The Social Security Disability (SSD) program offers a financial path forward for workers who can no longer maintain their employment due to disability. These benefits could replace their lost wages, although not everyone qualifies.
If you are living with a disabling injury or illness that prevents you from working, you might be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits can be life-changing, although a claim is never guaranteed to succeed. That is where our Mt. Holly personal injury lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC come in. Let a Mt. Holly Social Security disability lawyer from our firm help you navigate the claims process.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits in Mt. Holly?
The SSD program has two parts: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The qualifications are different for each of these programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that either prevents you from working for at least one year or is expected to result in your death. If you can still work in a limited capacity, you are unlikely to qualify. Your attorney can help you provide evidence of your disability, such as medical records, although some conditions are serious enough that they automatically qualify.
Additionally, since federal payroll taxes fund SSDI benefits, only workers who have paid enough payroll taxes qualify. Per the Social Security Administration (SSA), in 2023, you can earn one “work credit” for each $1,640 in income, with a maximum of four credits earned each year. Generally, you need at least 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last ten years, to qualify for SSDI, but some exceptions may apply.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
To qualify for SSI, you must be blind, disabled, and/or over age 65. You must also have low income and minimal assets. Per the SSA, those making less than $914 per month as an individual or less than $1,371 per month as a couple may qualify for SSI.
Your Mt. Holly SSD lawyer can help you understand whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disability and have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. If you do not qualify for SSDI due to the work credit requirement, you may be eligible for SSI instead. Your attorney can help you make this determination.
How Can a Mt. Holly Social Security Disability Attorney Help?
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand the SSD application process. We have helped countless people file their claims and resolve their appeals. Our experience could be invaluable as you pursue the benefits you deserve. Some of the ways our Mt. Holly SSD attorneys could help include the following:
Preparing Your Application
Many details go into a successful application for disability benefits. To ensure all the details are complete and accurate in your case, we can assist you with preparing your application. This includes gathering any supporting documents required by the SSA.
Building Your Case
You will need evidence for your disability case to succeed. In some cases, the SSA might request additional supporting documentation to confirm your disability or answer questions about your employment history. We can investigate your case and collect the evidence you need.
Keeping You Updated
These claims can take time, especially when the SSA requests additional documentation. When there are developments in your case, we will keep you updated on its status. Along the way, our Mt. Holly Social Security attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can answer your questions about the process.
You Have the Right to Appeal Your Social Security Disability Claim Denial
Disabled individuals often encounter challenges and pitfalls while navigating the SSD application process. The SSA thoroughly scrutinizes applications and supporting documentation. Even minor errors or omissions can result in a denied claim.
In fact, the SSA rejects almost 80% of new applications. For example, the SSA representative reviewing your case may deny your application if they believe:
- You provided insufficient medical evidence of your disability.
- You did not provide enough proof of your work history or work credits.
- You made a technical error on your application.
- Your disability is not severe enough to prevent you from working.
- Your impairment is not likely to last for at least a year or result in your death.
- Your income is too high to qualify for SSI.
If the SSA denies your claim, your Mt. Holly Social Security Disability attorney can serve as your advocate during your appeal and make the strongest case possible before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). We are also prepared to take your appeal to the Appeals Council or all the way to federal court if necessary.
The good news is that many applicants ultimately get the compensation they deserve after the appeals process concludes. Given the potential for a reversal, you should appeal your Social Security Disability claim denial in most cases.
However, that does not mean you should handle your appeal alone. This process is complex, and many mistakes could upend your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our Mt. Holly Social Security Disability lawyers can help you avoid common problems with the appeals process and fight for your rights to compensation at every stage.
Get Help from a Mt. Holly Social Security Disability Attorney Today
If you are living with a qualifying disability, you may be able to secure SSD benefits that replace your lost wages. However, obtaining these benefits can be challenging, particularly on your own. You are likely to benefit from the guidance of legal counsel during this process.
Our attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC know what goes into a successful SSD claim. We can help you review your qualifications and determine if you are entitled to benefits. If the SSA denies your claim, we can advocate for you during the appeals process. Let a Mt. Holly Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm help you get the best possible outcome from the claims process. Contact us for a free initial consultation today.