Those with certain medical conditions or disabilities in North Carolina may qualify for Social Security benefits. Your total Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will depend on your previous earnings. Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) benefits depend on financial need.
In 2022, recipients will receive a 5.9% cost of living increase in their monthly payments. In addition, applicants with spouses and families may receive higher benefit amounts. Some SSD recipients will receive simultaneous, or concurrent, benefits. These individuals will get benefits from both programs. Our social security disability lawyers can help you sort through the application process and understand the benefits you may receive.
- Get Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits from The Right Program
- How Long Will It Take for My Application to Be Approved?
- If I Receive Other Benefits, Will It Lower My SSD Benefit Amount?
- Get Help with SSD Benefits
Get Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits from the Right Program
Social Security Administration provides disability benefits through two different programs. Each program requires recipients to meet basic qualifying criteria, including having a defined and diagnosed disability. Applying for either program means compiling:
- Information about you
- Information about your finances
- Information about your bank
- Information about your disabling condition
- Information about your work
Understanding the program for which you are eligible can make the application process easier. You might also discover your right to concurrent benefits from both programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
SSDI benefits help disabled workers by providing medical care and monthly financial benefits to people who:
- Worked a sufficient amount of time
- Paid into the SSD insurance program
- Have a qualifying medical condition or disability
A review of your employment history and of your SSDI insurance payments can confirm your eligibility for these benefits if you have a qualifying disability.
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) Benefits
SSI benefits help provide food, shelter, and other basic needs for people who have assets and income below a certain threshold.
Regardless of your employment history, you could qualify for these benefits if you are retirement age, blind, or otherwise disabled. You will still need to provide medical evidence to confirm your disabling condition.
How Long Will It Take for My Application to Be Approved?
According to Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, it can take three to five months for your application to be approved. The approval timeline makes it imperative that you apply for benefits as soon after becoming disabled as possible.
How Long Will It Take to Get My First Payment?
Once your application is approved, SSD benefits will be paid by direct deposit into the bank account you provide with your application. Even after approval for benefits is granted, you could still have a lengthy wait before your first monthly benefit is paid. SSD guidelines put the time between approval and first payment at six months.
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If I Receive Other Benefits, Will It Lower My SSD Benefit Amount?
The application process is lengthy and can quickly become overwhelming. In addition to other financial information, SSA officials will want to know what other benefits you receive to determine the amount of SSD benefits you will be awarded. Benefits you must include in your SSD application include:
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- Civil Service disability retirement
- Military disability benefits
These benefits may reduce potential SSD benefits. It is important that you accurately report these benefits and the amounts you receive.
What Benefits Can I Receive That Will Not Reduce My SSD Benefits?
Not all benefits you receive will reduce your SSD benefit amount. If you are a military veteran and receive Veterans Administration benefits, they will not impact other benefits you might be eligible for. Neither will certain local government benefits.
In addition, Social Security taxes that were deducted from your salary while you worked will not count against you.
Get Help with SSD Benefits
Are you getting the full SSD benefit amount you deserve? SSD attorneys in our firm will determine how much you can receive from Social Security Disability in North Carolina. Find out what else our legal team can do to help you through the SSD application process by calling Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866.