Have you suffered an injury or developed a medical condition that has left you unable to earn a living? You may qualify for financial benefits from the Social Security Administration. However, the agency sets strict eligibility criteria. Seeking help from knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyers in NC can give you the best chance of having your benefits application approved. Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates PA for an initial case evaluation to learn more about the Social Security Administration’s disability benefits programs.
Navigating Social Security Disability Benefits in Shelby
Individuals who cannot work or earn substantial income due to a debilitating health condition may have the right to disability benefits from one of the Social Security Administration’s disability benefits programs. However, because the Social Security Administration has limited resources for the disability benefit program, the agency imposes strict eligibility requirements that lead to the denial of many benefits applications. For this reason, having experienced disability lawyers in North Carolina to guide you through the application process can improve your likelihood of filing a successful claim.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration operates two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For both programs, an applicant must have a medical condition that qualifies as a “disability.” The Social Security Administration defines a disability as a health condition that prevents an individual from performing substantial gainful activity and that has lasted or will last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in the individual’s death. The individual must have a health condition listed on the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book” of impairments or a health condition that equals the severity of a listed impairment. Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Amputation
- Non-healing or complex fractures
- Loss of vision, hearing, or speech
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension
- Ischemic heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hematological disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Huntington’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Intellectual disorders
- Anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cancer
- Lupus
- Immune deficiency disorders
SSDI provides disability benefits to workers who become disabled and can no longer work. A disabled individual may qualify for SSDI benefits if they have earned sufficient work credits. A person earns a work credit when they earn a specific amount of income subject to Social Security tax, up to a maximum of four credits per year. Usually, workers need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI, although younger workers need fewer credits. Furthermore, most applicants must have earned at least 20 credits within the 10 years preceding the onset of their disability. Again, younger workers may need fewer recently earned work credits. SSDI pays disability benefits based on the recipient’s contributions to the Social Security system during their career.
SSI provides disability benefits to low-income individuals. Unlike SSDI, which has a work history requirement, eligibility for SSI depends on an applicant having few or no assets and limited monthly income. For example, an applicant may not have more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for a married couple); countable assets do not include property such as:
- A primary residence
- One vehicle used by the household for transportation
- All household goods and personal effects
- Life insurance policies with a combined face value of $1,500 or less
- Burial plots and burial funds of $1,500 or less
- Property used in a trade or business
- Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account
The Social Security Administration sets monthly income limits for SSI eligibility annually based on inflation.
How Ted A. Greve & Associates PA Help Navigate the Social Security Application Process
Applying for Social Security disability benefits can involve a long, complex process. Obtaining disability attorney services can help make the application process less stressful.
The application process involves several steps. First, applicants must gather relevant information and supporting documentation for their application, including information and supporting medical records to document their disability, proof of work history, or financial information to establish eligibility under asset and income limits. An applicant can submit a Social Security disability benefits application online or call the Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits over the phone. Applicants can have legal representation throughout the application process.
After the Social Security Administration receives a disability benefits application, it forwards it to a state Disability Determination Services office to determine whether the applicant has a qualifying disability. The DDS office reviews the applicant’s medical information, contacts their healthcare providers, and potentially schedules a medical examination.
If the Social Security Administration determines that an applicant has a qualifying disability and meets the work history or asset/income eligibility criteria, it will approve the applicant for benefits. However, when the agency denies an application, the applicant can challenge the denial through the administrative appeals process, which may involve reconsideration of the application, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or a hearing before the Appeals Council.
The Importance of a Social Security Attorney in Shelby, NC
A Social Security disability attorney can offer significant advantages as you pursue disability benefits. An attorney can assist with your claim by:
- Reviewing your case to evaluate your potential eligibility for SSD benefits
- Assisting you with gathering necessary supporting documentation
- Helping you complete your benefits application
- Communicating with SSA officials on your behalf
- Preparing you for what to expect at each stage of the application process
- Pursuing administrative appeals to challenge the denial of your application
Having an attorney assist you with a Social Security disability benefits claim can reduce the risk of a denial of your application due to avoidable mistakes or errors, such as including insufficient or inconsistent information in your application.
Contact Your Social Security Defense Lawyer in Shelby
Whether you are looking to file an SSDI claim or dispute one that was denied it is vital that you have an experienced lawyer on your side. The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates have been practicing for over 20 years and can get you the compensation that you are entitled to.
For questions about Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or to get started with your application, call a social security disability attorney in Shelby today at (844) 387-8677.
