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People with qualifying medical conditions may apply for Social Security Disability benefits in the United States, which can serve as economic aid for individuals in need. However, the process of obtaining disability benefits is often difficult, as many people get denied benefits after filing their first claim.
Don’t be discouraged by the application process for Social Security Disability benefits. If you or a loved one has a disability and is living in Gastonia, North Carolina, our legal team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, wants to help you. 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. We offer the first consultation for free to discuss your options.
Services a Gastonia Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Provide You
As mentioned, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a difficult process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) scrutinizes claims and remains highly selective on whom gets awarded disability benefits. As such, it is crucial that your claim has up-to-date and accurate information, as any error could lead to a denial of your claim.
However, when you work with a Gastonia Social Security Disability attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, the pressure of making sure your claim is correct is lifted off your shoulders. Our team will handle all details pertaining to your claim and provide the following services:
- Application preparation: In some cases, we can fill out application paperwork on your behalf and ensure that your claim has 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 disability you claim, you may need to supply evidence to support your claim. For example, we may collect medical records, incident/injury reports, and expert witness testimony as evidence.
- Legal representation: When necessary, your attorney can serve as your representative throughout your case. They will also counsel you on case decisions, such as whether you should file an appeal on your claim or what type of disability benefits you should seek.
- Administrative services: Our legal team will reach out to you when we receive messages or other notices about your case.
If you already filed an SSD benefits claim and were denied, our legal team can also lead your case throughout the appeals process. 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 reach our team via our 24/7 hotline and get guidance on how to move forward 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 for people in the United States:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a work-based disability benefits program in that 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 people who have limited income and/or resources. This program is funded by general tax revenues, 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 the average current earnings you earned before you became disabled.
Our legal team will review your case to determine if you qualify for multiple SSD benefits 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 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 (SSDI) if you are:
- At least 18 years old but have not yet reached retirement age
- A U.S. citizen
If you suffered a personal injury at work, 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 (SSI) benefits if you:
- Are blind
- Have reached retirement age
- Meet the SSA’s income requirements, which include limits on your resources and other benefits
- Meet the SSA’s housing requirements
Our lawyers will determine if you qualify to file for both SSDI and SSI benefits, then help you collect evidence to support your claim(s). If you applied for one or more of these programs but were denied despite meeting eligibility requirements, we can help you file an appeal and determine whether additional evidence may support your case.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to Get Started on Your Social Security Disability Case
If you or a loved one has a disability and are trying to get Social Security Disability benefits, you can work with a Gastonia Social Security Disability lawyer to help you with your benefits claim. Our attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, help people in North Carolina prepare their applications and appeals for disability benefits by providing several services to ensure all necessary paperwork is accurate and complete.
Want to learn more about how we can help you with your disability benefits case in Gastonia? Contact our team today to speak with one of our representatives in a free consultation.
