Social Security Disability Lawyer in Columbus, GA

Serving disabled workers in Columbus, GA
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Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Attorneys in Georgia

Get Legal Help From a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Columbus, GA

YOUR TRUSTED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER IN Columbus

Columbus, Georgia, residents seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may have difficulty getting them. Initial applications are confusing, and a simple error can result in a denial. Even though most original claims are denied, applicants can appeal at several levels to obtain financial assistance.

The Law Office of Ellene Welsh specializes in appealing denied claims on behalf of clients. With more than a decade of experience working with the Social Security Administration, we understand the complex appeals process. Additionally, we can give you general instructions for submitting your initial disability claim. Call our law office in Columbus, GA, at (706) 984-8963 for a free initial consultation with an experienced Georgia SSDI Attorney.

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*We do not handle disability cases for children*

Can I Receive Disability Benefits Without an Attorney?

It is common for applicants to complete and submit their initial applications on their own. Applicants typically hire an attorney at the appeals stage, after their claim has been denied.

If you are required to appear before an Administrative Law Judge, you can choose to represent yourself. However, there are several reasons why having a professional advocate represent you during this long and critical process is the recommended choice.

According to the Social Security Administration, nearly two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability Insurance claims are denied. In addition, three-quarters of people applying for disability insurance and Supplemental Security Income are turned down. The majority of claims are denied due to incompleteness, errors, or a lack of sufficient evidence.

Unfortunately, many applicants fail to provide adequate information or leave sections incomplete. Claims are usually denied because of insufficient work history or a lack of coherent medical records. In a critical moment in your life, you need a disability lawyer who can present your strongest claim possible.

What to Do If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied, as most are, you will need the assistance of a Columbus SSDI attorney. The attorney may help by completeing the following steps:

STEP 1:

Your lawyer will make sure you have a medical condition that meets the requirements.

STEP 2:

Your attorney will go through your medical files to find proof of your condition.

STEP 3:

Your lawyer will collect important information like your job history and other documents.

STEP 4:

A specialized social security disability lawyer in Columbus will represent you strongly in court.

What a Columbus Social Security Lawyer May Do for Your Case

How Could a Columbus Disability Lawyer Assist Your Claim?

Timely Filing & Appeals

A skilled lawyer ensures your Social Security claims and appeals are submitted on time. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your case. With legal help, you're less likely to face delays or rejections due to late filing.

Medical Evidence

The lawyer knows exactly what medical documents are needed to prove your disability. They can guide you on whether your condition meets the Social Security Blue Book requirements. If not, they can help demonstrate that you're still unable to work.

File Review

The attorney reviews your entire case file for accuracy and completeness. They will suggest any additional tests you might need and ensure that only relevant information is submitted. This helps your case appear more compelling and easier for judges to understand.

Doctor Communication

Lawyers are adept at liaising with medical professionals who may be too busy or reluctant to provide the necessary information. They can address the doctors' concerns professionally and secure crucial medical evidence to bolster your claim.

Hearing Prep

Experienced disability attorneys understand how judges conduct hearings. They can prepare summaries and other legal documents to outline your case effectively. In some instances, they may even secure an approval without the need for a court hearing.

Expert Testimony

If a vocational expert makes negative claims, your lawyer can cross-examine them effectively. Lawyers have a deep understanding of job classifications and skills, enabling them to counter any adverse testimony.

Question Prep

Your lawyer prepares you for any questions that judges are likely to ask during hearings. This includes inquiries about your honesty, the extent of your impairment, and any inconsistencies in your medical records.

Managing Bad Facts

A skilled lawyer can mitigate the damage of unfavorable information, like a doctor’s negative opinion. They can strategize how to present these "bad facts" in a way that minimizes their impact on your case.

Winning Arguments

The lawyer knows what arguments are likely to succeed in court. Whether your medical condition meets the Social Security standards or you can't work due to multiple impairments, they formulate the strongest case possible for you.

Free Consultation

For a free initial consultation, reach out to the Law Office of Ellene Welsh at (706) 984-8963 or fill out our online form. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Georgia

In order to apply, you must provide SSA with information that only you know, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, education, employment history, physicians, medications, and more. The initial application process is straightforward and requires fewer documents.

The SSA is not required to conduct a hearing at this level. Instead, they will simply gather your medical records, send them to one of their medical providers for an opinion, and send you for an independent medical evaluation. After that, they will notify you of their decision.

Although we do not complete the initial application for our clients, we are always available to answer your questions. Depending on your situation, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three different ways:

  1. Filing online at www.ssa.gov, which is the recommended method
  2. Filing over the phone by calling (800) 772-1213
  3. Visiting your local SSA office and submitting your application in-person

If you’re denied, however, that is when you should consider hiring our firm to help you with the Request for Reconsideration, the first appeal level, and the Request for Hearing, the second appeal level. Over the past three decades, we have handled thousands of cases for people denied SSDI. We know the local judges and Georgia law and work hard to get you the benefits you need. So call us today for a free consultation at (706) 984-8963!

About Our Law Firm

Ellene Welsh, Founding Attorney
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Attorney Ellene Welsh

Attorney Ellene Welsh boasts 35 years of legal expertise, specializing in workers' compensation and Social Security benefits. A native of Columbus, Georgia, Ellene's local roots enhance her deep connection to the community she serves.

What We Do

Since 1988, Ellene Welsh and her team have helped injured workers in Douglasville and West Georgia. We specialize in workers' compensation, Social Security Disability (SSD), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Our Mission

We aim to reduce your stress if you can't work due to injury or illness. We help you get the benefits you need to pay bills and support your family.

We help you get the benefits you need to pay bills and support your family.

Why Choose Us?

Personal Attention: We listen to your needs and answer your questions in a comfortable office setting.

Local & Easy to Reach: Our local presence means we can meet you face-to-face and actively participate in your case.

How We Help You

Expert Guidance: If you can't work due to injury or illness, you may qualify for benefits.

Appeal Support: Most claims get denied at first. We help you build a strong case for appeal.

Learn More About Us

Testimonials for Our Columbus SSDI Lawyers

Hear From Our Clients

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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Have You Been Denied?

Call an SSDI Lawyer in Columbus, GA

As a licensed attorney in Columbus since 1988, Ellene Welsh has secured disability payments for many people. You can rest assured that she will remain by your side throughout the entire process. She knows what documentation to present in an appeal, will represent you at hearings, and can answer all your questions about your case.

Contact us today at (706) 984-8963 for a free initial consultation with a Columbus SSDI lawyer. If you qualify for SSDI or SSI but have been denied, we’d like to work with you to pursue those benefits.

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*We do not handle disability cases for children*

Disability Benefit Attorneys in Douglasville and Columbus

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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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