Our Raleigh Social Security attorney provides unmatched legal support to clients throughout North Carolina. At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we help clients understand the legal processes surrounding Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

If you’re struggling to file for SSD, reach out to our law firm today for a free case evaluation. For over 29 years, we’ve represented thousands of clients across the Mid-Atlantic region. This means our North Carolina Social Security Disability law firm is highly familiar with a variety of cases.

Why Work With a Social Security Disability Attorney in Raleigh

When you’re disabled and unable to work, life can quickly become overwhelming. You might struggle to pay your bills, support your family, or even receive the medical care you need.

Social Security Disability benefits can help provide additional support. However, applying for and obtaining these benefits is easier said than done. Navigating the disability claims process can be confusing and complicated, especially without legal guidance.

At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we provide clarity on the claims process. We gather all necessary documentation and medical evidence to support your claim. Additionally, our team is highly experienced and unafraid of taking on even the most complex cases.

You can depend on our Social Security Disability lawyer in Raleigh, NC, at every turn. We’ll fight for your rights and provide the following support:

• Evaluate your eligibility for SSD
• Help you understand the claims process
• Gather important medical evidence to support your claim
• Fill out essential claim documentation
• Communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Assist with disability claim appeals

Unfortunately, the SSA denies most initial applications for disability benefits. Usually, this is due to a lack of supporting evidence or even documentation errors. Working with a qualified attorney who understands the SSA’s strict rules and guidelines significantly increases your chances of being approved for benefits.

Understanding Eligibility for SSI & SSDI

The SSA offers two main programs for people with disabilities. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both provide financial support, they have different eligibility requirements.

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security System before becoming disabled. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have substantial work credits which show you’ve worked jobs covered by Social Security.

SSI is for people with extremely limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 and older. To qualify for SSI, you must also be ineligible for SSDI. You do not need to have any work history to receive SSI.

Our Raleigh Social Security Disability lawyer will help you understand which benefit program you qualify for. Additionally, while there are differences between these programs, both require that your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disabled. At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we can help you understand the qualifying criteria.

The SSA’s Qualifying Criteria for Disability Benefits

To meet the SSA’s definition of disabled, you must prove the following:

• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death
• Your disability prevents you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Your disability is a qualifying medical condition according to SSA guidelines

When reviewing your claim, the SSA will evaluate your disability by referencing the Blue Book. It is a guide of medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits. If your condition isn’t in the Blue Book or doesn’t meet the criteria for its associated listing, you must demonstrate that your disability equals another impairment listing in severity.

In some cases, claimants can’t qualify for disability benefits based on medical criteria even though they’re unable to work. In such situations, a claimant can apply for a Medical-Vocational Allowance.

Understanding Medical-Vocational Allowance

When applying for a Medical-Vocational Allowance, the SSA takes into account not just your medical condition, but also factors like:

• Your age
• Education level
• Work experience
• Transferable skills

The SSA uses these factors to determine if you can perform any previous types of work or adjust to new types of work. For example, a disabled person with limited education and a history of physical labor may qualify for benefits even if their condition isn’t technically a qualifying condition.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Benefits?

Once you submit your claim, it can take anywhere between six to eight months to receive an initial decision from the SSA. This timeline can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• What type of disability you have
• How quickly the SSA can obtain necessary medical evidence from your physician or other medical sources
• Whether or not you need to undergo a medical examination issued by the SSA

If the SSA approves your claim, you should start receiving SSDI benefits after a five-month waiting period. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth month following the onset of your disability.

For SSI, you would receive your first payment during the first full month after becoming eligible or after applying for benefits.

Contact Our Social Security Disability Attorney in Raleigh, NC

If you’re struggling to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, our Raleigh Social Security Disability lawyer can help. At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we prioritize our clients and work personally with them to fully understand each case. You can depend on our team to work tirelessly to prove your disability benefit eligibility.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our Raleigh SSD attorney is here to stand by your side and help ensure you get the benefits you deserve.