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Social Security Appeal Attorney Griffin

Appealed, Not Over: Get Help After a Social Security Denial

Getting a Social Security Disability denial letter can feel like the door has been slammed on your future. If you live in or around Griffin and you cannot work because of a physical or mental condition, that denial is more than a piece of paper. It affects your rent, your medical care, and how your family gets by.

At Affleck & Gordon, we help people turn that denial into a second chance through the appeals process. For over 45 years, we have represented individuals with disabilities across Georgia, guiding them through Social Security claims and appeals with a careful, client-focused approach. We understand how stressful this is, and we are here to walk with you, step by step.

Our Griffin SSD appeal attorneys only receive a fee if you win, and that fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay and paid directly from your award. You never pay us out of pocket for representation.

To schedule your free consultation and talk with our team about your denied Social Security claim, call (404) 990-3945 today.

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. SSDI benefits are based on your work history and payroll contributions, while SSI benefits are needs-based and available to individuals with limited income and resources.

To qualify for either program, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability. This includes proving that your medical condition is severe, expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death), and prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

Why Was Your Social Security Claim Denied?

Receiving a denial letter can feel discouraging, but most denials are not personal judgments about your condition. In many cases, claims are denied for technical or procedural reasons. Common reasons Social Security disability claims are denied include:

Insufficient medical evidence supporting the severity of your condition
Failure to follow prescribed treatment or gaps in medical care
Errors or missing information in your application
Income or resource issues (particularly with SSI claims)
SSA determination that you can still perform some type of work
Missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork

The SSA uses a complex evaluation process, and even minor mistakes can result in a denial. Our Griffin Social Security Appeal lawyer can review your denial letter, identify the weaknesses in your claim, and build a stronger case for appeal.

How to Appeal Your Claim

If your Social Security Disability claim was denied, it is critical to act quickly. Strict deadlines apply, and missing them could force you to start the process over. At Affleck & Gordon, we guide clients in Griffin, GA through every stage of the Social Security appeals process.

Reconsideration

The first step in appealing a denial is filing a Request for Reconsideration. During this stage, a different SSA reviewer will examine your claim and any new evidence submitted. Many claims are denied again at this level, but it is a necessary step before requesting a hearing.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often the most important stage of the appeals process. You may testify, present medical evidence, and call witnesses. Having a Griffin Social Security Appeal lawyer represent you at this hearing can significantly improve your chances of success.

Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council may affirm the decision, reverse it, or send it back for another hearing.

Federal Court Appeal

In rare cases, a final appeal can be filed in federal court. This step involves complex legal arguments and is best handled by an experienced Social Security appeals attorney.

Fighting for the benefits yo

Social Security Appeals FAQs

How long do I have to appeal a Social Security denial?

You generally have 60 days from the date you receive your denial notice to file an appeal. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your claim.

Do I really need a lawyer to appeal my claim?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, studies consistently show that applicants represented by an attorney are more likely to be approved, especially at the hearing level.

What are my chances of winning an appeal?

Approval rates vary by stage, but many successful claims are approved during the ALJ hearing stage when properly prepared and supported by strong evidence.

Can I work while appealing my disability claim?

Limited work may be allowed, but earning above certain thresholds can negatively impact your case. An attorney can help you understand what is safe.

How long does a Social Security appeal take?

Appeals can take several months to over a year, depending on the stage and backlog. While the process is slow, persistence and proper representation can make a significant difference.

Why People in Griffin Choose Affleck & Gordon For Social Security Appeals

Choosing the right legal team after a Social Security denial is important, especially when your income and health are at stake. Our firm has focused on disability law for more than four decades, representing more than 25,000 clients and helping recover millions of dollars in disability benefits. That background means we are very familiar with how the Social Security system works in Georgia and how appeals typically unfold.

We handle Social Security Disability and veterans' disability claims, as well as related personal injury and wrongful death matters. Because our practice centers on disability and injury cases, our attorneys work with the rules, forms, and medical issues that shape these claims every day. Clients benefit from a team that understands the complexities of disability law and applies that knowledge to the unique facts of each case.

We also know that cost is a major concern. For Social Security cases, we work on a no win, no fee basis. Attorney fees are capped at 25 percent of your back pay, and they are paid from your award instead of from your pocket. Your initial consultation is free, and if we do not obtain benefits for you, you do not owe an attorney fee.

Our attorneys prepare cases thoroughly and methodically. We review medical records in detail, look for gaps that might have led to a denial, and work to present your limitations clearly in language Social Security understands. Founding partner Thomas Affleck III is a Georgetown University Law Center graduate and has an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. Our team includes two generations of attorneys, with recognitions such as selection to Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. These credentials reflect our long-term commitment to serving disabled people throughout Georgia, including those in communities like Griffin.

Contact us today to let us get started on your case.

What you deserve. What we deliver.

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.
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.
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.
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.

Trusted By Clients. Proven By Results.

“I Was Very Pleased with How My Case Turned Out!”
“I was very pleased with how my case turned out. Everyone at Affleck And Gordon was very nice, and knowledgeable and helped me to win my case. I would refer anyone to use Harry Brenner at Affleck And Gordon for their disability case. He was outstanding!”

- Dapheny H.
“All True Professionals!”
“Mr. Brennan goes far above and beyond!!!! He and his supporting staff are all true professionals!!! They will hand-hold you throughout the entire process and never let go. They all are a blessing!”

- Valerie R.
“I Recommend This Firm To All Of My Military Friends!”
“This firm is absolutely MAGNIFICENT! Everything they said they would do for me, they did!!! I recommend this firm to all of my military friends!!!”

- Past Client
“Harry Kept Me Positive and Held Me Together.”
“Affleck and Gordon made the difference in my husband's VA claim. From the day I made the first phone call in March of 2022 I knew they would be there for us. I was at a total loss as to how to even begin a Compensation Claim for Agent Orange exposure. My h”

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“Life-Changing Experience For Me!”
“This has honestly been a life-changing experience for me!! I thank God for attorney Harry Brenner! I will forever be grateful!”

- Larry C.

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