If you are unable to do any paid work because of a disability, you may be interested in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. When facing this situation, many people do not know where to start or where to turn if they have questions.
Thankfully, North Carolina residents can seek skilled legal help from Sasser Law Firm. Our dedicated SSDI attorneys bring over 30 years of disability law experience to each case, and can walk you through each step of filing for SSDI benefits in Charlotte. If your initial application is denied, our team is ready to represent you at all levels of appeal. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.
Before you start the SSDI application process in Charlotte, you will need to know if you meet the eligibility requirements based on your medical condition and work history.
First, you have a diagnosed disability that prevents you from working your current job or any other job full-time. That disability must also be long-term, expected to last 12 months or more, or fatal. Medical records and the informed opinions of your physicians will be critical in proving your disability and its impact on your ability to work.
Next, you must have the right type of work history, meaning you have made sufficient payroll tax contributions to the Social Security Administration based on your age. A worker can earn up to four work credits each year, based on total earnings. If you are over the age of 31 when you become disabled, you would likely need a total of 40 work credits. Additionally, you will need to have earned half of those in the decade before the onset of your disability.
If you believe you are eligible to file for SSDI benefits, contact us about preparing an application.
This may be the most involved step in the application process. To file for benefits, you will need to gather evidence to prove eligibility based on your disability and work history. This evidence includes medical records outlining your diagnosed medical condition(s), a list of medications, test results, and dates of treatment. You will also likely need to provide contact information for the facilities where you received treatment and the physicians who treated you.
Work history data will likely need to include records from the last 15 years. In addition to W-2s and tax returns, you may need to provide information for each job related to your weekly work schedule, specific hours worked, and duties.
Finally, you will need to provide basic but critical personal information, such as your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage records, and contact information.
Applicants often find that gathering and selecting the right documents to support a benefits application is easier with help from our SSDI lawyers in Charlotte.
When filing for SSDI benefits on their own, applicants in Charlotte commonly choose to apply on the Social Security Administration’s website. Alternatively, you can apply by phone, mail, or by making an in-person appointment at a local Social Security office.
When working with an attorney from our firm, they can assist you with gathering documents and preparing the application. Our team can also typically submit your application on your behalf, though you will likely need to provide things such as your signature and a list of your medical providers.
At Sasser Law Firm, our skilled disability lawyers can make the process of filing for SSDI benefits in Charlotte faster, easier, and less stressful than it would be on your own. To learn more about how we can help with the application and appeals processes, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
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