It is unfortunately common for Shelby, North Carolina residents to experience a delay or denial when filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Receiving a denial can complicate your case and raise the possibility of having to prove the existence or extent of your disability.
If you find yourself in this situation, we want to help. When you work with a Shelby Social Security Disability lawyer from our office, you can trust that we understand the complexities of these claims and that we can do everything possible to make the process easier to move through.
In This Article
- Understanding the SSD Benefit Process
- What You Need to Know About SSDI and SSI Benefits
- How Our Legal Team Could Help You
- About the Social Security Disability Application Process
- Speak to Us Today to Learn More
- Understanding the SSD Benefit process
- What You Need to Know About SSDI and SSI Benefits
- How Our Legal Team Could Help You
- About the Social Security Disability Application Process
- Speak to Us Today to Learn More
Understanding the SSD Benefit Process
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Shelby, call 828.286.3866
What You Need to Know About SSDI and SSI Benefits
- Supplemental Security Income
- Social Security Disability Insurance
- Benefits for a Disabled Adult Child (DAC)
- Benefits for a Disabled Widow or Widower (DWB)
Shelby Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
How Our Legal Team Could Help You
- Making Things Easier
About the Social Security Disability Application Process
- Worker’s Compensation
- Benefits Eligibility
- Legal Deadlines
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Speak to Us Today to Learn More
Understanding the SSD Benefit process
There are four different ways to apply for Social Security Disability benefits in Shelby. These are:
- One: Call and speak to a local representative on the phone.
- Two: Visit your local Social Security office, if you would prefer to speak to someone face-to-face.
- Three: Apply online. This option is available only in certain cases, such as if you have not been denied in the past two months.
- Four: Work with a lawyer who can walk you through the process from start to finish.
Your application must meet criteria regarding income level and employment credits before it is eligible for submission to Disability Determination Services (DDS) (under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services). This agency determines if you have a qualifying disability or not.
Before filing a claim, you can consult a Social Security Disability attorney from our firm. Throughout the consultation, you receive information regarding the various types of SSD benefits for which you might qualify. Also, if your claim is denied, we can help you identify and implement the next steps.
What You Need to Know About SSDI and SSI Benefits
There are two types of Social Security Disability. Each has its own distinct set of requirements, so it is very important that you understand the difference between them before trying to apply.
Supplemental Security Income
SSI is intended for those with limited income and resources. To qualify, your household resources must be below the allowed threshold (often either $2,000 or $3,000, depending on your marital status) and meet at least one of the following criteria.
- You are retirement age or older
- You are a blind or disabled adult
- You have a blind or disabled child
Social Security Disability Insurance
Americans who become disabled and have a verifiable work history can receive coverage. These benefits could also include coverage for dependents, which include spouses and children.
To be eligible for SSDI, the applicant must:
- Have worked consistently for at least five out of the ten years that precede the disability
- Have paid enough into Social Security during their working life to qualify for benefits
- Be diagnosed with a long-term or terminal disability that will prevent them from working for at least a year
Benefits for a Disabled Adult Child (DAC)
Disabled claimants could qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record. However, to receive these benefits, a DAC must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have a parent who is currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits
- Have a parent who is currently receiving SSD benefits
- Have a parent who is deceased
- Be able to prove that their disability began before age 22
Benefits for a Disabled Widow or Widower (DWB)
If a widow or widower is over the age of 50 and disability develops within seven years of their spouse’s death, they could be eligible for benefits. Additional eligibility criteria for DWB benefits include that the widow or widower’s marriage to the deceased spouse lasted for at least ten years.
How Our Legal Team Could Help You
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can navigate the complexities claimants may experience when applying for benefits. A Social Security Disability lawyer from our Shelby office can provide you with compassionate yet aggressive representation that may make your experience easier.
Our team takes your concerns to heart and makes it our mission to alleviate any worries you are feeling. When you work with a lawyer from our team, we may serve you by:
- Researching your medical history and examining current medical records to determine how and if your condition qualifies you for benefits
- Determining which type of benefits (SSI versus SSDI) you should apply for
- Proving that you have a qualifying disability by collecting all pertinent documentation and other evidence
- Collecting and compiling all necessary documentation to file a claim, including filling out paperwork on your behalf
- Ensuring the claim is filed correctly and on time
- Filing an appeal for benefits if the claim is denied
- Handling relevant communications with the Social Security Administration, as well as other interested parties
- Representing you at hearings or court proceedings, as necessary
Overcoming hurdles during the claims process can be exhausting. However, when you work with a lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, you do not have to struggle alone. We dedicate ourselves to our clients.
Making Things Easier
Our firm is ready to help guide you through the process and to overcome any hurdles you might encounter. After you contact our office and we review your case, we work hard to protect your rights. Just as important, however, is ensuring your comfort with the process by:
- Being available to answer whatever questions you have
- Explaining your options and advising you about which option may be most beneficial for you
- Contacting you after every major development, so you do not have to worry if things are happening without you
About the Social Security Disability Application Process
There are various other factors that could impact your case’s complexity and chances for success. These include the following. If you are unsure about how your circumstances affect your eligibility, our team would be more than happy to address your concerns.
Workers’ Compensation
Even if your work-related injury qualifies you for workers’ compensation benefits, you can still apply for Social Security Disability benefits. As soon as any injury or illness leads you to develop a disability, you can file a claim for SSDI.
Benefits Eligibility
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that there are some situations whereby a claimant can file for concurrent benefits. When that occurs, the SSA determines if the claimant qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance in addition to Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSA bases this decision on the claimant’s income and assets.
Legal Deadlines
For example, if your claim is denied and you want to file an appeal, you must do so within a certain number of weeks after receiving the denial. Missing this or any other deadline could jeopardize your claim or even force you to start over again.
Speak to Us Today to Learn More
Suffering from a disability can be physically and emotionally frustrating and can come with additional financial burdens. When you work with a Social Security Disability lawyer from our Shelby office, we fight hard for the benefits you need and deserve. Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (704) 482-1112 so we can evaluate your case for free today.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form