Social Security disability benefits can provide critical financial support when a medical condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, qualifying for these benefits is often more difficult and frustrating than many people expect. Strict rules, detailed paperwork, and frequent denials can make the process overwhelming without help.
A Social Security disability lawyer in Augusta can guide you through the application or appeals process and advocate for your rights at every stage. At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, our Augusta personal injury lawyers help clients pursue benefits, backpay, and retroactive pay under the law.
What Social Security Disability Benefits Are Available to Me?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two programs that can help you make ends meet if you are disabled.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for people with a work history who are unable to work due to their disability. You may qualify if:
- You have a sufficient number of work credits, which differ depending on age.
- You have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for people with disabilities and those with very few assets and little income. To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be disabled or blind or over 65
- Have very few or no assets or resources (i.e., no more than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
- Have little to no income
If you have questions about whether SSDI or SSI may apply to your situation, our attorneys can help explain the differences and how eligibility is determined.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Augusta, call (404) 888-8888
What Is the SSA’s Definition of Disability?
For the SSA to deem you disabled, you must:
- Be unable to perform any type of substantial gainful activity (i.e., making more than $1,690 [$2,830 if you are blind] a month in 2026) because of your condition
- Be unable to do the work you did before you were injured or became ill and be unable to adjust to other work
- Have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death
Augusta Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
How Do I Prove I Am Disabled?
There are a few different ways to establish a disability.
Meet the Criteria for a Condition in the Blue Book
The SSA has a list of impairments known as the Blue Book. It is divided into different categories and covers both physical and mental conditions. To meet the definition of disabled, you must meet the criteria for the specific condition.
Your Condition Is Medically Equivalent to a Condition in the Blue Book
In some cases, your condition may not be listed, or you may not meet the criteria for a condition listed in the Blue Book. If so, you may be able to establish that your condition is medically equivalent to a condition in the listing of impairments.
Residual Functional Capacity Test
If you don’t meet a Blue Book listing but are still unable to work, you can undergo a residual functional capacity (RFC) test. This test determines what work-related tasks you can and cannot do.
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How Our Augusta Social Security Disability Attorneys Can Help
Getting disability benefits is complicated, and it’s very easy to make a simple mistake that can jeopardize your right to benefits. The disability benefits process is filled with strict rules, technical requirements, and deadlines that can overwhelm even the most prepared applicants. Many valid claims are denied not because the applicant is undeserving, but because critical medical evidence is missing, paperwork is incomplete, or the SSA determines the claimant can still perform some type of work. Our Augusta Social Security disability benefits lawyers help level the playing field.
From the very beginning, we evaluate whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI and explain how the SSA defines “disability.” We work closely with you to gather medical records, physician opinions, work history, and other documentation needed to build a strong claim. Because disability is both a medical and legal determination, we focus on showing not only your diagnosis, but also how your condition limits your ability to work on a consistent basis.
We also handle communication with the SSA, ensuring deadlines are met and your rights are protected at every stage.
You deserve the benefits you paid into and rely on, and we fight to help you secure the financial support you need to move forward with dignity and stability.
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What Happens If My Disability Claim Is Denied?
Denials are all too common. In fact, most initial disability claims are denied, but you have options. We’ll help you work through them.
Reconsideration
The first step in the appeals process is requesting reconsideration. During the reconsideration stage, a Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner will review your claim to determine whether the original reviewer made a mistake.
Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
If the DDS examiner determines that a mistake was not made, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, the ALJ will review your evidence and ask for your testimony about your condition. You may also present witnesses or medical experts.
Review by the Appeals Council
If the ALJ upheld the original decision, you can request an Appeals Council review. If the Council agrees with the ALJ’s decision, it will deny your request. If it decides to hear your appeal, it will either decide on your claim or send it back for further review.
Review by the Federal Court
If you don’t agree with the Appeals Council’s decision, you can file suit.
These stages have very strict deadlines. If you overstep them, you will likely need to start the process all over again. Our Augusta Social Security disability attorneys will protect your rights and manage this process on your behalf, filling out paperwork and appeals and representing you in front of the ALJ and the Appeals Council.
How Do I Pay for a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
We take cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything to get started. If we win, our fee comes out of your backpay. We’ll explain our fee agreement before we begin working together so there are no surprises.
Get Help from an Augusta Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
You don’t want to handle the Social Security disability benefits process alone. And you don’t have to. Our Augusta Social Security disability benefits attorneys are ready to step in, wherever you are in the process. We’ll fight for the benefits you deserve.
You deserve the best, don’t settle for less. Call Bader Law today to get started.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
