Hiring an Experienced Disability Lawyer
Many people in the United States file for disability benefits every year. Unfortunately, many people who are honestly disabled have to fight tooth and nail to get the benefits that they deserve. Whether you suffer from a physical disability due to work-related injuries, or a mental health condition that keeps you from being substantially gainfully employed, you have the right to file a claim for disability benefits. Even if your physician says that you are disabled, although it certainly strengthens your case, it doesn’t always mean that the Social Security Administration will approve your claim right away. If you are filing an SSI or SSDI application in North Carolina, a good attorney will ensure that you have the right documentation, evidence, and argument to prove your case.
Knowing What Types of Benefits Are Available
There are two main types of Social Security benefits that are available. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for people that have worked enough throughout their lives and paid enough taxes to be insured for benefits. Typically a claimant must have worked 5 of the last 10 years/20 of the last 40 quarters to qualify for benefits. This type of disability does not have any sort of asset limitations, and a person can still have household income and assets, as long as it is not from full-time employment. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled people who have not worked long enough to earn sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. There are strict income and asset restrictions with this type of disability benefit. There are other requirements that filers must meet as well. A good disability lawyer will know the eligibility requirements upfront, so they will be able to offer guidance and know whether or not you meet the criteria that the Social Security Administration has established.
Why Having an Attorney is Vital
Just the thought of filing a disability claim can make some people want to give up. Time is often not on their side, because it is hard to live without an income. If you are experiencing these stressors due to a debilitating condition, then a competent attorney will be able to help you maneuver the complicated Social Security disability system. Social Security law can be incredibly confusing, so you will need someone that is up to date with the current rules and regulations.
