Many people with physical or mental illnesses try to continue working for as long as possible. However, there comes a time when they simply can’t work anymore. If your condition is deteriorating, the time may be coming when you can no longer work. Naturally, you will be worried about how you will make ends meet. A Social Security disability lawyer in Gastonia can guide you through the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies almost half of the benefits claims it receives. Even people who have valid claims find themselves at their wit’s end. At Ted A. Greve and Associates, P.A. we are committed to helping people with disabilities get the benefits they need. If you think you may qualify for SSDI or SSI call our office today and schedule a free consultation.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Gastonia?
To qualify for benefits, you must be living with a long-term condition. This condition must render you unable to do any kind of work. A condition is considered to be long-term when it lasts or is expected to last for more than a year. Some conditions will automatically qualify you for disability benefits. For others, it will depend on the severity of your condition. In either case, you will have to bring medical evidence of your disability. You will also have to prove that there are no jobs which you can do. This will require evidence from a vocational expert.
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Both benefit plans are administered by the Social Security Administration. However, SSDI provides benefits to disabled workers who are covered under the program. These workers paid “premiums” by contributing funds from each paycheck into the Social Security fund.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have paid into the system for a certain number of years. You also have to take a “recent work test” to show you didn’t stop working a long time ago. The timeframe varies depending on your age. Your SSDI lawyer will discuss the specifics of your case with you.
If you haven’t worked enough or worked recently enough to qualify for SSDI, you can apply for SSI. SSI is also for people who can’t work due to age, blindness or disability. It is funded by tax revenues instead of individual contributions. To qualify, you must prove that you are unable to work and that your income and resources are below a specific threshold.
How Do I Go About Obtaining Benefits?
The first thing you need to do is fill out an application and submit it to the SSA. You may assume that once the form is properly filled out, you will get your benefits. However, this isn’t usually the case. It is, therefore, likely that you will have to appeal the denial before a
Federal Administrative Law Judge.
This is not a trial but it’s still a formal hearing. If you don’t follow the rules, your appeal could be denied. It is important that you have a personal injury attorney working on your behalf. They will know what is required under Social Security disability law.
If the judge denies your application, you will have to challenge the denial in the United States District Court. This involves a formal trial before a Federal Judge. If you didn’t have an attorney up to this point, you will definitely need one now. A person without legal training is highly unlikely to win their case. With all that is on the line, you shouldn’t take chances.
Call Ted A. Greve and Associates to Discuss Your Case!
If you believe you are entitled to disability benefits, contact our Social Security disability lawyers in Gastonia today. We will facilitate a free initial consultation. If we think you have a case, we can help you prepare your application. If you’ve already applied and you were denied, we can represent you during the appeals process.
It is important that you get all the help you can when applying for benefits. If you are unable to work, you need a source of income to provide for yourself and your family. You deserve to get the support which is due to you.
We take these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us any legal fees until we get you the benefits you deserve. When the bill comes, there won’t be any surprises. Disability attorneys can only charge 25 percent of the back pay they secure for you. If you’re ready to fight for your disability benefits, call us today!
