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Individuals with qualifying medical conditions may be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, which can provide economic support for those in need. However, the process of obtaining Disability benefits is often challenging, as many people are denied benefits after filing their initial claim.
Don’t be discouraged by the often-complicated application process. If you or a loved one is disabled and resides in Gastonia, North Carolina, our legal team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, is here to help. A Gastonia Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can review your case and help you build your claim or file an appeal on your behalf. Call for a free consultation today. Our North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers are available 24/7.
Services a Gastonia Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Provide
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a difficult process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) scrutinizes claims and remains highly selective in awarding Disability benefits. Your claim must contain up-to-date and accurate information, as any error could result in the denial of your claim. These are some reasons why hiring a lawyer can be helpful.
When you work with a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, the pressure of making sure your claim is correct is lifted off your shoulders. Our team will handle all the details of your claim and provide the following services during the claims process:
- Application Preparation: In some cases, we can complete the application paperwork on your behalf and ensure that your claim includes all the correct forms and information. Before we submit your claim, we will confirm the details during a consultation with you.
- Evidence Collection: Depending on the type of claim you make, you may need different kinds of evidence to support it. For example, we may collect medical records, incident or injury reports, and doctor statements as evidence.
- Legal Representation: Your attorney serves as your representative throughout your case. We offer legal advice on case decisions, such as whether you should file an appeal or what type of benefits you should seek.
- Administrative Services: Our legal team will contact you when we receive messages or other notices regarding your case.
If you have already filed an SSD benefits claim and were denied, our legal team can also guide you through the appeals process. Denial for first-time applicants is not unusual and does not bar you from appealing or re-applying.
Your lawyer can appear in court hearings and other legal proceedings to advocate for your right to receive benefits. Additionally, if you have questions or concerns about your case, you can contact our team via our 24/7 hotline and receive guidance on how to proceed with your claim.
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits You Can Apply For
If you are interested in applying for SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two Disability benefits programs:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a work-based program, as it is funded by Social Security taxes and granted on a work-credit basis.
Qualifying individuals may receive benefits based on the number of work credits they’ve earned and whether they’ve worked enough hours to earn the required number of work credits for their age.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Disability benefits program for individuals with limited income and/or resources. General tax revenues fund this program, so eligibility requirements do not involve earned work credits. Rather, the SSA will review your assets to determine whether you qualify to receive benefits.
Can You Apply for Both SSDI and SSI Benefits?
Yes. In some cases, individuals may qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. According to the SSA, you may collect SSDI, SSI, and even workers’ compensation benefits simultaneously. However, your total Disability benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before becoming disabled.
Our legal team will review your case to determine if you qualify for multiple SSD programs, as well as other public Disability benefits offered in North Carolina.
Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability Benefits
Eligibility requirements differ depending on whether you are pursuing SSDI or SSI benefits. While both of these federal programs require you to have a medical condition that falls under their Disability qualifications, you must also meet the following requirements:
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance if you are:
- At least 18 years old but have not yet reached retirement age
- Have a disability that will keep you from working for at least a year
If you suffered a personal injury at work that led to a long-term disability, you may pursue workers’ compensation, but those payments may reduce the amount of SSDI benefits you receive.
SSI Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits if you:
- Are blind or disabled, or
- Have reached retirement age; and
- Meet the SSA’s income requirements, which include limits on your resources and other benefits
Our lawyers will determine if you qualify to file for both SSDI and SSI benefits and then help you collect evidence to support your claim(s). If you already applied for one or more of these programs and were denied despite meeting eligibility requirements, we can still help. In that case, our Gastonia lawyers can assist you in the appeal process and help determine whether additional evidence may support your case.
Common Issues When Applying for SSDI and SSI
Applying for benefits isn’t always easy. Here are some common challenges disabled individuals face:
- Missing Medical Evidence: Many applications are denied simply because there isn’t enough detailed proof of a medical condition. The SSA needs up-to-date medical records showing how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Not Meeting Eligibility Requirements: SSDI requires a solid work history with Social Security taxes paid. SSI is based on financial need, meaning your income and assets must be below certain limits. Confusing the two can lead to mistakes.
- Long Wait Times: Even with everything in order, decisions can take several months or more. Many people are denied on the first try and must go through appeals, which adds even more time.
- Filing Mistakes: Small errors in forms or missing deadlines can lead to delays or denials.
Getting help from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can make the process smoother and less stressful on you.
Contact Our Gastonia Social Security Disability Lawyers Today
Our Gastonia Social Security Disability attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, assist individuals in North Carolina with preparing their applications and appeals for Disability benefits by providing a range of services to ensure all necessary paperwork is accurate and complete.
Would you like to learn more about how we can assist you with your Disability benefits case in Gastonia? Contact our team today to speak with one of our representatives in a free consultation.
