If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental impairment, you may be entitled to receive social security disability benefits. The process of obtaining social security disability benefits can be complex, time-consuming, and frustrating without an experienced attorney who understands the process.
At the law office of Plyler, Long & Corigliano, LLP, our experienced social security disability lawyers can represent you in your social security appeal and hearing.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to those who cannot work because of a disability. Here are two key qualifications you must satisfy:
- You need to have a disability that prevents you from working for at least a year or that will result in your death.
- You need to have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
There are often disputes about whether our clients satisfy these requirements. For example, you might have a condition that does not exactly match an illness or disability on the “listing of impairments” in the Blue Book. As a result, the disability examiner denies your claim.
In other cases, a person might not have enough work credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age. The older you are, the more work credits you need. A worker can earn up to 4 credits in a year, and a worker who is 62 or older will need 40 credits. Younger applicants will need fewer. However, all applicants must have recent work experience to qualify. For more information, you can view your work history at SSA.gov or look at this chart at the SSA website.
Reasons for Denials
After applying, a disability examiner will review it in the local office. Most people in North Carolina are initially denied, so do not be surprised if this happens to you.
Read your notice to identify the reason for denial. Some common reasons include:
- You don’t have a qualifying disability
- You will not be disabled for long enough
- You are qualified to do a different job
- You have insufficient work credits
An experienced attorney can understand the reason for your denial and will gather the best evidence to support your appeal of the denial. In the event you do not have enough work credits to receive SSDI, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), depending on certain other income and asset criteria.
If you have a social security disability claim, it is important that you efficiently and properly follow the procedure to present a persuasive case to the Social Security Administration, which will decide whether you will receive benefits. Our team of Social Security Disability attorneys in North Carolina can work with you to assist you in presenting your case in the best manner possible.
Bringing an Appeal
A rejection does not mean you won’t get SSDI benefits. You can request a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. This judge has the power to award benefits, and many people who bring appeals are successful.
You would benefit enormously from the help of a lawyer at the appellate stage. A lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to convince the judge that you qualify for benefits. If you are successful, you can receive back benefits from the date of your disability.
Pitfalls to Avoid
It is very easy to make a critical error in the application process that leads to a quick denial of benefits:
- Failing to request an appeal hearing in a timely manner
- Not including all medical information in an initial application
- Representing yourself in a hearing before the ALJ
- Filing a new application for benefits when you should bring an appeal
An experienced attorney understands the process and will make sure you tick all the boxes promptly. Our attorneys only get paid if you win and will zealously advocate your claim to help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Attorneys in Monroe, NC Today
Our proven and experienced attorneys can guide you through the process of obtaining social security disability benefits. By providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional service, our social security disability lawyers will answer your questions and ensure that you are prepared for each step of the way.
The time for your appeal may be running out. Contact our firm today. We offer a consultation where we will review your denial and advise you about how to best present your appeal. From our Monroe office, we proudly assist the people of Union, Anson, and Stanly Counties including but not limited to Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Indian Trail, Weddington, Unionville, Mineral Springs, Lake Park, Stallings, Hemby Bridge, and Wingate.
Call today! 704-289-2519
Meet the Attorneys
All of our attorneys are involved in Union County schools, churches and community activities.
Richard G. Long, Jr. Partner
Dale Ann Plyler Partner
Frank Corigliano Partner
Lisa Hough Beaman Associate Attorney
Ashley McBride Of Counsel