North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you are facing a disability due to injury or illness, you may be entitled to financial assistance from the Government. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency which administers the Disability Benefits Program (DBI). This program provides for cash benefits to people who are suffering from a disability that is expected to last more than one year or that could result in death. People who do not qualify for full disability benefits because they do not have sufficient work credit may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How do I apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Applicants for social security disability benefits face a three-step process. At each stage, your claim may be granted and benefits paid out. If benefits are denied, you may move on to the next step.
Each applicant must file an initial application with the Social Security Administration. In this application, you will provide the SSA with information about yourself and your disability such as your work history, the name and contact information of your treating physicians, and any medications you take.
If your initial application is denied, you may request that the SSA reconsider your application. You or your Social Security disability attorney may revise and supplement your application at this time. Once your application is resubmitted, your claim will be freshly reviewed.
If the SSA denies your claim again after your request for reconsideration, you have the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a critical stage in the process not only because it allows you and your attorney to make your case directly to a judge, but because the vast majority of initial applications and reconsideration’s are denied. Therefore, thorough preparation and careful advocacy are extremely important in making the strongest argument possible.
If the Administrative Law Judge denies your claim at the hearing level, you may submit a request for a review of the ALJ’s decision to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may either overturn the ALJ’s decision and grant you a new hearing, or deny your request for review. If the Appeals Council denies your request for review, then you have the option of appealing your case in federal court.