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Greensboro Social Security Disability Lawyer

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Greensboro Social Security Disability Attorney

Social Security disability benefits exist to provide qualifying disabled workers with coverage for their medical and living expenses. However, navigating the Social Security system can be challenging and overwhelming, especially if you have to appeal decisions. Choose to work with a Greensboro Social Security disability lawyer from Bridgman Gantt Law Offices so you can focus on your health while they handle your case.

Greensboro Social Security Disability Lawyer

What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability insurance is a program that allows people to collect benefits when they are no longer able to work due to a serious injury or illness. SSDI helps you and your family afford daily expenses and medical expenses necessary for treating your condition.

With over 8.6 million Americans receiving disability benefits in 2024, this program is essential to the livelihoods of many people and their families. This program has strict eligibility requirements, so it’s smart to speak with a lawyer before applying to check that you qualify. An attorney can also offer assistance with your application and guide you along the way through hearings and potential appeals.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits

It should come as no surprise that Social Security disability benefits have strict requirements for eligibility. Know these requirements before you apply so you can know if you are actually eligible for the program, which may prevent you from making mistakes on your application. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Work requirements: You must have at least 40 credits acquired by working for a qualified employer, with 20 of those credits earned within the last 10 years. Younger workers may have looser credit requirements.
  • Medical criteria: Your illness or condition must be severe enough that you cannot hold gainful employment and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  • Income limits: Even though SSDI benefits are meant to provide a livable income, you are allowed to work while on disability. However, your income cannot be over $1,690 per month for non-blind people and $2,830 per month for blind people.

If you exceed the income limit while receiving disability, benefits can be paused. However, if your monthly income drops below the maximum threshold, you can request the reinstatement of your benefits within five years. You do not have to reapply or submit any documentation of your disability.

Common SSDI Disabilities

One in four Americans reports living with a disability. While not all of those people qualify for SSDI benefits, it certainly speaks to the value this program brings. The SSA has a Blue Book of disabilities that qualify for benefits, which include:

  • Musculoskeletal
  • Cardiovascular
  • Neurological
  • Mental
  • Immune system
  • Respiratory
  • Cancer

You do not have to meet the exact definitions of these disabilities in the Blue Book to qualify for benefits. What’s more, you can still receive benefits even if your condition isn’t in the SSA guidelines at all.

How to Apply for SSDI Benefits

Your Social Security disability case begins before you even apply. The process includes several key steps, including the following:

  • Collecting documentation of your condition: You need to submit documentation of your work history, your injury or illness, and information from your doctor regarding its severity and effect on your life.
  • Submitting your application: When you have the information you need, you submit your application. It can take several months for the SSA to review your claim, with particularly complex cases taking even longer.
  • Responding to information requests: The SSA may require additional information from you to get a more complete picture of your condition and how long it’s expected to affect you.

Mistakes at any point in this process can result in denial, so it is wise to work with an experienced attorney so that you fill out the application correctly and promptly respond to requests for additional information.

After You Apply for Social Security Disability

After you apply for SSDI benefits and supply the SSA with any additional information requested, your claim may either be approved or denied. If your Social Security disability case is approved, you begin earning benefits and retroactive payments for any lost wages or expenses while you were waiting for the decision.

If your claim is denied, you should receive a notice and explanation of the decision. Note that only 18% to 21% of initial applications are approved. Don’t worry if you’re denied, because you have the right to appeal the decision. Your Greensboro Social Security disability attorney can review your application and the reason for denial, file an appeal on your behalf, and represent you in appeal hearings.

Trust Bridgman Gantt Law Offices With Your SSDI Case

When you’re applying for something as important as Social Security disability benefits, you want a law firm with over six decades of experience helping you along the way. Turn to Bridgman Gantt Law Offices for the trusted guidance you deserve during this process.

Our team knows the state’s Social Security disability laws, ensuring your claim goes as smoothly as possible. We’re familiar with the local and regional courts that oversee these cases, and we use that knowledge to improve your chances of approval.

FAQs

What Is the Hardest Disability to Prove?

The hardest disability to prove in Greensboro, North Carolina is any mental condition. The state allows you to claim disability benefits for mental conditions if they prevent you from holding gainful employment, but this is where you get into difficulty in proving them. First, there’s no objective testing for mental conditions. They’re largely self-reported. Second, they must keep you from working for at least 12 months. It’s difficult for people to go that long without income.

What Disqualifies You From Receiving Disability?

You can be disqualified from receiving disability benefits for earning too much income from other sources, having a condition that isn’t severe or expected to last at least 12 months, or failing to provide documentation of your injury. Additionally, you must meet work history requirements, and your disability cannot be caused by drug or alcohol abuse.

What Are Common Reasons Disability Claims Get Denied?

Common reasons disability claims get denied include a lack of medical evidence, failure to follow prescribed treatment plans, incomplete or improperly completed applications, and lack of required work time. Keep in mind that there is an appeals process if your claim gets denied. An attorney can review your application and the reason for denial to help you make corrections and prove your disability.

How Much Do Social Security Disability Lawyers Charge?

How much Social Security disability lawyers charge varies by case and the attorney’s experience, but keep in mind that there is a cap set on attorney fees for these cases. As of November 30th, 2024, attorneys can charge no more than 25% of recovered backpay or a total of $9,200, whichever is less.

Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security disability benefits can be a lifeline for you and your family when an illness or injury prevents you from working. Navigating this system can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hire a Social Security disability lawyer to help you collect documentation of your condition, file your claim, represent you in hearings, and help you file an appeal if necessary.

Trust the team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices to give you the representation you deserve as you apply for SSDI benefits. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and explain our role in getting you the benefits you need.

Greensboro Social Security Disability Lawyer Reviews

★★★★★
“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

★★★★★
“All I can say is that this firm took care of EVERYTHING! I never felt out of the loop and was quite happy with the results. Also, Mr. Gantt and the staff made it extremely easy to discuss matters, even those that are personal! Thanks!” – Ken Soltys

★★★★★
“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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Testimonials

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