When an injury or illness prevents a person from continuing to work, they can turn to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for assistance. However, the program has strict eligibility requirements, and even qualifying workers can be rejected for making simple mistakes on the application form. Whether you’re unsure if you qualify for SSDI benefits or your claim has been unfairly denied, a Hendersonville Social Security disability lawyer from Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can help.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration that provides benefits for qualifying people who are too sick or injured to continue working. Those who suffer from long-term, chronic, or severe disabilities may qualify for monthly payments, assuming they meet the program’s strict eligibility requirements.
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following requirements:
Note that if you exceed this threshold and your benefits are suspended, you have five years to request reinstatement. You wouldn’t have to file a new application, nor would you have to wait for a review of your condition.
The SSA keeps a guide called the Blue Book that outlines qualifying medical conditions. You do not need to meet the exact definitions of the conditions listed to receive SSDI benefits, as they simply serve as a jumping-off point to determine eligibility. Common disabilities that qualify for benefits include:
Even if you have a disorder that is not included in the Blue Book at all, you can still receive disability benefits. You may need to show that your condition keeps you from working and that it is expected to last longer than 12 months.
There are over 8.6 million recipients of SSDI benefits, and many of these people need an attorney to guide them through the process. Social Security disability laws are difficult to navigate, and failure to follow them or making mistakes on an application can mean that you lose out on benefits you deserve. That’s why you want to work with a Hendersonville Social Security disability attorney.
An experienced lawyer can review your medical records to determine if you qualify, make sure your application is properly filled out, and help you through the appeals process if your claim is denied. Working with an attorney can increase the likelihood of approval, whether through the initial application or during the appeals process. Discuss your case with a lawyer today to learn more about your approval odds, what benefits you may qualify for, and what to do next.
As a firm with over 60 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to help disabled people receive the benefits they deserve. We’re familiar with the regional Social Security hearing office that serves western North Carolina, which means we know the administrative law judges and the procedures the office follows. That knowledge helps us advocate for you, ensuring we avoid mistakes and get your case off to a strong start.
We know how complex Social Security disability cases can be, and we understand how vital benefits can be to you and your family. We provide personal care to each case, working to get your approval as fast as possible.
How long it takes to get Social Security disability with a lawyer varies from case to case in Hendersonville. Some people can receive their benefits in as little as four months if everything goes smoothly. In other cases, you could be waiting years to get a final decision. Working with a lawyer can help speed the process up, but there are no guarantees.
There are many things you should avoid saying when applying for Social Security disability benefits. First of all, you don’t want to make any statements that downplay the severity of your injuries or their effect on your life. This can often be used against you. More than that, you don’t want to exaggerate your symptoms or lie about them. A doctor can evaluate you, and contradictory information can hurt your case.
The maximum attorney fee for Social Security disability is set at the lesser of 25% of back pay or a total of $9,800. The Social Security Administration increased this fee cap in May of 2024, and it took effect the following November. These fees are paid on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win. Additionally, the SSA must approve the fees.
It’s impossible to weigh in on the odds of winning a Social Security disability hearing without knowing what evidence you have to prove your case. You need strong proof and compelling testimony from doctors asserting the severity of your condition. On average, 31% of claims filed with the SSA resulted in payment of benefits from 2010 to 2019. The number varies year to year, but it’s a good starting point to set your expectations.
When your illness or medical condition prevents you from holding gainful employment, it’s important to know that Social Security disability insurance can give you the benefits you need. While you don’t need a lawyer at any stage of the process, enlisting one early on increases your chances of approval. An attorney can review your application to correct any errors, prepare you for the upcoming hearings, and represent you in an appeal if your claim gets denied.
Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices today to discuss your case and learn more about our services. We can assess your condition to help determine if you qualify, aid you in the application process, and guide you every step of the way from there. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
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“What an amazing and professional group of people!! Mr. Gantt was super informative and treated us with respect and kindness. He explained everything from start to finish. His team was always available and were also kind and professional. When it came time to go to court he called a few days before and went through the process step by step. Making us feel comfortable. The day of court he called again and asked if we had questions or concerns. Ensured us that everything was going to be okay and just relax and he would be there every step of the hearing. Once the hearing was done he called us again and explained what he felt the result was going to be, and he was right! Would 100% recommend him to anyone. Thank you Mr. Gantt!” – Polly Clark
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“Mr. Bridgman was professional and on point he kept me fully aware of the process and what was always going on a true blessing to me and others.” – Tameron Gaines
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