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Social Security Disability (SSD) can help you make ends meet and support your family if you are unable to work. Because the process of applying for Social Security is often long and difficult, your case may be easier to manage if you hire a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Newton, North Carolina, to represent you.
A lawyer from our firm can help you with all aspects of your case, from the initial application to the final appeal, if necessary. The initial case evaluation is free, so there is no risk in seeking help.
There are Two Different Types of Social Security Disability
SSD is an umbrella term that includes two distinct benefits: Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each is designed to provide monetary assistance to different groups of people. We discuss these differences briefly below.
Social Security Disability Income
To qualify for SSDI, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must belong to at least one of the following categories:
- You are a disabled worker who has not yet reached retirement age and contributed to Social Security during your career.
- You are the spouse of a deceased, disabled worker who contributed to Social Security.
- You are the disabled child of a qualifying worker, living or dead, who contributed to Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income
Again, per the SSA, you must fit into one of the following categories to qualify for SSI:
- You are an adult who is disabled, you do not meet the work history criteria for SSDI, and you have a limited source of income.
- You are an adult who has been disabled since childhood and whose disability prevents you from finding and retaining gainful employment.
- You are a child whose disability causes serious hardship or impairment.
- You are an adult over retirement age who is not disabled and has a limited source of income.
Unlike with SSDI, you do not need to have ever worked or paid into Social Security to qualify for benefits under SSI.
A Social Security Disability Lawyer Serving Newton Can Help
Your circumstances (e.g., the presence or absence of a disability) will determine which type of SSD you can apply for. Your attorney can take full responsibility for the case by telling you which benefits to apply for and then helping you do so.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we take the time to address each client’s concerns and guide them through the entire application process, step by step. One client even reported feeling that they were “treated as if I was the only client.” Here is a small sampling of the types of assistance we can provide you. We can:
Evaluate Your Case at No Charge
We understand that your time is valuable, and that money is likely tight right now. When you call our number, we will:
- Tell you quickly whether or not we can help
- Charge nothing for the initial consultation
- Place you under no obligation to retain our services
It only takes one phone call to find out how we can help.
Prepare Your Case
If you have not started the application process yet, we can get you started by:
- Identifying which forms to fill out, when, and to whom you should send them
- Telling you which types of evidence you need to send in and how to find that evidence
- Answering any questions or concerns about the application process
- Adjusting our approach based on new developments or decisions
File an Appeal when Necessary
If you are (or already have been) turned down for SSD benefits, it is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal any decisions you disagree with. Our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help you navigate the appeals process.
According to the SSA, the appeals process involves the following steps:
- One: File your appeal within 60 days of the unfavorable decision.
- Two: Request that someone else consider your case.
- Three: If the reconsideration is unfavorable, request a hearing with an administrative law judge.
- Four: If the hearing is unfavorable, request that the Appeals Council review your case.
- Five: If the review is unfavorable, request that the Federal Court review your case.
Our team can file all appeals on your behalf and even represent you in meetings with the administrative law judge (ALJ), the Appeals Council, and the Federal Court. You do not have to worry about any legal task at any point in the process.
What Counts as a Disability Under Social Security Disability?
There are a wide variety of conditions, both physical and mental, that could entitle you to SSD. These include but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular problems
- Mental illnesses
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Skin disorders
- Respiratory problems
- Disabilities present from birth
- Disabilities you developed as the result of an injury or illness
To be considered disabled for SSD purposes, you must have at least one qualifying disability for at least 12 months, and you must be able to prove your disability to the SSA’s satisfaction. Convincing evidence may take the form of:
- A statement from a doctor (either your own or one appointed by the SSA)
- Your medical records
- A medical examination conducted by either your own doctor or one appointed by the SSA
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help you find or schedule this proof, submit it in the right way, and fight hard for the benefits you deserve.
Get Help with Your Social Security Disability Case Today
There may be many challenges on the way to getting the benefits you need and deserve. Put your case in the hands of a Social Security Disability lawyer serving Newton, North Carolina.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for a free case evaluation from a member of our team.
