Proudly assisting injured and disabled workers in Douglasville, Columbus, Newnan, and surrounding Georgia communities.
Schedule a ConsultationTHE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER WORKERS RELY ON
Our Social Security Disability Lawyer knows that losing your capacity to work turns your life upside down in an instant. When you can’t work, the steady paycheck your family relied on suddenly disappears, everyday expenses feel overwhelming, and your future feels uncertain. For so many, the financial strain of being out of work pales in comparison to the emotional stress that weighs heavily.
The Law Office of Ellene Welsh is here to help you navigate the Georgia Social Security process and fight for the benefits you deserve. With years of experience handling Social Security Disability cases, we know what it takes to build a strong claim and guide you through every step, from the initial application to appeals.
SSD attorney Ellene Welsh is dedicated to giving you clear advice, personal attention, and the support you need during an incredibly difficult time. Plus, you don’t have to pay us a dime unless we win your case! Call The Law Office of Ellene Welsh today at 770-489-3456 and let us help you move forward with confidence about your future.
CONTACT US
Denied Benefits? It's More Common Than You'd Think. Call Ellene Welsh for Support Today.
Most people are surprised to learn that a huge percentage of disability claims are denied the first time around, and not because applicants don’t qualify. Many denials are triggered by paperwork mistakes, missing medical evidence, or unclear descriptions and details concerning the qualifying disability.
Common reasons for denial of claims include:
Insufficient medical evidence to show how your condition affects your capability to work
Failure to follow up with medical treatment or doctor recommendations
Determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you can still perform some kind of work
Paperwork errors, missed deadlines, or incomplete forms
Lack of clarity on how your condition limits daily activities and job performance
The frustrating reality is that many SSD applicants who deserve benefits end up stuck in appeals for months (or even years) just because of errors or omissions in the original paperwork. That’s why it helps to have an experienced SSD lawyer who knows how to navigate the system on your side from the beginning.
Explore the Requirements for Social Security Benefits
If you have suffered a temporary or permanent injury that prevents you from working for at least one year, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. This program requires you to have a certain amount of previous work history, in addition to contributions to the plan. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are financial assistance that does not require a work history and were created to help people with long-term disabilities that render them unable to work.
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must show the Social Security Administration that you have worked in the past but currently have a medical condition that prevents you from working. More specifically, you must demonstrate that:
A doctor has diagnosed your medical condition
Your doctor expects that your condition will last at least a year or that it will be fatal
You are unable to perform your duties due to your medical condition
You can also not perform other sorts of employment for which you are qualified due to your health
You have enough “work credits” based on your previous job history to be eligible for SSDI payments
In the last ten years, you’ve accrued at least 20 work credits
You must demonstrate a low income if your previous job history did not give you enough work credits to qualify for SSDI payments
Factors that may automatically qualify you for disability benefits
Disability benefits may be automatically awarded to you if you meet any of these three criteria:
Medical conditions that may qualify you for automatic approval
The SSA has a long list of medical conditions that can qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits. These include physical, mental, and emotional conditions that can affect your capacity to work. Sometimes a qualifying disability can involve a combination of conditions. What matters most is how the condition limits your ability to work and function daily.
Even if your specific condition isn’t on the SSA’s official list, you might still qualify. As with any disability claim, you’ll be required to show how it impacts your capacity to hold a steady job. That’s where we come in. At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, our SSD lawyer is proud to help applicants gather the required evidence and present it with a compelling argument for compensation.
Chronic back problems, spinal disorders, or severe joint pain
Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
Neurological issues, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or traumatic brain injuries
Serious heart conditions, respiratory illnesses, or cancer
Diabetes complications or kidney disease
Trying to get approved for benefits on your own can be frustrating and overwhelming. The support of an SSD lawyer who knows the system can make a significant difference both in the timeline and the overall outcome of your SSD claim. Here’s how our Georgia Social Security Disability lawyer could help you through the process:
Hear From Our Clients
Common Questions
SSI claim denial can occur for several reasons. First, the individual processing your application may be unaware of your disability. There might be a mistake in your documents. Alternatively, the government may request further documents.
Other reasons for a social security benefit denial may include:
- You did not submit your medical records
- You make more than a specific amount of money
- You missed an appointment with your SSA-approved doctor
You may have to wait months while one setback after another derails what appears to be a straightforward procedure. In the meantime, you’re not getting any benefits. However, this isn’t the end of the road – our Social Security disability lawyers can assist you.
We know what it takes to create a successful application based on our previous experience. Our SSDI lawyers will gather the necessary papers for your case and present evidence to show that your condition qualifies you for benefits. We will attend hearings and handle appeals if your claim is refused.
There will never be any upfront charges when you hire our firm. We are only compensated if your Social Security Disability claim is approved.
As a result, efficiency and quick responses are essential parts of our day-to-day operations. Our main goal is to expedite your claim and get the best possible outcome for you.
We’re here to assist you in getting started right now. You may reach us by dialing 770-489-3456. You may also use the contact form below to send us an email.
We know what it takes to create a successful application based on our previous experience. Our SSDI lawyers will gather the necessary papers for your case and present evidence to show that your condition qualifies you for benefits. We will attend hearings and handle appeals if your claim is refused.
SSDI aids families in managing the financial burden that occurs after an injury or disability, and there are several types of benefits available:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSDI, the most prevalent form, requires that you have been employed for at least five years out of the preceding ten. Your dependents may also qualify for SSDI compensation if you are eligible.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You may qualify for SSI if you are a U.S. citizen who is disabled, blind, or over age 65 and has a low income.
Disabled Adult Child (DAC)
DAC benefits are for disabled children between 18 – 22 whose guardians collect Social Security benefits or are deceased.
Disabled Widow/Widower (DWB)
To qualify for DWB, have a disability, be age 50+, and have lost your spouse of 10+ years within the past seven years.
Veterans’ Disability Benefits
These benefits are only available to military veterans who have suffered an accident, injury, or health condition that has led to a service-related disability.
Both SSDI and SSI programs give financial support to those unable to work due to their disability, but there are a few differences. Which one you should apply for will depend on the following factors.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI):
Unlike SSI, SSDI is dependent on your previous work experience and how many work credits you have accrued. Therefore, your previous earnings at work determine your benefit amount.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is awarded to injured and disabled workers, as well as children born with a disability. Because SSI is awarded to children, your past working experience is not considered while evaluating your eligibility. So, unlike SSDI, the amount awarded is determined by a federal maximum and not your past work experience.
There are different complex requirements for each type of benefit. If you’ve already applied and been denied, it is best to contact a GA Social Security Disability Attorney like The Law Office of Ellene Welsh to discuss all the details further. Give our office a call today for a free consultation.
If you think your claim was wrongfully refused or underpaid, you still have choices. After you file for an initial reconsideration, you have four more opportunities to appeal your Social Security Disability claim. Your attorney can file an appeal for a denied claim by following the steps below:
1. Reconsideration
2. Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
3. Review by the Appeals Council
4. Federal Court Review
If you have applied and been denied, call a Social Security Disability Attorney as soon as possible. It’s essential to act quickly as it can take months or even years for your case to be heard before an Administrative Law Judge. So call your trusted GA SSDI attorneys at The Law Office of Ellene Welsh today at 770-489-3456 for your free consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
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.
Get Started
