SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
ATTORNEYS

Social Security Disability Lawyers

Don't Face The Social Security Administration Alone. Let Grimes Teich Anderson Help Secure The Benefits You Deserve.

Are you or someone you love about to start the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits? Or has your application for Social Security disability benefits already been denied? If so, Grimes Teich Anderson can help.

Filing for Social Security benefits can often be a complicated and challenging process. Many people who are filing for benefits try to navigate the process alone. However, hiring an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to help can significantly increase your chances of being approved for the benefits you need.

Since 1979, at Grimes Teich Anderson, our team of Social Security disability attorneys has been helping people throughout North Carolina and South Carolina secure the Social Security disability benefits they are due.*

We know the complex nature of the Social Security disability application process at state and federal levels and will work hard to get the benefits you need. If you have questions about the application or appeals process for Social Security disability benefits, call us today at 800-533-6845 or complete our free case evaluation form online.

Qualifying Conditions for Social Security Benefits in North Carolina and South Carolina

If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits:

  • 1 Do you have a physical disability or mental health disorder that has lasted a year, or is it expected to last at least one year?
  • 2 Does your disability keep you from working full-time?
  • 3 Do you have a life-threatening disability?

To qualify for disability benefits, you must have previously worked in jobs covered by Social Security or meet the financial requirements for Supplemental Security Income. Additionally, you must have a medical condition or injury that meets or equals SSA's definition of disability. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability related to a person's ability to perform work and the projected length of their disability. The SSA also requires that applicants submit medical records to support their claim. Some conditions that qualify for benefits include:

  • Chronic heart disease
  • Back and neck problems
  • Mental disorders
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Neurological disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Breathing problems
  • Obesity
  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Seizures, even when using medication
  • Immune system disorders
  • Psoriasis of the hands or feet

For a full list of qualifying disabilities, please visit SSA's Blue Book. This blue book is found only on the internet.

We Offer Clarity During The Claims Process

The Social Security disability claims process involves complex paperwork and can be very confusing. Our Social Security disability attorneys are experienced, handling the following case types:

Disability Hearings. Unfortunately, the initial approval rate of Social Security claims is only about 30%, which means most people applying for benefits will have an SSD hearing before an administrative law judge. Our experienced team of attorneys will walk you through every step of this process.

Appeals. Applicants have the right to ask for an appeal if their social security claim is denied, but it's important to act quickly. Typically, you have only 60 days to request an appeal. Contact our experienced team today and see how we can help you through the appeals process.

Benefits Eligibility. Not sure if you're eligible? Our attorneys can review and discuss details of your case with you to determine whether you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security Disability FAQ

Is My Condition Considered a Disability for Purposes of SSDI Benefits?

Under the Social Security Act, a disability is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

A medically determinable impairment is a mental or physical impairment that is verifiable by diagnostic testing or other medically accepted clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. In addition, your disability must be considered severe, such that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity and prevent or limit you from engaging in basic work-related activities, such as moving, sitting, or thinking. Finally, your condition must have lasted for at least one year or be expected to last for at least one year.

What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

Substantial gainful activity refers to the level of work activity and amount of earnings of an individual. To qualify for SSDI benefits, an applicant must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to his or her medical impairment. Generally, the Social Security Administration considers those who are earning more than a certain amount per month to be engaging in substantial gainful activity. This amount typically increases each year. For 2021, the income limit for non-blind individuals is $1,310 per month (net of disability-related work expenses), and for statutorily blind individuals the limit is $2,190 (net of disability-related work expenses).

Can I Return to Work and Still Be Eligible for SSDI Benefits?

Yes, for a certain period of time and according to guidelines set out by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you receive SSDI benefits and return to work, you must notify the SSA. You may be eligible for a work incentive program, such as the Trial Work Program, which allows you to work for nine months within a five-year period to test whether you can work, while still receiving full benefits. In the Trial Work Program, once you have worked for nine months within a five-year period engaging in substantial gainful activity, your SSDI benefits will stop. There may be other work incentive programs available to you, which you can discuss with an attorney.

Will My SSDI Benefits be Affected if I Receive Workers' Compensation or Other Disability Benefits?

In general, yes. If the combined amount of your SSDI benefit payments, workers' compensation, and public disability benefits exceeds 80 percent of your average earnings before you became disabled, your SSDI benefits will be reduced. This only includes public disability benefits under federal, state, or local government laws, such as civil service disability benefits, temporary disability benefits, and retirement benefits based on disability. Disability payments from private sources, like private pension or insurance, will not affect your SSDI benefits.

What's The Difference Between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for workers who have become disabled and have a very low income. Eligibility requirements for SSI are similar to Social Security Disability (SSD). The main difference is that you must submit documentation of your low income instead of your employment history. Also, the federal government funds SSI, while deductions from employee paychecks fund disability insurance.

How Do I File for Social Security Disability in the Carolinas?

To receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must first fill out an application. You can complete the application on SSA's website. To strengthen your claim and increase your chances of your claim being approved, we recommend speaking with a qualified Social Security disability lawyer at Grimes Teich Anderson.

The Social Security Administration Denied My Benefits Claim. What Do I Do Now?

Initial claims to receive Social Security disability benefits are often denied. Just because your claim has been denied does not mean that you do not have a valid case. Get the help you need from one of our experienced Social Security disability attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson. Working with an experienced Social Security disability law firm can increase your chances of obtaining these benefits. Grimes Teich Anderson wants you to get the benefits that you deserve.

Nothing Beats Experience

Statistics show that the Social Security Administration is more likely to approve an applicant represented by legal counsel than one who isn't. For over forty years, Grimes Teich Anderson has helped clients across North Carolina and South Carolina obtain the Social Security disability benefits they need.* Let us help you too. Contact us today by calling at 800-533-6845 or completing our free case evaluation form online.

"I made a wise decision in choosing Grimes Teich Anderson to handle my personal injury claim. I would recommend them to anyone who finds themselves battling an insurance company that doesn’t care that you’re injured and in a bind. Great job guys."

Paul W.

Client

"Great experience having GTA handle my case. I will recommend them to all my friends and family. Very professional and knowledgeable about workers compensation law."

Rusty G.

Client

"What a great group to work with. Grimes Teich Anderson are very knowledgeable and take the time to go over everything and explain the process clearly to make sure you get the most you deserve. I highly recommend this firm."

Colleen M.

Client

Fighting For Your Legal Rights, Right By Your Side. Contact Our Law Offices Today.

To fully recover from an accident, you need an aggressive legal team that does not rest until they get the results you want and need. At Grimes Teich Anderson, our experienced team remains available to you 24/7. If you have questions about an injury or disability matter, contact us today.

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Office location map

We have multiple locations in the Carolinas to serve you

Grimes Teich Anderson offers free injury consultations and can get started on your case electronically.

ASHEVILLE OFFICE

535 College St,
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 251-0800

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

FRANKLIN OFFICE

244 Porter St Suite D,
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 564-2488

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

RUTHERFORDTON OFFICE

117 Laurel Dr,
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-1033

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

SPRUCE PINE OFFICE

12474 NC-226,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-7700

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

WAYNESVILLE OFFICE

385 N Haywood St,
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 452-7888

Personal Injury Fax:
(828) 210-0178

Workers' Comp Fax:
(828) 236-9200

GREENVILLE OFFICE

111 E North St,
Greenville, SC 29601

Phone: (864) 421-0770
Fax: (877) 518-0107

*Each case is different, so not all information on this website, as well as some which may not be provided, will apply to every case. Because the facts and relevant laws are different from case to case, Grimes Teich Anderson does not guarantee that the outcome, results, or experiences with one lawyer or one case will be similar to another.

Except for Employment Law Cases, Attorney's fees are a percentage of the entire recovery and will be deducted before other expenses. In addition to the fee in these cases, Client will be responsible for litigation expenses, which will either be deducted from the recovery or paid by the client. Some Employment Law Cases may be handled on a contingency fee basis and others handled on an hourly basis, where the client is billed for the hours spent on the case. Based on our experience, we will advise you of the most appropriate fee arrangement in Employment Law cases.

Material on this website is for information purposes and is not legal advice.

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