is Going Bankrupt Soon

As part of the recent deficit discussions, you may have heard that Social Security is running out of money. As it is currently structured, the SSA estimates that Social Security has enough funds to pay full benefits at least until 2041. At that point, if everything stays the same, Social Security would pay 75 percent of benefits. While the focus on the problem is understandable and important, it should not prevent you from applying for benefits or thinking your benefits will immediately be reduced.

It Takes Years to Apply, and Everyone Gets Denied the First Time

It can be difficult to present your case to the SSA, and often first-time applicants make mistakes. This is why, according to the SSA, over 70 percent of first-time applicants are rejected. But the SSA may very well accept your first claim if you are disabled and properly fill out your claim for benefits.

It is true that some applications can take months or even over a year to determine. However, through compassionate allowances and other programs, severely disabled individuals can sometimes start receiving benefits in as early as a month.

An Attorney Can’t Help Me or Won’t Take My Case

Many people think that they can fill out the application on their own or conduct their own appeals hearing. You may think an attorney has no interest in your case. However, an experienced attorney will be able to avoid common mistakes and clearly state to the SSA why you need SSD or SSI benefits. Many attorneys only focus on SSD and SSI claims and appeals, so consult an SSD attorney in your area for a discussion of your case.

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The Law Office of Ellene Welsh Testimonials

Avedis SmithAvedis Smith
20:02 27 Jul 23
When I first got my review denial letter from SSA and had to appeal I was crushed...I contacted several lawyers and no one wanted to take my case. I contacted Ellene Welsh law firm and spoke with Annette and told her about my situation(she spoke with Attorney Welsh) they agreed and took my case. Let me tell you, they are so thorough...they took the time to explain everything to me each step of the way and obtained all medical records, worked endlessly with my SSA hearing officer, and help ease my anxiety. I'm happy to write after a long battle I received a fully favorable decision with no hearing!! If you need a office that will work tirelessly for you then look no further...Thankyou so much to Attorney Welsh and Annette...
Donl AtkinsDonl Atkins
21:47 02 Jan 23
Mrs Welsh and her staff were so helpful. They kept me informed every step of the way and I received a better decision than I expected.Would hire them again if needed.
Reign SupremeReign Supreme
17:19 02 Nov 22
Friendly, professional and attentive. I was made to feel comfortable asking questions.
Kimberly HanbackKimberly Hanback
17:04 05 Oct 22
I had tried to get my disability first with a different lawyer and was turned down. When I called thier office to ask about an appeal they said they couldn't help me and was very rude and hung up on me. Found another lawyer who did my appeal was turned down. I called Ellene Welsh and her and her staff were very nice and helpful. Of course it was during the pandemic so we had to do things differently but she helped me and I won my case. Anytime I had a question they were very helpful and nice. If I could just say if you need a great lawyer with a great staff call her. They will fight for you. Love them.
kyle croftkyle croft
20:29 11 Jul 22
After being denied by SSD , I called the Law offices of Ellen Welsh and she got my disability claim approved. Her employees were professional and easy to work with. They took care of everything. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with their SSD CLAIM
Kris ArhartKris Arhart
17:46 02 Feb 22
Ms. Ellene Welsh Came recommended from another attorney. The whole process with her office was as smooth as it can be. If you have never had to use a attorney before let me explain something I learned. Every great attorney has a amazing Paralegal / assistant or more behind them. Ms. Welsh team made contact As easy as I can get. Whether it be by phone or email. Thank Ms. Welsh and your amazing office for all the hard work yall did to make this process as easy as possible.
Pam ScheibPam Scheib
02:49 01 Feb 17
I became a client of Ellene's 3 years ago. When I first met Ellene she took a great deal of time to go over my denied paperwork from Social Security. She explained it was not a quick process and we would be looking at least another year to eighteen months before a hearing. She explained every step! When I had questions Becky and other office staff were always there to walk me through my questions and ease my mind and at times frustrations. Never along this journey did I feel ignored or abandoned. Ellene's staff got all my records together for my hearing and thanks to their hard work we got an immediate decision. It is very rare, I knew it was a good case going in, but Ellene made sure every "I" was dotted and every "T" was crossed. She was excellent in front of the judge and knows what she is doing. It was her 20 plus years experience that makes her so good! I can't thank Ellene and her staff enough for all their time, hard work and dedication in helping me with my case. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney.
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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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