If you or a loved one is currently living with a disability, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. SSD benefits are funded by the government to help people living with permanent injuries, chronic conditions, and other medical problems when they are unable to maintain steady employment.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews applications and can help you apply for benefits if you qualify. If you live in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, we can have a Social Security Disability lawyer help you with your case.
A Social Security Disability Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help You Build Your Claim
Whether you are just entering the application process or received a denial, a Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm in Rutherfordton can help you:
- Apply for Social Security Disability benefits that you qualify to receive
- Help you fill out the application for benefits so that the forms are accurate
- Submit evidence to support your claim
- Inform you of your options if your application is denied
- Represent you at Social Security Disability hearings
If you are considering filing for SSD benefits, you do not have to undertake this task alone. Our law firm helps people in need fight for the disability benefits they are entitled to collect.
Not Sure if You Can Afford a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Many incoming clients are concerned about being able to afford attorney’s fees. However, you do not have to worry about paying anything upfront if you work with our law firm.
We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Also, we take our percentage out of retroactive benefits you win, so you never have to pay us out of pocket for attorney’s fees. We discuss our client-attorney agreement terms in your first consultation, which is also free of charge.
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Rutherfordton, call 828.286.3866
There Are Two Types of Social Security Disability Benefits You May Pursue
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for anyone who:
- Has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, or
- Is a child whose disability started before they were 22 years old with a parent who draws Social Security Disability, Social Security retirement, or is deceased
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is for disabled applicants who have limited income and resources. According to the SSA, applicants must be at least one of the following to qualify for SSI benefits:
- Aged between 18 and 65
- A U.S. citizen
SSI can offer assistance for basic necessities, including food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Can You Apply for Both SSDI and SSI Benefits?
Depending on your situation, you may be able to file for both of these benefits concurrently. A Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can evaluate the evidence you provide and determine which benefits program applies to your case.
Rutherfordton Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
SSDI Benefits Require that You Gain Enough Work Credits to Qualify
For every year that you work, you gain “work credits.” The SSA defines this element of your application as “based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income.”
Earning Work Credits
Individuals can earn up to four credits for each year they work. However, the amount of earnings they might make can vary each year. Qualifying for SSDI requires you to earn a minimum number of work credits within a specific number of years preceding your filing to qualify for benefits.
When you work with a Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm in Rutherfordton, they can explain in further detail how your work credits apply to your situation and include those details in your application.
You Must Have a Condition that Keeps You from Working
The SSA outlines conditions that the agency recognizes as disabling. SSR 82-52 notes that to qualify for benefits, you must prove that you have a disabling condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Your disability must last for at least 12 months or ultimately result in your passing.
The disability for which you are claiming may fall under one or more of the following sections:
- Musculoskeletal system
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
- Immune system disorders
Your Claim Should Include Relevant Information
When you are filling out your application for benefits, you will need to include information that reflects on your:
- Work history
- Physical and mental health
- Income
Medical evidence (e.g., medical reports, medications, imaging scans, and test results) must also be included to prove that you are suffering from a condition that qualifies as a disability.
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Our Legal Team Can Help You if Your Application Gets or Was Denied
Unfortunately, sometimes despite compelling evidence, many initial claims for SSI and SSDI benefits are denied. In some situations, the denial can be attributed to a small error made when filling out the application. In others, you may be asked to provide additional evidence supporting your condition and work history.
When you work with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand how discouraging these setbacks can be. Still, you have legal options.
The Appeals Process
Generally, you have 60 days from the date of your application’s denial to file an appeal. If you are denied, our team encourages you to act quickly.
According to the SSA, the appeals process is as follows:
- Reconsideration: Your application will be reviewed by an official who was not involved in the first determination.
- ALJ hearing: If your application was denied even after reconsideration, you can file an appeal with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who also had no part in the original decision. You will have the opportunity to appear in court to explain your situation.
- Review by the Appeals Council: If your application is still facing denial, the Appeals Council can either choose to rule in your favor or send your case back to an ALJ for further review.
Still, after these steps, if you are still facing denial, you may be able to take your case to federal court. Our team acknowledges that the denial phase is a lengthy and involved process. For that reason, you may not want to undertake these legal proceedings alone.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today
If you become disabled, it can be difficult to maintain financial independence. A work injury or car accident can cause permanent disabilities, while chronic medical and mental health conditions can likewise impact your ability to work. A Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm in Rutherfordton can help you pursue SSDI or SSI benefits.
To find out more about Social Security Disability benefits, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today for a free case review.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form