Atlanta SSI Denial Attorney
Let Our Firm Help You Appeal Your Denied SSI Claim
If your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim has been denied, you're not alone—and your case isn’t necessarily over. Many valid SSI claims are initially denied due to technicalities, missing information, or misunderstandings about eligibility. The appeals process can be complex, and having an experienced Atlanta SSI Denial lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At Affleck & Gordon, we understand how important these benefits are for you and your family, and we're committed to helping Atlanta residents fight back after an SSI denial.
Contact Affleck & Gordon at (404) 990-3945 for a comprehensive consultation.
Common Reasons Why Your SSI Was Denied
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict criteria for approving SSI claims. Even small errors or missing documents can result in denial. Some of the most common reasons for SSI denial include:
- Income or Resource Limits Exceeded: SSI is a needs-based program. If your income or total assets exceed the allowed limits—even slightly—your application could be rejected. For example, owning too many financial resources such as savings, property, or vehicles can disqualify you.
- Medical Condition Not Considered “Disabling”: The SSA requires detailed medical evidence proving that your disability prevents you from working. If your documentation doesn’t meet their definition of “disabled” or lacks thorough medical records, the SSA may deny your claim.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Even minor inconsistencies in your application or missing documentation can lead to denial. This includes incorrect personal information, employment history, or gaps in medical treatment records.
- Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: If the SSA believes you’re not following a doctor’s recommended treatment plan without a valid reason, they may deny your claim. This is because it can suggest that your condition isn’t as limiting as stated.
- Lack of Cooperation with the SSA: Failure to respond to requests for more information, attend a consultative medical exam, or provide documentation in a timely manner may result in a denial.
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Honorable people!
“Took care of me from day one. Knowledgeable in all areas they specialize in. Most importantly they treated me with the utmost respect. Affleck & Gordon moved me from a very difficult situation I couldn't get through on my own.”
Douglas W. -
Affleck & Gordon won my case!
“I filed for SSDI and had to appeal, so I hired Affleck & Gordon. The attorneys talked to me with the utmost respect and treated me like I was actually someone, not just a number.”
R. Duff -
I could not be more grateful to the team at Affleck & Gordon.
“I would like to thank Affleck & Gordon for representing me in my SSDI case. They are professional and caring and were always available when I had questions and concerns. Even during a pandemic, they got the job done for me.”
T. Curtis
What to Do If Your SSI Claim Got Denied
If your SSI application has been denied, you have the right to appeal. But timing and proper procedures are crucial. Here’s what you should do:
Review the Denial Letter Carefully
Your denial letter will include the specific reasons your claim was rejected. Understanding these reasons will help you and your attorney address the issues during your appeal.
Act Quickly
You typically have 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice to file an appeal. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your case and force you to start the application process from scratch.
Contact an Atlanta SSI Denial Attorney
Hiring an experienced Atlanta SSI Denial lawyer like those at Affleck & Gordon can help you avoid common pitfalls in the appeals process. We can assist with gathering the right medical evidence, correcting any errors, and representing you throughout each stage of appeal.
Understand the Appeals Process
The SSI appeals process has four levels:
- Reconsideration: A new review of your application by someone who wasn’t involved in the original decision.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: A judge evaluates your case in a formal hearing setting. This is often the best opportunity to present new evidence and testimony.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, the next step is to request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council.
- Federal Court Review: If all else fails, you may file a lawsuit in federal court.
Each stage is increasingly complex, and legal representation can significantly improve your chances of success.
SSI Denial FAQs
What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), on the other hand, is based on your work credits and payroll contributions.
How long does the SSI appeal process take?
It depends on the level of appeal. Reconsideration may take a few months, while a hearing with an ALJ can take over a year. A lawyer can help you expedite the process where possible and avoid delays.
Can I apply again instead of appealing?
While you can reapply, it’s usually better to appeal—especially if your condition hasn't changed. Reapplying can reset your filing date and reduce the amount of back pay you’re eligible to receive.
What should I bring to an appeal hearing?
You should bring updated medical records, medication lists, and any new evidence of your disability. Your attorney will help you gather and present the most relevant materials.
Will I need to testify at the hearing?
Yes. The ALJ will likely ask you about your condition, daily life, and limitations. Your lawyer will help prepare you for these questions and support you throughout the process.
How Our Atlanta Supplemental Security Income Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the SSI process can be confusing, stressful, and time-consuming—but you don’t have to do it on your own. When you turn to the team at Affleck & Gordon, you can focus on taking care of your needs while we handle the legal and administrative details of your case. Our firm has well over four decades of experience, as well as a proven track record of success handling tens of thousands of cases on behalf of people throughout Atlanta, Fulton County, and all of Georgia. We are prepared to use our extensive knowledge, resources, and skills to advocate for you and your continued financial security.
We are happy to answer your questions and provide more information specific to your case during a free consultation, either in person or by phone. We provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay attorney fees unless/until we recover benefits for you.
Our dedication to client service means we maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that all your questions are answered promptly and that you are kept informed at every stage of the process. The SSI application process in Atlanta can be accompanied by numerous challenges due to local economic conditions and specific community needs. Our team’s familiarity with these local nuances positions us uniquely to provide strategic advice tailored to your situation. We work diligently to remove the barriers that may delay or complicate your SSI claim, offering personalized strategies that maximize your chances of success and aid in securing the financial relief you are entitled to under the law.
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You Deserve Dedicated Representation At Affleck & Gordon, we are committed to providing the highest possible legal counsel. We return calls promptly, keep you up to date on your case, and will always be there for you. We do not rest until you get what you deserve.
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You Deserve Experienced Counsel With over 45 years of experience and tens of thousands of individuals helped, our team has the skill, resources, and determination to aggressively and strategically evaluate, understand and fight your claim.
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You Deserve a Thorough Team The Affleck & Gordon team is not only committed to your case, but we are committed to you. We understand that this is your life and your future, and will diligently do everything on our end to obtain a favorable decision on your behalf.
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You Deserve Financial Security Your case is important to you, and it’s important to us. It represents how you will or will not be able to take care of your basic needs, as well as those of your family, for the foreseeable future. We are committed to fighting for what you deserve.
