How to Qualify for Social Security Disability in Savannah
Applying for Social Security Disability means proving that your condition stops you from working, not just in your old job but any full-time job.
Social Security uses a five-step process, known as the “sequential evaluation process,” to judge your claim. Most first-time applicants in Georgia get denied and then need to appeal the decision to have a better chance of winning benefits.
The five-step process is a series of questions:
- Are you working right now? (You can’t be working too much and still get benefits.)
- Are your health problems severe? (You must be struggling with health issues that seriously hinder your everyday life.)
- Do you have a condition on Social Security’s list? (Social Security keeps a list of qualifying impairments with instructions on how to get benefits with each one, but you don’t always need a diagnosis from the list.)
- Can you continue in your work? (Your health problems must top you from doing the kinds of work you’ve done before.)
- Could you do a new type of work? (If your experience, training and age would allow you to learn and perform in a different job despite your health, you won’t qualify for benefits.)
To pass all of these tests, you’ll need documentation and evidence to back up what you say about how your medical issues have disrupted your ability to work.
That includes doctor reports, medical test results, information about your education, description of your work history and more.
When your impairment isn’t on Social Security’s list, it becomes even more important to show how your individual symptoms interfere with working, regardless of what diagnosis you have.
You’ll work with your doctor to get an assessment of your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is a measure of what fundamental tasks you can complete despite your ailment, such as sitting, standing and walking for extended periods.
The Savannah disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have helped Georgians with everything from back injuries and cancer to anxiety and depression, autoimmune diseases, heart conditions, and more.
You don’t have to spend anything to learn more about whether you might qualify for disability benefits. You can consult with our disability lawyers in Savannah for free.
Talk to a Disability Lawyer Who Knows Savannah
At Silver & Archibald, we’re not a big national firm dropping into the community.
We’re Georgia-based attorneys who understand what local residents face, and we’ve helped thousands win the disability benefits they’ve earned.
From Savannah’s downtown to Pooler and Richmond Hill, we’ve helped families get back on their feet after serious health setbacks.
Our skilled Savannah disability lawyers help you in several ways:
- Collecting strong medical evidence from places like Memorial Health, St. Joseph’s/Candler, and other local health care providers
- Tracking down your full work history
- Filing your paperwork with the Social Security Administration
- Helping you appeal when you’re denied benefits
- Preparing to testify for a judge in the Savannah Social Security hearing office
- Representing you in your hearing
While large majorities of people get denied for disability benefits at first, disability judges in Savannah were approving benefits in a little over half of their decisions in mid-2025.
It shows how it’s worth it to appeal denials. And a government study once found that people who had representatives like lawyers with them in their hearings were almost three times more likely to be approved.
You can work with Silver & Archibald by phone and internet, and in person when it’s time for your hearing.
Let us help you get the resources you need for a more peaceful life in Savannah.
Get to Know Silver & Archibald Disability Attorneys
Legal cases involving your health struggles are highly personal matters. When you’re looking for help, you want someone who treats you with the personal care, respect, and dignity this moment requires.
Answers to Common Questions About Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability is a huge program with a vast set of rules. As a resource for you as you sort out your disability claim, the disability lawyers at Silver & Archibald have prepared answers to some of the most common questions people have.
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