Statesville Social Security Disability Lawyer

Statesville Social Security Disability Attorney

Back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, and other serious injuries can make you eligible for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI is an insurance program that North Carolina workers pay into. Workers have the right to seek these benefits on their own, but the process can be cumbersome and complicated. Many injured workers rely on a Statesville Social Security disability lawyer to complete the process for them.

At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, we’ve helped many workers secure the SSDI benefits they’re entitled to.

How Does SSDI Work?

SSDI is a federal program that gives financial assistance to workers who have become disabled and are no longer able to work. The program is funded by payroll taxes. Workers must accumulate enough work credits through their place of employment to qualify.

To be eligible, the injured worker must also show that their disability prevents them from performing tasks required for work. The disability must also be projected to last more than one year. If a worker qualifies for the program, they can access monthly payments. They may also be eligible for Medicare benefits after a waiting period.

SSDI is an insurance program, not a welfare program. If you have paid into the SSDI system through automatic payroll deductions or direct payments (if you were self-employed) within the past 10 years, you may be eligible to apply for SSDI benefits.

Benefits of Working With an SSDI Benefits Attorney

The application is lengthy and complex and often requires corroboration from medical doctors and other forms of documentation. If an application is denied, the appeals process can also be complex. Technicalities and minor typos often lead to denied claim applications.

Disabled workers can improve the chance that their claims are granted by working with an experienced disability attorney who has helped other injured workers receive the benefits that they need to recover.

Do I Qualify for SSDI?

The Social Security Administration sets several requirements that must be met in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. Your SSDI attorney can help you navigate the application process.

• Currently working: The Social Security Administration will look at whether you were working up until the point where you became disabled, as well as how much you were earning.
• Severe injury: The SSA will examine whether your injury qualifies as severe. This generally means that the injury causes the worker to be unable to stand, live, walk, sit, or remember for 12 months or longer.
• List of disabling conditions: The SSA maintains a list of qualifying impairments that may qualify a worker for SSI benefits.
• Ability to work: To qualify for SSI benefits, you may need to demonstrate that you are unable to work or to complete alternative forms of work.

There are also special considerations for people who are blind or have vision impairments.

Legally blind for SSI means that your vision can’t be corrected to better than 20/200. Many legally blind people still have some vision.

Even if you’re not legally blind, you may qualify for disability benefits if your vision or other health issues prevent you from working. Special rules for the blind include a higher earnings limit than for other disabled workers.

Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Children

When a worker dies, their surviving spouse or divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are between 50 and 60 and have a disability that started before or within seven years of the worker’s death. Spouses who were receiving benefits for caring for the worker’s child may also be eligible. They must contact Social Security to apply and complete an Adult Disability Report to expedite the process.

For children, a disability is not required to qualify for benefits as a dependent under age 18. Benefits typically end at 18 unless the child is a full-time student until 19 or has a qualifying disability. Children receiving benefits as minors may continue receiving them after 18 if they have a qualifying disability.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Maximum Fee a Disability Lawyer Can Charge?

Currently working: A Social Security disability lawyer can charge up to 25% of the settlement amount. This fee is not to pass $7,200. This amount is updated from time to time, so consult with your Statesville Social Security disability lawyer to see what the current cap is. Your SSI lawyer in Statesville can discuss their fee structure during your initial consultation.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Disability in NC With a Lawyer?

Severe injury: Based on SSI guidelines, there is a “five-month waiting period” before the first monthly payment is made. That means that, on average, you can expect to receive your first check from the government around the sixth month after your SSI eligibility is established. You can significantly improve the chances that your claim will be accepted on time by working with a personal injury lawyer.

Q: Are Social Security Disability Benefits Welfare?

List of disabling conditions: Social Security disability benefits are not welfare. You pay into the SSI program with each check you earn, and your employer pays into the program as well. While working, you accumulate credits, which allow you to claim benefits if you’re ever disabled. Those without sufficient credits won’t be able to receive social security.

Q: Why Does It Take So Long for Social Security Disability?

Ability to work: Social Security disability benefits take so long because the qualification process is complicated. Medical documents and doctor notes are often required for corroboration. The application process requires extensive information that has to be written down carefully. When the application process is done, it can take up to five or six months for benefit checks to arrive.

Schedule Your Social Security Disability Lawyer Consultation Today

However, it can become especially difficult to complete complicated tasks like applying for benefits following a disability.

One way to simplify the process is by working with Law Office Of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC. We do not collect legal fees until you are awarded disability benefits. If you were recently disabled and are unable to resume work, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.