Clients Through the Process in North Carolina
Have your benefits been denied? Not sure what to do after your SSDI application wasn’t accepted? Sometimes it’s necessary to ask the Social Security Administration to look at your case again. You can appeal your claim on your own, but having an experienced, dedicated Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer at your side may be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful appeal.
Please call Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers at (252) 777-2222 for a free case evaluation to find out if we can appeal your denied SSDI claim.
Navigating the Complexities of Social Security Disability Claims
We represent clients seeking Social Security Disability benefits, assisting with initial applications, documentation, and appeals for denied claims. Our team ensures that clients present strong cases to secure the benefits they need to manage their conditions and maintain financial stability.
Additionally, we guide clients through eligibility requirements for temporary and permanent disability benefits, providing the support necessary to navigate the process and secure the financial assistance they deserve.
Ricci Law Firm Strengthens Your Social Security Disability Claim
Understanding SSDI and SSI: Key Differences
- SSDI Eligibility: For individuals who are injured or sick, have worked a set number of years, and paid Social Security taxes.
- SSI Eligibility: Designed for older adults and individuals with limited financial resources who don’t qualify for SSDI.
- Purpose: SSDI supports workers with sufficient credits, while SSI aids those without a significant work history or awaiting SSDI approval.
- Legal Assistance: Our attorneys can help you file claims for both SSDI and SSI, increasing your chances of success.
When a disability prevents you from working, you need an aggressive advocate who can represent you at any stage of the application process. Our team will ensure you have the forms filled out completely and correctly, so you avoid one of the most common mistakes people make.
Each application is reviewed closely by the Social Security Administration. Missing details or information errors will result in a denial, setting you back in the system and delaying your benefits. When you are denied, you need to be sure you get it right when you resubmit your forms, and Ricci Law Firm offers experienced SSD attorneys to guide you.
Some law firms will help you through the first three levels of appeal when you are denied, but few will go the full distance to the Federal Court review. This is a demanding situation that not every disability lawyer is ready to face. At Ricci Law Firm, our founding lawyer is certified as a specialist in Social Security Disability law by the North Carolina State Bar. We will be with you every step of the way.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
Each year, workers earn up to four Social Security credits based on income, which are essential for retirement and disability benefits. To retire and claim regular benefits, 40 credits are required. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility, however, depends on your age and work history. For example, applicants under 24 need six credits earned in three years, while those over 31 require 20 credits from the past decade. Additional criteria include proving your inability to work due to a long-term or permanent disability.
Applying for SSDI can be time-consuming, often taking 6-12 months for a hearing. However, certain situations, such as terminal illnesses or qualifying under Compassionate Allowances or Quick Disability Determinations, may expedite approval. Ricci Law Firm’s experienced attorneys guide you through this complex process, preparing you for hearings and ensuring you present a strong case to secure your benefits as quickly as possible.
Four Phases of an Appeal:
Reconsideration
Someone who did not participate in the original review of your claim will evaluate your claim to reconsider it. They will look at all the original information, as well as any new information that has come to light.
The Appeals Hearing
If you are denied again during reconsideration, you can appeal at a hearing. This hearing is held before an administrative law judge. This judge will not have been part of reviewing your application or reconsidering it. You should attend the hearing with one of our attorneys and answer questions from the judge. The SSA may also ask you to bring certain witnesses. Medical experts, job experts and other people may also be asked to speak at your hearing.
The Appeals Council
If you do not accept the decision of the administrative law judge, you can request that the Social Security Appeals Council review your case. The Appeals Council can potentially refuse to review your case if they agree with the hearing decision.
If the Council chooses to review your case, they may either decide it themselves, or send it back to the administrative law judge for review. The Appeals Council may decide to deny your claim, as was the finding in the previous two phases. Most law firms will drop your case at this point. If we think your case deserves to go all the way to Federal court, our lawyers have the knowledge, experience and resources to take it there.
Appealing in Federal Court
When it makes sense to do so, our attorneys appeal SSDI claims in Federal district court. Brian Ricci is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a specialist in Social Security Disability law. He has the knowledge necessary to guide you to the best resolution to your case.
If you were denied SSDI benefits or are getting ready to apply for disability benefits, please contact Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers. Our experienced Greenville SSDI attorneys can be aggressive advocates on your behalf.
Ready to take the first step? Contact our firm at (252) 777-2222 for a free consultation.
Social Security Disability FAQs
Social Security Disability claims can be complex, with many legal challenges that may feel overwhelming, especially while managing the impact of your disability and navigating the application process.
To assist you, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our clients have about Social Security Disability cases in North Carolina. Read on to learn more about your eligibility, rights, and how to secure the benefits you deserve.
Hire a North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
When you are facing an uncertain financial future because you cannot work, you should be able to rely on the government programs that are put in place to help people like you. However, like any federal system, it can be confusing and frustrating to achieve the results you need. When you are sick or injured, you have even less strength or time to fight for the benefits you are owed.
At Ricci Law Firm, each North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer is dedicated to making sure your application is as complete and accurate as possible so you can obtain your benefits without unnecessary complications. We identify any circumstances that could speed up your claim and are not discouraged if your claim is denied. Our professionals protect your rights and keep you informed at all times on how your claim is going.
Do not delay getting help with your Social Security Disability benefits request. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.