How to Apply For Social Security Disability And What You Need To know In North Carolina
Applying for Social Security Disability in North Carolina can be a tedious and grueling process if one is not familiar with the steps involved. There can also be complications when applying for a disability which, in turn, can make it advantageous for one to hire an experienced attorney, particularly familiar with the process in North Carolina. Disability, according to the SSA and defined by the federal government, is potentially any condition that is severe enough to rule out a person’s ability to work and earn a livable income.
Before applying for Social Security disability, is important to know what the government considers “disabled.” To be eligible for either social security disability in North Carolina or for Social Security benefits, the individual applying must meet specific criteria.
First, the individual’s condition must be a severe condition. The severity of the condition oftentimes becomes a subjective determination, but the social security administration often classifies the severity of impairments by whether or not they significantly interfere with the individual’s normal activities of daily living. This subjective test is often applied depending on the particular applicant’s circumstances. If they are adults, are they able to engage in work activity; for minor children, can a possible recipient engage in activities normal to their age, such as extra-circular activates and school functions.
Second, the ailment or impairment must last at least 12 months. This time stipulation is a requirement for social security disability and SSI. If there is evidence, such as medical reports, that tend to show that a particular disabling condition can be alleviated within one year, a claimant will likely receive a denial of an application.
Third, the condition must be extreme enough to impose limitations, either physically, mentally, or both. The ailment must be so severe that the individual could not reasonably be expected to use their skills, such as education and occupational experience, to do some type of other employment or work opportunities; this can even include another type of work that has never been done before!
In conclusion, the reason that is often beneficial to obtain counsel in such situations is that most claims are denied at the disability application level. Common rationales for denials at the application and reconsideration levels are often based on the fact that the claimant is able to gain meaningful employment with which they have pre-existing experience or that they are able to do some other type of work, even with no experience in that field. Due to these rationales, it is often beneficial to have an experienced attorney willing to show the court why these other potential employment opportunities are not likely or unachievable.
