Raleigh Social Security Disability Attorneys
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How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Raleigh, NC
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Raleigh, NC, involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements for SSDI:
- You must have worked jobs covered by Social Security and earned sufficient work credits.
- You must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability.
- Gather Documentation
- Prepare the necessary documents:
- Personal Information: Social Security number, birth certificate, and contact details.
- Medical Records: Detailed records from your healthcare providers, including diagnoses, treatments, and test results.
- Employment Records: Information on your work history and earnings.
- Complete the Application: You can apply for SSDI benefits in several ways:
- Online: Visit the SSA’s website and complete the application online. This is often the most convenient method.
- By Phone: Call the SSA’s national customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment or request a paper application.
- In Person: Visit your local Social Security office. In Raleigh, the office is located at: Social Security Administration 4300 New Bern Ave, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27610
- Submit Your Application
- Online: Submit your application through the SSA’s website.
- By Mail: If you completed a paper application, mail it to your local SSA office.
- In Person: Submit your application directly at the local office.
- Attend Interviews and Provide Additional Information: The SSA may request further information or schedule an interview. Respond promptly to avoid delays in processing your claim.
- Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application, the SSA will review it and decide. This process can take several months. During this period, they may request additional information or medical records.
- Appeal if Necessary: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves several stages, including reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and potentially further appeals.
If you have any questions about the SSDI application or appeals process, our lawyers are here to help. Contact us today.
Absolutely No Fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. If a recovery is not made, you pay us nothing. Get help from our Raleigh SSDI Attorneys today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. It provides cash benefits to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. You must fall under certain financial thresholds to be approved for SSI.
Once you acquire a condition that is likely to keep you out of work for longer than one year, you should file for SSDI benefits. It can take quite a while for your claim to be processed, so the sooner you file, the better.
If you have short- or long-term disability insurance through your employer, in most cases, you are allowed to collect temporary disability benefits. In fact, many long-term disability policies have provisions that require you to apply for SSDI benefits.
There is no way of knowing for certain whether your condition will qualify you for benefits. Two people with the same disability won’t necessarily both be approved. The key element is the severity of your condition—is it severe enough to keep you out of work for significant periods of time?
Part of our job is to improve your odds of approval by collecting all necessary documents—such as records of your medical conditions, physical and mental restrictions, medications, and work history—and making sure your claim reflects all of the important factors in your case.
If you do not have health insurance, you should apply for Medicaid right away. It’s important to your health and your case that you are able to visit doctors as needed.
Many people who are dealing with chronic pain also experience depression and anxiety as they struggle with physical limitations and the inability to do all the things they used to do, such as working and providing for their families. If you are experiencing depression-like symptoms, talk with your doctors and make sure they are aware of your symptoms and that they address them appropriately. If necessary, seek additional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. If your doctor is unable to treat your emotional problems, many county mental health departments offer this kind of care.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Disability

Neglecting Essential Medical Treatment
Your medical records play a crucial role in supporting your SSDI claim. If your records don’t accurately reflect the severity and nature of your disability, the SSA might question the legitimacy of your claim. Without proper documentation, proving your disability becomes challenging, and insufficient evidence can lead to your application being rejected.
Substance Abuse Issues
If you struggle with substance abuse, it’s essential to seek treatment. While you can still qualify for SSDI benefits if you address your addiction, failing to do so can negatively affect your claim. Courts are less likely to view favorably those who do not make an effort to manage their substance abuse issues, potentially leading to a denial of benefits.
Criminal Activities and Incarceration
Engaging in criminal behavior or being incarcerated can jeopardize your SSDI claim. Judges are unlikely to consider claims favorably if you are involved in illegal activities or imprisoned. Moreover, SSDI benefits are typically not provided while you are in jail or a similar institution.
Social Media Missteps
Be cautious about what you share on social media platforms. Posts related to your injury or claim can be scrutinized and may negatively impact your case. Authorities and judges can use social media content to question the validity of your claim, especially if your posts suggest you’re more capable than you’ve claimed.
Failing to Communicate with Your Attorney
Keeping your attorney informed is essential for a successful SSDI claim. It can seriously affect your case if you withhold information or don’t update your attorney on new developments. All relevant evidence must be submitted on time, ideally five business days before any hearings; delays in providing this information could result in critical evidence being excluded.
Missing Important Deadlines
Timeliness is crucial when dealing with Social Security disability claims. Missing a scheduled hearing, neglecting to attend consultations, or failing to file appeals within the prescribed time frame can lead to automatic denials. The legal system is strict about deadlines, and missing them can significantly harm your chances of success.

What to Do If You’ve Been Denied Disability
As a disability claimant, you have the legal right to question the decision made on your claim. As a disability claimant, you have the legal right to challenge and seek a review of the decision made regarding your claim. This means that if your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is denied or if you disagree with the determination made by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can formally question and appeal that decision. The appeals process allows you to present additional evidence, clarify information, and argue your case to potentially overturn the initial decision.
Appealing a Denied Social Security Disability Decision
If your SSDI benefits application is denied, a lawyer at Henson Fuerst can assist you with the following steps:
- Review the Denial Letter: Understand why your claim was denied and the appeal process.
- Request Reconsideration: You must file an appeal within 60 days of the denial. The appeal involves a review by a different SSA representative.
- Gather Additional Evidence: Collect updated medical records and other relevant documents to support your claim.
- Request a Hearing: If reconsideration fails, request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
- Prepare and Attend the Hearing: Present your case and provide evidence at the hearing.
- Await the Decision: The ALJ will issue a decision after the hearing.
- Request Appeals Council Review: If the decision is unfavorable, seek a review by the Appeals Council.
- Consider Federal Court: As a last resort, file a lawsuit in federal court if needed.
- Stay Organized: Keep records of all communications and follow up as necessary.
How Can a Raleigh Social Security Disability Lawyer Help With My Claim?
Raleigh Social Security Disability Attorneys
When to Hire a Raleigh Social Security Disability Lawyer
At the Start of Your Application Process
After a Denial of Your Initial Claim
During the Reconsideration and Hearing Stages
At the Appeals Council or Federal Court Level
When Facing Urgent Situations
For Long-Term Guidance and Support
Meet our North Carolina Disability Lawyer
You will be sworn in during the hearing, and your attorney may start with an opening statement. You will then testify about your medical condition, its impact on your daily life, and your ability to work. The ALJ will ask questions about your medical history, treatment, and any efforts to return to work. Your attorney may also question you to gather additional supportive information.
Witnesses such as family, friends, or coworkers may provide relevant testimony, though this is rare, and typically, only the claimant and vocational expert will testify. The vocational expert will discuss job availability, your ability to perform different types of work, and how your disabilities affect your employability. Your attorney can question the vocational expert to ensure a clear understanding of the expert’s testimony.
The hearing is less formal than a court trial, but treating it with respect and seriousness is essential. ALJs are experienced professionals who handle many cases and aim to create a fair process for all claimants. Hearings generally last around an hour, and the ALJ will review all evidence and testimonies before deciding. You will typically receive the written decision a few months after the hearing, explaining whether your claim was approved or denied and detailing the reasons behind the decision.
Living With a Disability in North Carolina? You’re Not Alone
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