When applying for SSDI or SSI disability benefits, you may choose to visit your Social Security office in Savannah, Georgia.
Here’s a brief rundown of the programs you can apply for:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned benefit. You can acquire up to four work credits, or quarters, per year by paying into Social Security when you work. You must typically earn a certain amount of total credits to qualify.
According to the SSA, to qualify for SSDI: “Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled.”
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested program or those who are 65 or older, or blind or disabled at any age, and who have limited income and resources. Typically, you must not exceed a monthly income considered Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
For non-blind persons in 2020, this SGA limit is $1,260 per month.
Note: The SSA determines your level of physical or mental disability, and ability to work, based on the same determining factors for both programs. Speak with an attorney to learn more about how the SSA determines disability.
Applying at your local Social Security field office in Savannah is one of several options to have your claim considered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Social Security disability claimants can also:
- Apply online.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7a.m. to 7p.m.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Social Security Offices in Savannah, Georgia: The Basics
- How COVID-19 Impacts Your Visit
- What to Bring, and What to Expect
- How a Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help
Social Security Offices in Savannah, Georgia: The Basics
Here is the basic information you need to know about your Social Security office in Savannah.
The Savannah office is located at:
430 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406
Telephone: (866) 366-4923 or TTY: 1-912-353-9797
Business Hours:
Monday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Note: This office has certain restrictions for visitors as of September 2020, due to COVID-19. See more below.
How COVID-19 Impacts Your Visit
Previously, all field offices for Social Security were closed due to health risks posed by the COVID-19 virus.
However, offices have now opened to visitors with certain restrictions.
According to the SSA, you must:
- Schedule an appointment ahead of time.
- In most cases, enter the facility by yourself.
- Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose (either your own or one provided by the SS office).
You must also meet a list of requirements to ensure you’re not sick with the virus when you visit the office.
The SSA states that you will not be allowed to visit a Social Security office if you answer “yes” to any of these questions:
- Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Cough or sore throat
- Fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
- Chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell, or
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- In the last 14 days, have you:
- Been diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Received instructions to monitor for symptoms or self-quarantine?
- Traveled outside the country? or
- Been within six feet of a person diagnosed with COVID-19?
These regulations are in place to protect both you and the employees of the Savannah Social Security office. If you can’t visit this location to apply for your disability claim, call this office or the SSA, or apply securely online at the link listed above.
Learn more about the SSA’s COVID-19 updates here.
What to Bring, and What to Expect
For your appointment with the Savannah Social Security office, you should bring the following documents:
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
- U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968
- W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year
- More details about your illnesses, injuries or conditions, and your work history
- Medical evidence already in your possession. This includes medical records, doctors' reports, and recent test results
- Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements or other proof of any temporary or permanent workers' compensation-type benefits you received
The SSA will ask for more information as your case moves forward including your name, date of birth, social security number, citizenship status, past benefits, information about your spouse and children, and information about your employment and income.
They may ask you to fax or e-fax some necessary documents. This will be explained as you discuss your case.
How a Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help
The Savannah, Georgia Social Security office will be able to guide you through what’s expected when filing a disability benefits claim.
However, the SSA’s goal is primarily to determine if you meet their strict qualifications for benefits — and most claims are initially denied and must be appealed.
On the other hand, a Social Security disability attorney’s goal is to act as your advocate and maximize your chances of winning your case.
The right attorney will always focus on your needs and expectations regarding your claim.
An attorney will:
- Help you navigate your initial application and, if denied, any appeals hearings.
- Advocate on your behalf to the SSA and present evidence and arguments during hearings.
- Communicate with you about what to expect during each step of the process, and if there’s any chance to speed up your claim.
Not only that, but you typically won’t pay an attorney’s fee up front for Social Security disability claims. Instead, they will collect their attorney’s fee (up to $6,000) from your first disability check (your award of back pay), before the SSA sends the award of back pay to you.
This will be discussed with you and agreed upon when you first agree to move forward with your case with your attorney, and you only pay this fee if you win your case.
Thus, it can be a massive benefit to your case to retain an attorney as early as possible.
If your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income claim has been denied, or you’re thinking about filing and don’t know where to start, Affleck and Gordon can help. We’ve been helping people in Georgia just like you for over 45 years. Sign up for a free case evaluation here, or call us (404) 990-3945.