Applying for Disability Benefits in Charlotte
Proudly Assisting Individuals Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits Through the Application Process
Seemingly countless Americans with disabilities require financial assistance after their medical impairments render them unable to hold down a job and support themselves or their family members. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits to disabled individuals, many factors affect applicants’ ability to successfully apply and obtain the benefits they need. The application process itself leaves many applicants feeling overwhelmed or dismayed, sometimes forcing them to surrender before they even get started.
For assistance in determining your eligibility for these federal programs and help filing your claims, it’s often recommended that you seek the professional guidance of experienced disability lawyers well-versed in helping clients just like you. Our firm has extensive experience helping disabled individuals obtain benefits in North and South Carolina, and we would be proud to represent your interests throughout the application process, whether you plan to file in person or online.
Our lawyers and support staff offer case reviews to prospective new clients interested in retaining our services. At your initial appointment, we will review your disability, work history, income, and other information to determine which program you may qualify for. Then, if you decide to retain our legal representation, we can assist you in navigating the application process and represent you in any appeals if necessary. To begin, request your case evaluation with our Social Security disability attorneys today.
Are You Eligible for SSI or SSDI Benefits?
Depending on your age, resources, employment history, work credits, and other information, you may qualify for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or, in some limited cases, both programs.
Supplemental Security Income pays benefits to low-income Americans with qualifying disabilities who do not have sufficient work credits to apply for Social Security disability insurance benefits. Supplemental Security Income provides limited payments to eligible individuals with disabilities or to eligible couples. SSI benefits may also be available for disabled children, which will be evaluated by different standards than those for disabled adults.
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid to disabled individuals with substantial work history and the necessary work credits. With every paycheck, employees pay federal income tax, including Social Security taxes. These taxes are how workers earn Social Security credits and qualify for SSDI benefits. In most cases, you must have worked for at least five of the previous ten years to be insured for SSDI benefits.
To determine eligibility, please get in touch with our law firm to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.
When Should a Disabled Person Apply for Benefits?
There is no reason to wait to apply for benefits if you are disabled. We recommend that disabled persons begin the application process as soon as possible following the onset of their disability. Unfortunately, many hopeful applicants wait several years before applying for benefits, which can only make things harder for them and their families.
The application process is lengthy, and the SSA denies many initial applications. If you find that you no longer need disability benefits, you can always withdraw your claim, such as in cases where you can return to work for a former employer or a new job. But if you never apply and you are still unable to return to work, you could lose out on your chance to receive benefits that you otherwise could have obtained by beginning the process.
Do You Need Assistance with the Application Process?
There are three main ways to apply for disability benefits in North and South Carolina: in person at your local office, online at the Social Security Administration website, or by phone. There are several documents and pieces of evidence or other information that may be required when submitting your application, and any omission could result in lengthy delays or claim denials.
The application process for those applying for disability benefits can be complex. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step evaluation process to determine whether you are disabled and deserving of receiving benefits. The first step is to determine whether you have substantial gainful activity. Then, the SSA judges whether your medical condition is severe enough to qualify as a disability. Essentially, your mental or physical impairment must directly interfere with work-related activities if it is to be considered a disability. Additionally, your physical or mental health condition must appear on the official list of disabling conditions. Depending on the benefits you are seeking, the SSA will review your work history and question whether you can pursue any other form of employment. Even if you meet all of these requirements, many disabled individuals’ initial applications are still denied, and those applicants must consider taking on the SSA in the appeals process.
No matter what stage of the process you are in, you would greatly benefit from the legal representation of experienced lawyers well-versed in these practice areas.
What Evidence and Documentation is Needed for a Successful Disability Application?
Regardless of what benefit program you are applying for, certain pieces of information and evidence will be required.
Essential information and documentation can include the following:
- Full legal name as it appears on your Social Security card
- Your Social Security number
- The name, Social Security number, birth date, or age of any current or former spouse, as well as the dates of marriage or divorce
- Names, Social Security numbers, and birthdays of any minor children that you may have
- Bank account numbers and routing information, which would be necessary for direct deposits of Social Security disability benefits
- The names and contact information of any doctors, hospitals, or other reliable individuals who know about your medical conditions and can provide detailed answers about how your impairments affect your daily life
- When applying for benefits, you may have to supply information about your employment, such as listing any jobs that you may have had in the decade or so before you became unable to work due to your disability, how much you were paid per hour or annually, and other information. If applicable, also provide information about black lung benefits, long-term disability claims, VA disability claims, workers’ compensation claims, and other benefit claims that you either have filed or intend to file in the future
- Various official documents may need to be provided, such as an original or certified birth certificate, proof of lawful permanent residence or United States citizenship, military discharge papers, and more
To ensure that your medical condition rises to the level of severity that it is considered a disability in the eyes of the Social Security Administration, you must provide sufficient medical evidence. You should include any medical records from before or after your disability, as well as notes and testimony from doctors and other professionals regarding your diagnosis.
Contact Our Law Firm for Consultation to Discuss Your Social Security Disability Claim Today
In North Carolina, only approximately a quarter of all initial claims are successful, and the vast majority are denied. To increase your chances of making a strong first impression, successfully navigating the application process, and handling any potential appeals, it’s highly recommended that you seek professional legal guidance from our experienced attorneys.
As your representatives, the disability lawyers will keep you informed about your case, drawing on their in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of Social Security law. Using our knowledge and legal experience, we can help guide you through the labyrinth of the application proceedings, gather convincing evidence, ensure accuracy in your claim, and present your case in the most compelling light possible.
Contact our Charlotte law firm to schedule your consultation with our disability attorneys today. You can reach us at 704-385-5281.