To be found eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Atlanta, GA, you'll need to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you suffer from total, permanent or extended disability. In other words, you must demonstrate that a disabling condition has prevented you from holding gainful employment for a period of one year or longer.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income in Atlanta, you'll need to visit your local office. To find the location nearest you, do a quick search using your zip code on the Social Security Office Locator webpage, or by calling the SSA's main phone at (800) 772-1213. You can also apply online via the SSA's website
About 75% of initial applications for Atlanta disability benefits are denied. If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal. The claim will then be reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge. You should expect a lengthy wait before your hearing date is scheduled and your case is heard though. For some individuals, it can be as much as two year between the filing of their initial SSD application and the final approval or denial following and appeal hearing.
Atlanta Health Resources
Your local SSA office checks your application for all the basic paperwork before sending it on to the Atlanta Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS is an agency which reviews the medical portion of your claim. Medical records are central to any SSD application and must show you've received ongoing treatment for the condition(s) that are causing your disability. With limited income, paying for medical treatment can be difficult. Here are a few low cost and free Atlanta disability resources for healthcare.
Adamsville Health Center
3699 Bakers Ferry Rd. SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
(404) 699-4215
Center Hill Health Center
3201 Atlanta Industrial Parkway, SW
Suite 302
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 699-6370
Lakewood Health Center
1853 Jonesboro Road, SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 624-0626
Neighborhood Union Health Center
186 Sunset Ave., NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 612-4665
Mercy Health Care Clinic- Downtown
424 Decatur Street
Atlanta, GA 30312
(678) 843-8600
Mercy Health Care Clinic- North
Northeast Shopping Plaza
3367 Buford Highway, Suite 910
Atlanta, GA 30329
(678) 843-8700
Atlanta Mental Health Resources
Some applications for Atlanta disability benefits are entirely driven by a disabling mental or psychological condition. For other disabled individuals, there can be mental and psychological components affecting their disability. It's critical that a strong SSD claim contain documentation associated with ongoing treatment for any disabling conditions that play a role in disability. Here are a few Atlanta disability resources for low cost and free mental health treatment.
Fulton Northside Mental Health Outpatient Center
1140 Hammond Dr.
Ste. 1075
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404)851-8950
West Fulton Mental Health Outpatient Center
475 Fairburn Rd., SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
(404)691-9627 (days)
(404)294-3700 (evenings)
Atlanta Supplemental Security Benefits
For SSD recipients who live in group homes or long term care facilities, Supplemental Security Income is also available in Atlanta. The dollar amount of benefits vary dependent upon the individual's needs and circumstances. Medicaid waivers and Medicare insurance coverage are often available as well. For more information on applying for SSI, you should contact the Atlanta SSA Division office at:
Social Security Administration
4100 Old Milton Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30341
To learn more about Medicaid waivers and Medicare eligibility, contact:
Georgia Department of Community Health
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404)656-4507
Your Atlanta Social Security Disability Claim
Having as complete of medical records as possible and ensuring all your Social Security Disability application paperwork is in order will increase your chances of being found eligible for SSD, but it won't guarantee it. Hiring the services of a Atlanta Social Security lawyer can significantly increase your odds, as well as reduce your headaches associated with the application and appeals processes.
There is also no need to worry about your financial limitations in seeking the help an Atlanta Social Security Attorney either, as there is no upfront cost for hiring one. Atlanta disability lawyers are paid only if you receive benefits, at which time they would receive 25% of the retroactive payments you receive at the commencement of your SSD payments (a maximum of about $6,000).
If you are interested in obtaining an evaluation of your Social Security Disability case, click the "Free Disability Evaluation" link at the top of the page for your free case evaluation or to get more information about hiring an Atlanta disability attorney.
