Social Secutity Disability Lawyer Serving NC & SC | Disability Attorney

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.

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.

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.