Columbus, the capital city of Ohio and the 15th largest city in the U.S., modern Columbus has emerged as a technologically-sophisticated city. The staggering population has had some dramatic increases over the past ten years, and with a 2010 Census count of 787,033; Columbus became the most populous city in Ohio.
The Social Security Act rules establish procedure of benefits, administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The requirements of eligibility to receive either (or both) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits depend upon current work credits, contributions to the Social Security trust fund through FICA taxes, and the medical diagnosis or ruling that prevents an applicant from engaging in substantial work, or what is typically called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Approximately 43% are approved during initial application stage; however, approval rates drop considerably to 20% of those who will be awarded benefits during the Reconsideration (or first appeal) level. Statistics have shown that a Columbus disability attorney will improve your chances of being approved disability benefits. These Social Security attorneys are well-versed in disability rights, and have experience dealing with these types of cases in the past.
Apply for Columbus Social Security Disability Benefits
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked in a job covered by Social Security. If you received payroll checks where a Social Security tax (FICA) was withheld and have earned enough work credits in the last ten years, you would be eligible to apply for SSDI. If you do not have sufficient work credits or were employed in a job not covered by Social Security, you may still be eligible for SSI. A Columbus Disability Lawyer can help determine if your medical condition could initially qualify you as an applicant.
A professional medical provider must diagnose a disability, and records must be compiled for the treatment of this disability. Some certified medical practitioners include general medical doctors, chiropractors, licensed osteopaths, and licensed/certified psychologists. A Columbus Disability attorney can evaluate these medical records to find timely, accurate, and sufficient coverage from all treating providers. After creating and filing a plausible initial application, an SSA field office evaluates the individual’s eligibility, and the file is then sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS officers will review each part of the claim extensively. If a denial is handed down from the initial application, your Columbus Social Security lawyer will review the decision procedure to determine the source(s) of the denial. Within 60 days, an appeal, called a Request for Reconsideration, must be submitted. The appeal order thereafter is a hearing, an Appeals Council Review, and lastly, a District Court Case. The second appeal resulting in a disability hearing will be conducted before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ has the power to overturn a decision rendered by the SSA or uphold the current decision made by the Disability Determination officer. A Columbus Social Security attorney will prepare the claimant for such an important hearing.
Social Security field offices are at the following location. Here applicants can submit documentation, and speak to a SSA representative.
Columbus Social Security Disability
1060 Georgesville Road
Columbus, OH
(614) 274-9628
Columbus Social Security Disability
4177 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH
(866) 592-0733
For a list of more local field offices, please visit ssa.gov.
Columbus Social Security Disability Resources
It is vital to have followed up with a doctor regarding your disability and have the appropriate medical documentation. The Ohio Association of Free Clinics exists to advocate on behalf of Ohio’s free clinics and the people they serve. Claimants can use these services to seek a proper diagnosis and maintain treatment.
Clinic at Faith Mission
315 E. Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.224.6617
Columbus Free Clinic
2231 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43212
614.404.8417
Helping Hands Health & Wellness Center
1421 Morse Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614.262.5094
Your Columbus Disability Claim
From filing the initial application to timeliness of filing an appeal, each step is extremely important. Having acceptable, accurate, and sufficient medical records is one of the most important aspects to an individual’s case. A Columbus Social Security lawyer has the experience to recognize potential problematic aspects of a case, as well as foresee an SSA ruling based on the current compilation of materials for an individual case. Knowledge of Social Security resources and Social Security law is highly recommended at any stage of the disability filing process. Please click here to learn more about Social Security Disability resources and to contact a Columbus Disability Attorney.