If you need help preparing your application, filing your SSI claim, or appealing the Social Security Administration’s denial of your claim, turn to the team at Affleck & Gordon.
SSI Attorney Atlanta
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that pays monthly benefits to disabled adults, children, and elderly people whose incomes and assets are limited or non-existent. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you do not need to have earned sufficient work credits—or have any work history at all—to be eligible for SSI benefits.
For more than 45 years, our firm has represented individuals and families throughout Georgia in all Social Security disability matters. Our Atlanta SSI attorneys have helped tens of thousands of clients navigate the disability process and recover the fair benefits they were owed.
To be eligible for SSI, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. This program is also available to blind or disabled children.
- You must be either a citizen of the United States or meet very narrow requirements based on your U.S. permanent residency, military service, or political asylum-seeker/refugee status.
- Your monthly income must be low or non-existent. Only about half of your earned income will be considered, but this income cannot be higher than an amount set by the state in which you live. Your income in Georgia can be at most $861 per month for 2022. Note that your spouse’s income will also be considered if you are married. In 2022, your combined income and your spouse's cannot exceed $1,281 monthly in Georgia.
- Your property (minus certain items, such as your primary car and your home) must be worth less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
Our Atlanta SSI lawyers can review your situation and help you determine if you are eligible for SSI benefits. Even if you believe you do not meet the eligibility requirements, an exception may apply. We encourage you to contact us today to set up a free initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Navigating eligibility can often be more complex than it appears, with numerous exemptions and details that could significantly impact a client's eligibility. Additionally, state-specific amendments may come into play, further complicating the matter. With professional assistance, applicants can explore potential legal avenues and avoid common pitfalls in the application process. For many applicants, understanding the nuances can make a critical difference in securing necessary benefits, which can provide a lifeline amidst financial hardship.
How Much Are SSI Payments in Georgia?
Every year, the SSA adjusts the maximum allowable SSI benefit. Some states, including Georgia, supplement these benefits. As such, the exact amount you can expect to receive in SSI payments will depend on when you apply for benefits, the state in which you apply, and other factors.
That being said, the federal maximum SSI benefit for 2022 is $841 per month per individual recipient and $1,261 per month per married couple. Note that your benefits may be reduced by any other income you receive, including other Social Security disability benefits.
You will also be eligible for assistance with medical care (Medicaid), visits to your doctor, and prescription medication costs. Hospital stays will also be covered. You may also be eligible for food assistance.
For more information on SSI payments and additional assistance, contact our Atlanta SSI lawyers at Affleck & Gordon. We are happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have during a free consultation and case evaluation.
To learn how we can help you with your SSI claim, appeal, or related matter, call our office at (404) 990-3945 or contact us online and request a free, no-obligation consultation.
Real Clients. Real Stories.
Hear From Past Clients Who Have Worked With Affleck & Gordon
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Honorable people!
“Took care of me from day one. Knowledgeable in all areas they specialize in. Most importantly they treated me with the utmost respect. Affleck & Gordon moved me from a very difficult situation I couldn't get through on my own.”
Douglas W. -
Affleck & Gordon won my case!
“I filed for SSDI and had to appeal, so I hired Affleck & Gordon. The attorneys talked to me with the utmost respect and treated me like I was actually someone, not just a number.”
R. Duff -
I could not be more grateful to the team at Affleck & Gordon.
“I would like to thank Affleck & Gordon for representing me in my SSDI case. They are professional and caring and were always available when I had questions and concerns. Even during a pandemic, they got the job done for me.”
T. Curtis
How to Appeal a Denied SSI Claim
Unfortunately, many SSI claims are denied. This can be highly stressful for individuals and families who desperately need these benefits to pay for housing, food, medical expenses, and other basic needs. Thankfully, you can file an appeal if your SSI claim is denied.
There are several steps involved in appealing a denied SSI claim. These include:
- Step 1: You have the right to request a reconsideration by a different group of individuals who will review your claim to determine whether the initial decision was correct. You may proceed to the next step if the reconsideration decision is still against you.
- Step 2: If you disagree with the reconsideration results, request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). You and your SSI attorney in Atlanta can present evidence in favor of your case at the hearing.
- Step 3: If you are unsatisfied with the ALJ’s decision after the hearing, you can request a review with Social Security’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council will review your case and uphold the ALJ’s decision, reverse it, or send your case back for further review.
- Step 4: If you disagree with the results of the Appeals Council’s review, you can take your case to federal court. This is the final step in appealing your denied SSI claim and will result in a final determination on your case.
Each appeal must be filed within 65 days (60 days plus 5 days mailing) of the date of the notice of the decision. If the Appeals Council does not rule in your favor, the administrative process will end. The only way you can overturn an administrative law judge is to take your case to federal court.
Remember, filing an appeal involves more than simply resubmitting your application. It requires a detailed analysis and understanding of why the initial claim was denied, often involving the consolidation of more robust evidence or additional information that supports eligibility.
Successful SSI appeals often hinge on meticulous preparation and the strategic presentation of evidence. Gaining an understanding of what additional documentation or testimony might sway the decision in your favor is paramount. For instance, medical documentation directly linking your condition to your inability to work may need to be strengthened or supplemented. Our firm can help you strategize and prepare extensively for hearings and manage the often intricately detailed paperwork required in appeals, relieving you of the associated administrative burden.
Hiring an SSI lawyer in Atlanta can offer significant advantages in navigating the complexities of the appeals process. Professionals in this field can help ensure that critical evidence is presented effectively and that the appeals application adheres strictly to the required format, deadlines, and protocols established by the Social Security Administration. This professional support maximizes the chances of securing the benefits you need during what is often a challenging and stressful time.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income in Atlanta, Georgia: Local Support and Guidance
Navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in Atlanta can be complex, especially for those facing unique financial and medical needs. With the growing population and specific economic demands of Atlanta, understanding the nuances of SSI can make a significant difference. Whether dealing with the Social Security Administration office in Atlanta or seeking assistance from local advocacy groups, having knowledgeable support helps you overcome potential hurdles.
For many in Atlanta, meeting the requirements for SSI can alleviate some of the financial stress associated with disability-related expenses. However, the initial application process can be challenging, with factors like income limits, disability evaluations, and asset restrictions all coming into play. Our team is familiar with the local system and will guide you from the initial application to representing you in appeals if your claim is denied.
Local Resources for SSI Assistance in Atlanta
- Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)
- GAO offers free legal and advocacy services for people with disabilities in Georgia, assisting with rights awareness and the SSI process.
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society: This organization provides free legal help for qualified individuals, including support with SSI claims, application processes, appeals, and understanding benefits entitlements.
- Disability Link: Disability Link is a community resource center that provides information, advocacy, and peer support for people with disabilities. It can also help you access SSI and related resources.
- Atlanta VA Medical Center: For veterans seeking SSI benefits, the Atlanta VA Medical Center offers assistance with SSI and disability applications and guidance on available federal and state resources.
- Social Security Administration Office in Atlanta: The Atlanta SSA office can be a valuable starting point for your SSI application or for resolving questions about benefits and eligibility.
We know how frustrating it can be to face a complex government system, attend consultative exams, or meet strict documentation requirements. Our legal professionals in Atlanta are experienced in SSI matters and committed to offering personalized guidance. With years of experience and a solid understanding of the Atlanta community, we are here to help you secure the financial support you need.
Don't let the SSI process feel overwhelming. Contact us to learn how we can support you through each step and help you obtain the assistance necessary to sustain your quality of life in Atlanta.
Contact Affleck & Gordon today to meet with our SSI lawyer in Atlanta!
How Our Atlanta Supplemental Security Income Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the SSI process can be confusing, stressful, and time-consuming—but you don’t have to do it on your own. When you turn to the team at Affleck & Gordon, you can focus on taking care of your needs while we handle the legal and administrative details of your case. Our firm has well over four decades of experience, as well as a proven track record of success handling tens of thousands of cases on behalf of people throughout Atlanta, Fulton County, and all of Georgia. We are prepared to use our extensive knowledge, resources, and skills to advocate for you and your continued financial security.
We are happy to answer your questions and provide more information specific to your case during a free consultation, either in person or by phone. We provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay attorney fees unless/until we recover benefits for you.
Our dedication to client service means we maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that all your questions are answered promptly and that you are kept informed at every stage of the process. The SSI application process in Atlanta can be accompanied by numerous challenges due to local economic conditions and specific community needs. Our team’s familiarity with these local nuances positions us uniquely to provide strategic advice tailored to your situation. We work diligently to remove the barriers that may delay or complicate your SSI claim, offering personalized strategies that maximize your chances of success and aid in securing the financial relief you are entitled to under the law.
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You Deserve Dedicated Representation At Affleck & Gordon, we are committed to providing the highest possible legal counsel. We return calls promptly, keep you up to date on your case, and will always be there for you. We do not rest until you get what you deserve.
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You Deserve Experienced Counsel With over 45 years of experience and tens of thousands of individuals helped, our team has the skill, resources, and determination to aggressively and strategically evaluate, understand and fight your claim.
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You Deserve a Thorough Team The Affleck & Gordon team is not only committed to your case, but we are committed to you. We understand that this is your life and your future, and will diligently do everything on our end to obtain a favorable decision on your behalf.
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You Deserve Financial Security Your case is important to you, and it’s important to us. It represents how you will or will not be able to take care of your basic needs, as well as those of your family, for the foreseeable future. We are committed to fighting for what you deserve.
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