When you’re filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) you will have choices at every step. Choosing an SSI attorney to represent you and to assist with your case is one of the most important decisions you will make.
But how do you make the important decision of choosing the right SSI attorney for you? After all, there are many attorneys for hire, and your case is unique in many ways.
- The right attorney for you will treat you with respect.
- They’ll handle your case as professionally and quickly as is possible.
- And their entire staff will work together on your behalf with compassion and competence.
What is SSI?
The U.S. government offers social programs designed for people with disabilities. If you have a medical disability that prevents you from working or earning a living wage, you may be eligible for one of these programs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for people who haven't paid into the Social Security Administration (SSA) in their lifetimes. This means that if you've been self-employed for the majority of your life, and make less than $400 a year, you're not required to pay into Social Security benefits. If you're over 65 years old, you can qualify for SSI, or if you are any age and are legally blind. For most people who are eligible for SSI, they have limited income and resources.
Choose an SSI Attorney who Practices Where you Live.
An SSI attorney who practices in your local area will be a huge benefit to you and your case. They know the local judges and court reporters. This is a benefit to you because each judge handling an SSI case may have a different preference for how your evidence is presented. These personal differences will be something a local attorney will know about each judge’s courtroom. A local SSI attorney will be aware of the local nuances of a particular courtroom in a way that out-of-town attorney firms may not.
You can use this local knowledge to your advantage in processing your SSI claim. As they work on your behalf, your attorney can use their knowledge of the courts, judges, staff, and court reporters to help you, their client.
Choose an SSI Attorney with a Good Reputation.
A good reputation means that as an established law firm, their online reviews are generally very positive and they are favorably listed by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). That good reputation goes a long way when they are fighting for your benefits.
The SSA can be a complex system to navigate. With the help of the right SSI attorney, they can make your journey easier. An attorney with a good local reputation can make sure that your case is a priority, and you’re not treated like just another number in the waiting room.
When choosing the right SSI attorney, you can contrast and compare attorneys online before you make a phone call. Then contact the attorney that is the best fit for you and your case.
An SSI Attorney Doesn’t Charge Upfront.
It’s important for you to know that an SSI lawyer collects a fee only if they win your case. There is no upfront cost to you to seek legal representation, and if your claim is eventually denied, you won’t owe your SSI lawyer any fees. If you win your case, an SSI lawyer will be paid directly from the Social Security Administration from your past-due benefits, known as backpay. That fee will typically be 25% of your backpay but not to exceed $6,000, whichever is less.
What's a Free Case Evaluation?
1. Talk with an attorney about the merits of your case. They'll tell you what you need to know to move forward with your claim.
2. Disability lawyers are only paid if you win your case.
3. The fee you'll pay your attorney if you win will be the same regardless of when they join you. It's to your benefit to content an attorney as early in your case as possible.
Who Are We?
At Affleck and Gordon, we predominantly handle disability cases in Georgia. We are your local resource for SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance claims, as well as VA Disability and Workers’ Compensation.
We have represented tens of thousands of clients at hearings across Georgia. When you hire an attorney to assist with your Social Security disability claim, you are entering into a partnership with long-term goals. You not only need a qualified, experienced attorney who knows the local system, cares about you and your case, and handles it directly. You will also need a support team who treats you with the kindness and respect you deserve.
Our commitment to our clients sets us apart from attorneys in general practice. We specialize in winning SSI and SSDI for you. At our office, our beliefs about helping clients can be thought of as the following: You deserve an attorney who is professional and pleasant to work with, but who also cares about your case and is committed to representing you aggressively and zealously within the bounds of the law.
Let us help you today.
If your Supplemental Security Income claim has been denied, or you’re thinking about filing and don’t know where to start, Affleck & Gordon can help. We’ve been helping people in Georgia just like you for over 45 years. Sign up for a free case evaluation here, or call us (404) 990-3945.