LIVING IN TENNESSEE WITH A DISABILITY?

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Many people in Tennessee suffer from a serious physical or mental disability that prevents them from working to earn a living. The Social Security Administration oversees programs that provide benefits to such individuals, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Applying for these benefits, however, can be a long and complicated process. Social Security Law Group is a team of private disability lawyers who can assist you in completing an application and representing you throughout multiple stages of appeals should the SSA deny that application on your first attempt.

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Providing a Complete Range of Disability Law Services in Tennessee

Most of us associate Social Security with the retirement benefits we receive once we reach a certain age. But the Social Security Administration is also responsible for administering disability, survivors, and supplemental income programs. Each program is designed to serve a different part of the Tennessee population and has their own eligibility and application requirements.

At Social Security Law Group, we offer a full range of services to clients in Tennessee who are looking to apply for any of the following programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance: When Tennessee workers pay their Social Security taxes, they are paying into an insurance fund that will provide them with coverage in the event they suffer from a qualifying disability and are subsequently unable to maintain gainful employment. The Social Security Law Group can explain the application process to you and advise you of what you will need to prove in order to demonstrate you have a disability. And if SSA officials deny your application, which is quite common, our Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys in Tennessee can argue your case on appeal.
Supplemental Security Income: There are many Tennessee residents who meet the legal definition of disabled but do not have sufficient “work credits” to qualify for regular Social Security Disability Insurance. Such individuals may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is specifically targeted at low-income individuals. This means that in addition to proving you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working, you also must demonstrate financial need. Our Supplemental Security Attorneys in Tennessee can review your current situation and advise you of your rights in this area.
Survivor (Widow’s) Benefits: If your spouse is deceased and they earned sufficient work credits during their lifetime to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you may be entitled to certain benefits based on their record. These survivor (or widow’s) benefits can even be paid to former spouses who divorced after a marriage that lasted at least 10 years. The Social Security Law Group in Tennessee can review your case and explain your options when it comes to seeking such benefits.
Child Disability: If a Tennessee child has a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their activities, and it is expected to last at least one year or result in death, they may be eligible for child disability benefits under Supplemental Security Income. A Tennessee state agency must make the initial determination as to whether or not the child meets the legal threshold for disability. And the final decision will also be based on the family’s overall household income and financial resources. Our SSI lawyers in Tennessee can walk you through this process.
Medicare: Medicare is the federal health insurance program that covers people who are at least 65 years old. But many Tennessee residents who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can also qualify for Medicare even if they have not yet turned 65. Indeed, everyone eligible for SSDI is also eligible for Medicare after a 2-year qualifying period. Social Security Law Group can help you in applying for Medicare benefits if you qualify.

Representing Tennessee Residents at Each Stage of the Social Security Disability Process

If you are a Tennessee resident applying for disability benefits for the first time, you may be surprised when your application is rejected. This is, in fact, a fairly common experience. The important thing to understand is that there is a multi-stage appeals process. Our disability lawyers in Tennessee can advise and represent you at each stage of this process, which includes:

Reconsideration: If the first Tennessee Social Security Administration official who looks at your application says “no,” you have the right to ask for reconsideration–i.e., a complete review–of your file from a different official. You may also introduce additional evidence supporting your application during this reconsideration.
Hearing: The next step if reconsideration still results in a denial is to ask for a hearing before a Social Security Administration official known as an administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ will conduct a formal hearing where your attorney can present arguments and evidence on your behalf. The ALJ can then decide to grant or deny your application.
Appeals Council: The next step past the ALJ is seeking review with the SSA’s Appeals Council. Unlike the previous stages described above, the Appeals Council is not required to consider your petition. But if they do agree to review your case they can award you benefits or grant you a new hearing before the ALJ.
Judicial Review: The Appeals Council is the final step of the internal SSA review process. If you are still unable to convince the SSA of your need for disability benefits, you can seek judicial review by filing a lawsuit against the agency in Tennessee federal court. A federal judge will then determine if the SSA acted appropriately in your case.

The Importance of Working with Experienced Tennessee SSDI and SSI Lawyers

The processing of applying for Social Security benefits is often overwhelming for many Tennessee residents, particularly when they are already struggling to make ends meet. This is why it is important to work with a law practice that specializes in Social Security law. At Social Security Law Group, we will listen to your story, answer any questions that you have about the process, and work with you to make sure you follow all of the necessary legal steps to obtain the best possible outcome.

So if you would like to speak with a dedicated Tennessee disability benefits attorney today, contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.