When seeking disability benefits or managing a claim, you’ll need to know where to find your Social Security locations in Atlanta.
While you can always securely apply for Social Security benefits online, there are times you may wish to visit your local field office.
You may need to attend a hearing at some point during the claim process. There are local offices for these hearings.
A great many disabled Americans utilize these offices throughout the year. The Social Security Administration oversees roughly 1,300 field offices throughout the country. In the region that includes Georgia, 9 million Social Security beneficiaries receive over $6 billion per month.
These Social Security offices offer an important local resource to these beneficiaries.
Social Security Benefits Programs
There are two types of Social Security disability benefits programs you can apply for at your Atlanta Social Security office. They include the following.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit. You can acquire up to four work credits, or quarters, per year by paying into Social Security when you work. You must typically earn a certain number of total credits to qualify—typically 40, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you became disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested program for people 65 or older, or blind or disabled at any age, and who have limited income and resources. To qualify, you must not exceed a monthly income considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
When you apply for benefits, your Social Security office will determine your level of physical or mental disability, and your ability to work. Speak with an attorney to learn more about how the SSA determines disability.
Where Are the Social Security Offices in Atlanta?
With more than 20 Social Security office locations in the Atlanta metro area, the office you visit may depend largely on which location is most convenient for you.
You can find regional offices near your ZIP code with the SSA’s Social Security Office Finder tool.
If you visit a location without an appointment, wait times can be significantly longer. It’s best therefore to call ahead and schedule an appointment at (800) 772-1213, or for TDD, (800) 325-0778. The regular office hours are between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
It’s important to bring documents such as a Social Security card, proof of birth, proof of citizenship (if not born in the U.S.), and last year’s tax returns. You may also bring your U.S. military service papers if you served prior to 1968.
If visiting a regional office proves difficult, you can also apply online (as mentioned above) or call the SSA directly.
What Services Does My Atlanta Social Security Location Provide?
One of the main services you’ll receive is an appointment with a representative to discuss your SSDI or SSI disability claim.
These representatives are trained professionals who can help process your claim during your visit. To help this process go smoothly, you should be prepared to answer questions about your claim, such as medical and financial information, and have the proper documents with you during your visit.
Here’s a list of other essential services these offices provide:
- Retirement
- Medicare
- Survivor benefits
- Name changes
- Replacing a Social Security card
If you have any questions, your representative should be able to clarify those. You can also call your local office—or the SSA—to discuss anything you’re unsure of.
Once your claim is filed, the SSA should update you about the status of your claim and other important updates. You can also manage and track your claim online.
Social Security Hearing Offices in Atlanta
During the course of your claim, you may need to attend a hearing regarding the outcome of your case. You may be visiting one of two hearing offices in the Atlanta region.
The locations of these offices are:
3800 Camp Creek Parkway, Building 2400, Suite 122, Atlanta GA, 30331
Or
401 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2860, Atlanta GA, 30308
Hearing offices offer the following services:
- Hearings
- Decisions
- Post-hearing appeals
Hearings are typically held before an administrative law judge (ALJ). During an appeals hearing, you will need to present medical evidence or other relevant information that proves your initial claim denial should be reversed.
An experienced Social Security attorney can help you prepare for your appeal, as well as act as your advocate during a hearing.
An attorney can also help you navigate your claim from start to finish. Here’s why it’s a good idea to consult an attorney early in your claim.
How an Attorney Gives You a Better Chance to Win Your Claim
The right attorney will have expert knowledge and experience navigating the Social Security claim process. Your Social Security office will certainly be a useful resource to help with your claim—however, an attorney will also act as your advocate from start to finish.
They will understand the expectations the SSA and local ALJs will have to prove your claim, guiding you toward a more favorable outcome when possible.
Social Security claimants often don’t pay an upfront attorney’s fee. If you win your claim, the fee is limited to 25% of the past-due benefits you are awarded, up to a maximum of $6,000. You only owe this fee if you win your case. Otherwise, you don’t pay anything.
This makes consulting an attorney much less risky financially, and it gives you the opportunity to build an effective strategy for winning your claim early in the process.
Sign up for a free consultation with Affleck & Gordon today.
Visiting your Social Security office in Atlanta can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Affleck & Gordon can be your guide.
If your SSDI or SSI claim has been denied, or you’re thinking about filing and don’t know where to start, Affleck and 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.