How Do I Know if I Qualify for Social Security Disability in Georgia?

Learn More About Disability Benefits Eligibility Criteria

While it can be easy to assume that simply having a disability automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits, this is unfortunately not always the case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a rigorous evaluation process for each individual who applies.

Our firm knows that the social security disability process can be exhausting, regardless of your physical suffering, and can help you learn how to qualify for disability in GA. At Stevens & Sullivan, LLC each Atlanta social security disability eligibility lawyer has an in-depth understanding of the eligibility requirements. Our 40 years of experience can be the advantage you need during this difficult time.

Didn't see your question answered here? Get in touch with an SSD eligibility attorney in Atlanta at Stevens & Sullivan, LLC via online form or call (404) 692-6494.

What Qualifies for Disability in GA?

 The qualifications to be eligible for disability in Georgia are the same across the U.S.

Below are the qualifications for disability:

1. You must have worked an occupation that was covered by Social Security.
2. You must have a medical condition that falls under the definition of “disability” through Social Security.
3. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify.

Via Social Security, the definition of a “disability” depends on the rules below:

• Your disability stops you from working and engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Your disability stops you from being able to work in the same way you did previously or it does not allow you to adjust to doing another type of work
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or is expected to result in your death.

How social security decides if you have a disability depends on 5 questions:

1. Are you still working?
2. Is your condition considered to be “severe”?
3. Does your condition fall under Social Security’s list of disabling conditions?
4. Are you able to do the work you did previously?
5. Are you able to handle any other type of work?

Still wondering, “Am I eligible for social security disability?” There may be a few exceptions to the questions above -- reach out to an experienced SSD eligibility attorney in Atlanta at Stevens & Sullivan, LLC to see if you qualify. Dial (404) 692-6494 to contact us.

How Long Do You Have to Work a Job To Be Eligible for Disability?

One of the main requirements to be considered eligible for social security disability is that you have worked long enough in jobs that are covered by Social Security. 

10 years is typically the minimum amount of time that you are required to have worked such a job. The second main requirement is that you have a medical condition applicable to the SSA's definition of disability.

If someone's disability application is rejected, there may be nothing they can do about it. However, before applying for disability in Georgia it can be useful to understand why applications are rejected.

Some of the most common reasons social security disability is rejected include:

• A disability is not severe enough
• The SSA is unable to get into contact with the applicant
• The applicant has a criminal conviction on their record
• The applicant has committed fraud
• The applicant did not complete prescribed therapy
• The applicant does not cooperate with the SSA

While short-term disabilities may not be covered by social security disability benefits, workers' compensation or other insurance plans may apply.

How Long Do You Have to Be Disabled to Qualify for Social Security Disability?

You must be disabled for at least 12 months to qualify for social security disability. If an applicant has recently become disabled, he or she must be able to provide significant medical evidence demonstrating that their condition is expected to last for at least one year.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today

If you are concerned that you may not qualify for Social Security disability or are unsure how to proceed with your application, our firm would be honored to work with you. We are passionate about making the Social Security process as seamless as possible.