The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency with thousands of employees. The sheer magnitude of SSA makes it difficult to navigate, especially for a person who already is suffering with a disability. The good news is that an Augusta Social Security disability lawyer can take much of the burden of dealing with this unwieldy bureaucracy off your hands. The following should provide you with a fair idea of just how complex SSA’s bureaucracy is.
Offices Handling Your Claim
In addition to the regular office of the SSA, there is also a separate office your Augusta Social Security disability attorney may need to communicate with called the SSA Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). On the state level several thousand SSA employees work to render decisions before they reach a hearing, as well.
Types of Programs
Your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will explain that there are two separate programs handled by SSA. These programs are Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If either program changes there can be confusion among employees, causing delays and making the process more onerous for claimants. Your Augusta Social Security disability lawyer will be informed of any changes in the programs if they should arise.
Routine Matters
While many individuals apply for SSI or SSDI each day, these matters are not always routine when it comes to how they are handled. As your Augusta Social Security disability attorney will explain, since state agencies are making disability determinations before claims reach an Administrative Law Judge there are often discrepancies due to the difficult issues being decided. The problems come from a lack of preparedness among employees at this level and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances.
How an Augusta Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help
Filing for SSI or SSDI can be a difficult and frustrating process. This is especially the case if you are attempting to navigate the system without the help of a knowledgeable Augusta Social Security disability lawyer. For more information about how an experienced Augusta Social Security disability lawyer can help, call us today.