Social Security Lawyer

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

Disability is not something we plan for. It is the sudden, unexpected consequence of forces beyond our control. Suddenly, regardless of how fit or able you have been, you are no longer capable of working. And in the mean time, there are still people who depend on you, and who have always depended on you, to provide support. What can you do?

Since 1935, the Social Security system has been a safety net for Americans who are unable to work and provide for their families due to their disabilities.

There are two common types of Social Security claim that we handle: Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI; and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for payments under one or both of these programs.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to provide for people who have worked in the past, but are no longer able to hold down a regular job as a result of a mental or physical disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific criteria that must be met for your illness or injury to qualify you for SSDI.

If you are suffering from a disability, but currently have neither a doctor or medical insurance, we have compiled a list of clinics that can give you treatment, and begin providing evidence for your SSDI suit.

Medical Centers for Patients Without Insurance

If you find you are having difficulty paying for your prescription medications, there are Medication Discount Programs that can help.

Medication Discount Programs

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based primarily on need. SSI is available to those who meet one of the following criteria:

• Aged 65 and over
• Blind
• Suffering from a disability that significantly hinders the ability to work

These benefits are available regardless of prior work history, and as such, may be available to disabled minors and those with no recent employment history. For a quick check on your eligibility, you can use the SSA's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST).

Social Security is not a handout

Some people are reluctant to apply for or take Social Security benefits because they consider it tantamount to begging. SSDI and SSI are not handouts: they are rewards for your hard work, paid back to you now that you are unable to work.

Part of the goal of Social Security is to help you get back on your feet and back to work, and it includes a number of programs to ease your transition from disability back to work, either at your previous occupation, or a new one if possible.

Statute of Limitations

The law allows you a limited period of time to file a Social Security claim. If you do not file your claim within the allowed period, it may be dismissed and you may be denied benefits. You should apply at any Social Security office or online as soon as possible. Here's a helpful timetable of dates associated with the SSDI process of applying for and receiving benefits.

Social Security Timetable

Community help

Although it is possible that your benefits may begin as early as six months after your disability, it is unfortunately not unusual for you to have to wait two or three years before receiving benefits, and, in the mean time, you have bills to pay and a family to provide for.

Community Resources

Call us for help

Statistically, applicants for Social Security benefits have a much greater chance of being successful when an experienced Tennessee Social Security Attorney, like Herbert Thornbury, represents them.

Whether you are attempting to file a new claim, or have already been turned down but would like to appeal, an attorney can help you.

If you or a family member believes that you are eligible for SSDI or SSI payments, call or email our Chattanooga, Tennessee office today.

We will review your case with you and help you get the benefits you are entitled to.