Albany Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you need to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denial, let our experienced Albany Social Security disability lawyers help you get the benefits you deserve. Call (229) 800-4591 today, and let Team Farah go to work for you.
Social Security Disability provides monthly income when a medical condition keeps you from working. The complicated application process, with its extensive documentation requirements and complex eligibility criteria, may stand in the way of your benefits. Even the smallest mistake can lead to a denial.
We have over 45 years of experience handling Social Security Disability claims, and experience makes all the difference. We’ve recovered over $2 billion in compensation for the injured and helped thousands of Social Security claimants get the benefits they deserve. Contact us today, and let us pursue the benefits you deserve.
Get Help From Our Experience Team of Social Security Disability Attorneys in Albany, GA
Our caring and knowledgeable Albany Social Security Disability attorneys can help you through every stage of the disability claims process, including the following:
- Determine whether you qualify.
- Obtain the medical evidence you will need.
- Help you obtain a medical examination if necessary,
- Gather your work records.
- Complete your benefits application correctly and submit it to Social Security.
- Communicate with the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
- File your appeal and attend hearings if your claim has already been denied.
We’ll work around the clock to get your Social Security Disability claim approved as soon as possible. You’ll never feel like a number because we treat clients like family. We get outstanding results, and our results are no accident. They come about through caring, understanding, and hard work.
As an Albany personal injury law firm, we care about our community. We demonstrate it through volunteer efforts, financial giving, and community involvement. Our attorneys regularly support schools, food banks, legal aid, and other worthy organizations. In 2024, we gave away five laptops to Georgia students in our first annual laptop scholarship giveaway.
Hear from Our Albany Clients
We’re proud of the unsolicited client testimonials we’ve received because they show the difference we’re making for our clients. Here are a few examples:
“If I could give 10 stars, I would. I was in search of a legal team for months, and once I spoke with the people at Farah & Farah, I knew I would be using them for all my future needs. Shakembria exudes professionalism and kindness. I feel like Farah & Farah has my back, and I feel confident they’ll win my case like they’ve done for many others! Thanks so much!”
“Farah & Farah really care about you when it comes to your case. When I gave up and just accepted what my insurance gave me in my accident, they continued to fight for me. I was surprised that they managed to gain more for my claim. I really appreciate them and highly recommend.”
“Thomas McCoy was wonderful at handling my case. He got the maximum for my wife and myself, kept us updated and posted as everything moved along, and each time he made contact with either of us, it was great news. He was definitely a blessing to the both of us, and we are very happy he represented us. Honestly, I doubt anybody could've done better. Thank you for everything, Thomas.”
Disability Benefit Programs Social Security Offers
The Social Security Administration has two types of disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI
- Supplemental Security Income, or SSI
Both programs pay monthly benefits to people with disabling conditions, but the eligibility requirements and benefit amounts vary, as shown below:
| SSDI | SSI | |
| Medical Requirements | Disability or blindness | Disability, blindness, or age 65 or older |
| Financial Requirements | Have accrued enough work credits | Have limited income and resources |
| How Benefits Are Calculated | Based on your earnings | Based on your annual income |
| Maximum Monthly Benefit in 2025 | $4,018 | $967 for a single person |
| Estimated Average Monthly Benefit in 2025 | $1,580 | $714 |
We can determine which benefit program you qualify for and help you apply for either program. You may qualify for both programs.
“Individuals can be eligible for both SSD and SSI benefits and these are called concurrent benefits. In order to qualify for both, the individual would have to have a work history as well as limited income and resources. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you're eligible to receive both SSD and SSI benefits, please call us at Farah & Farah. We’re here to help.”
Who Is Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits in Albany, GA?
To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must have a qualifying medical condition and enough work credits.
What Is a Qualifying Disability?
A qualifying disability is a medical condition that severely limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities. The condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity and be expected to last at least a year or end in your death.
Substantial gainful activity is employment from which you earn more than the limit established by Congress. This amount is adjusted annually. The 2025 monthly substantial gainful activity limit is $1,620. If you’re blind, the limit is $2,700. The Social Security Administration considers you blind if the vision in your better eye cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less in your better eye.
We understand Social Security’s strict medical requirements. We know the best doctors in Albany who can provide the necessary physical examinations and documentation to help you meet these requirements and get approved for your well-deserved benefits.
The Listing of Impairments
When assessing your disability, the Social Security Administration will reference the Listing of Impairments. You don’t have to have a listed condition to qualify, but your condition must be as severe as the listed conditions.
The Listing of Impairments has the following 14 categories:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as amputations, joint abnormalities, and non-healing fractures
- Special Senses and Speech Disorders, such as hearing, vision, and speech problems
- Respiratory Disorders, such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiovascular System Disorders, such as chronic heart failure, heart disease, and peripheral artery disease
- Digestive Disorders, such as chronic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and intestinal failure
- Genitourinary Disorders, such as chronic kidney disease
- Hematological Disorders, such as sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, and thrombosis
- Skin Disorders, such as severe burns, photosensitivity disorders, and psoriasis.
- Endocrine Disorders, such as pituitary gland disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and complications from diabetes mellitus
- Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, such as non-mosaic Down syndrome
- Neurological Disorders, such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord disorders
- Mental Disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders
- Cancer, such as skin cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer
- Immune System Disorders, such as lupus, inflammatory arthritis, and HIV
Work Credits
You earn work credits by working in jobs that withdraw Social Security taxes, also known as FICA taxes. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to accrue the required work credits. The requirements vary based on your age when you become disabled. You can earn up to four credits per year.
If you were 31 or older when you became disabled, you need 40 work credits, and you must have earned at least 20 credits during the 10 years preceding the onset of your disability. If you’re under 24 when you become disabled, you only need six work credits, which equates to one-and-a-half years of work. If you’re 24 to 30, you’ll need to have worked at least half of the number of years between your 21st birthday and your age when you became disabled.
Our experienced SSDI lawyers in Albany, GA, can review your work history, calculate your work credits, and confirm Social Security’s records are accurate.
How To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for benefits online, over the phone, or in person at the Albany Social Security office at 1522 West 3rd Avenue. If applying in person, it’s best to call ahead for an appointment. The national number is (800) 772-1213, or you can call the Albany office at (877) 319-0733.
You’ll need the following evidence to support your Social Security Disability application:
- Names and contact information for your doctors, hospitals, and clinics
- Medical test results
- List of medications
- The date of your injury or diagnosis
- Your workers’ compensation claim number, if applicable
- Your earnings record
- Your employment records for the last five years
- Dates of marriages and divorces
- Names and Social Security numbers for your spouse and former spouses
- Bank account information for direct deposit
- Information about your dependent children
After You Submit Your Application
The Georgia Disability Adjudication Services will process your application and check your eligibility for other programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI. Watch for mail from Disability Adjudication Services seeking additional information from you.
Applying for benefits on your own can be overwhelming, and the Social Security Administration denies most claims. It’s best to work with an experienced Albany Social Security Disability law firm like Farah & Farah from the beginning. We can help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to delays and denials so your claim is approved as soon as possible.
Appeals Process for Denied Claims
You generally have 60 days from receipt of your denial notice to file an appeal. Your appeal must be in writing. If you miss the deadline, you can restart your application. The easiest way to appeal is to submit it online. You can also download the appeals form, complete it, and mail it to the Albany Social Security office or deliver it in person. If you don’t have access to a printer, Social Security can provide it through the mail or at the Albany office.
If your appeal is denied, you can appeal again at the next level. There are four appeals levels:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal court review
An attorney can make the difference in ensuring your claim isn’t denied again. When you work with our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers, we’ll identify the factors that led to the initial denial and file an appeal that Social Security can approve.
How Long Does the SSDI Application and Appeal Process Take?
Every Social Security Disability case is different, but it typically takes six to eight months to receive a decision about your initial application. If you file an appeal, it can take another six to eight months to get a decision at the reconsideration level. If you’re denied again, receiving an answer can take 12 to 18 months or longer at each level.
We understand the importance of receiving your benefits as soon as possible. We can help you avoid excessively long waiting periods by ensuring your application is completed correctly and the supporting evidence meets Social Security’s requirements.
Recover Your SSDI Benefits With Farah & Farah
We’re dedicated to helping those who need it most. If you have a disability that keeps you out of work, let our experienced Albany Social Security Disability Lawyers go to work for you. We know what it takes to get you approved, and we can handle the entire process from start to finish. You pay nothing unless we get you approved. We’re here for you and here for good.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling (229) 800-4591 or completing our contact form.
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