SSDI Lawyers NC | Social Security Disability Attorneys
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Disability Lawyers in North Carolina
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
Battling a life-altering injury or illness can cause a lot of stress, frustration, and uncertainty. Medical bills begin to pile and with no way to pay them, you may begin to lose hope. Benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can significantly help people in need. When you’re unable to work due to a disability, it’s critical to get Social Security disability benefits as quickly as possible to have a sense of financial security that you might not have otherwise. Unfortunately, filing a disability claim is complex, and even if you have a strong case, your application may be denied. After everything you’ve gone through, it may not seem that you have a good chance of recovering what you’ve lost.
Your rights, future, health, and well-being are simply too important to leave to chance. You can be confident that the Social Security disability attorneys at Henson Fuerst will do everything within our power to ensure that you obtain the disability benefits that you need. Our team is dedicated to get your life back on track and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Our North Carolina SSDI Lawyers Can Help You
Over 150 years of combined experience
We have been serving disabled people throughout North Carolina since 1976. If you need a disability lawyer in NC, don't wait. Contact us today.
Our law firm is highly rated by our clients
You can expect to be treated like family and provided with honest and compassionate legal representation. No matter where you are in the SSDI process, we can help.
Our team is available 24 hours a day
Contact our North Carolina disability attorneys day or night to get help with your case. Henson Fuerst will stand up for your rights.
The SSA Isn’t in Your Corner, But Our Disability Lawyers Are.
Even though SSDI and SSI are government programs, deserving individuals are frequently denied the benefits they need to survive after suffering from an injury or illness. The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t have the time to dedicate to your claim because of its large caseload and high volume of applicants. Unfortunately, you’re just a number in their system.
To avoid assisting you, the Social Security Administration takes you through a lengthy application process only to deny your claim on a technicality or cast doubt on the validity of your condition. As a result, most individuals feel cheated and overwhelmed by a system they have contributed to their entire working lives.
You should only be focused on taking care of your health. At Henson Fuerst, it’s our job to focus on winning your disability appeal or first-time application for benefits.
We’ll Fight for What’s Right for You and Your Family.
Those filing for disability must cope with their physical and mental ailments daily, all while dealing with the SSA’s complex application and appeals processes. While the road to obtaining Social Security benefits can be difficult, the attorneys at Henson Fuerst are dedicated to fighting for your rights throughout the life of your case. Our attorneys and staff are aware of the challenges you’re facing and have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. We assist our clients at every stage of the application filing and administrative review process to ensure that they receive the financial relief they need.
We’re more than just your attorney. We are your partner in this process, and we are dedicated to assisting you in obtaining the benefits you require. We take pride in fighting for our clients’ rights and treating each case with care and devotion. Our lawyers understand how devastating a Social Security disability claim denial can be for individuals and their families. Your monthly benefits provide you with financial stability, enabling you to focus on your health. Our goal is to assist you in obtaining those benefits so you can enjoy the life you deserve. Whether you’re thinking about filing a claim or you’ve already filed and been denied, Henson Fuerst can help you get the benefits you need. Contact us today at 919-781-11107 or complete a free initial consultation form.
"I have had a great experience with Henson Fuerst, specifically with Attorney Eric Goodale. He is a Social Security disability specialist at the firm. I was in capable, experienced hands through the whole process. He put me at ease from the get-go and has over 20 years experience in Social Security disability law. I would not hesitate to refer anyone to the firm and specifically Attorney Goodale if they are dealing with a disability issue."
Seamus
Disability Applicant
Common Questions For a SSDI Lawyer
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a financial aid program designed to help those who are unable to work due to disability. SSDI benefits are available to disabled workers who have paid taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What is Supplemental Security Income?
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.
When can I file for SSDI?
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.
Can I get temporary disability while I wait for my case to be approved?
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.
What are my chances of being approved for 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.
When should I apply for Medicaid?
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.
In addition to my physical disabilities, I am also having mental and emotional problems. Will Social Security consider this?
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.
How long is the SSDI application process going to take?
Depending at what level your claim gets approved, it generally takes three to 12 months for a claim to be evaluated at the initial application level. If a Request for Reconsideration is made, it generally takes an additional three to six months. If you make a Request for Hearing, then the average wait time in North Carolina is an additional 20 months. Unfortunately, the majority of claims must go to hearing, which means a total anticipated wait time of 25 to 36 months, and sometimes longer.
Is there anything I can do to reduce my wait time for a hearing?
Generally, no. While we wish having a lawyer would decrease the amount of time you have to wait for a hearing, in many cases, your hearing will be assigned by the SSA in the order in which it is received. In most cases, there is nothing anyone can do to change the wait time in the backlog.
How much will I get if I am approved?
The amount of your monthly benefits is determined by your work history and how much you have paid into the Social Security tax system. Generally, the more you have worked and the higher your earnings, the more your monthly benefit will be. The amount of your monthly benefit is called your Primary Insured Amount or PIA.
If I get approved, am I also entitled to Medicare health insurance coverage?
Yes. When the examiner or Administrative Law Judge approves your claim, he or she will set a disability determination date, which is officially recognized as the date you became disabled. You are automatically eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital care) two years and five months from this disability determination date. If you would like to have coverage under Medicare Part B (outpatient hospital services, primary care treatment, and other services) or Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug coverage), then you may elect to pay for this additional coverage through Social Security.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Disability
Foregoing Necessary Medical Care
Documentation of medical care is critical to building a strong SSDI claim. If your medical records do not indicate the nature of your disability, then it does not exist in the eyes of the SSA. Disability benefits rely on having sufficient evidence of a proven disability. Therefore, the judge may reject your claim if there is a lack of appropriate documentation.
Doing Drugs or Drinking Alcohol
You cannot hide substance abuse from the doctors treating you. If you have a problem, you can still receive Social Security disability benefits if you get treatment and try to stay clean. Judges have little sympathy for those who don’t help themselves and deny claims accordingly.
Breaking The Law and Ending Up in Jail
Judges don’t reward criminal behavior and will likely dismiss your claim if you break the law or end up in jail. Additionally, SSDI benefits are generally not payable when you are in jail, prison, or other public institutions.
Posting on Social Media About Your Injury or Claim
Posts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can impact your claim. Authorities can use this information to deny you benefits, especially at a hearing. Negative posts can affect an examiner’s or judge’s opinion of you.
Forgetting To Keep Your Attorney Updated
Your attorney has your best interests in mind, so withholding information or failing to keep them informed could significantly impact your claim. Evidence must be submitted no later than 5 business days before a hearing; failure to meet these deadlines may cause a judge to dismiss vital evidence in your claim.
Missing or Ignoring Deadlines
A Social Security Disability claim is hard enough. If you miss your hearing, blow off a consultation, or fail to file an appeal in time, you’re asking for a denial. Second chances are rare and courts take their deadlines seriously.
More Information About North Carolina Social Security Disability
What Is The Difference Between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSDI and SSI are two separate federal programs that are frequently used interchangeably. The key distinction between the two programs is that SSDI eligibility is determined by the amount of money paid into the Social Security Fund over the course of an individual’s job history, whereas SSI has nothing to do with the Fund and is only available to low-income people. You must have less than $2000 in assets and a very low income to qualify for SSI. A social security attorney from our office can look over your case to see if you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
Am I Eligible for SSDI?
From your medical condition to the length of your work history, multiple factors determine if you’re eligible to receive SSDI benefits. To qualify for benefits under the Social Security disability program, you must:
- Meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability
- Have physical or mental health impairments severe enough to keep you from working any regular, paying job for at least 12 months or are expected to result in death
- Have a work history long enough to have paid into the Social Security disability system
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability?
The first step in applying for SSD benefits is completing an application. Completing an application can be hard to do alone. Completing the application with insufficient or incorrect information may lead to your claim being denied.
At Henson Fuerst, our North Carolina Social Security disability lawyers can guide you through the process of applying for your benefits. We’re here to give you the best possible chances of getting the compensation you need. Don’t face the Social Security Administration alone, let our history of success be your advantage.
I Was Denied Social Security Disability. What Should I Do Now?
Don’t lose hope if your application for SSD benefits has been denied. Our North Carolina Social Security disability lawyers can review the details of your claim and help prepare a strong appeal. Visit our comprehensive guide on the Social Security disability appeals process to learn what steps you can take after your claim has been denied.
Absolutely no fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. If a recovery is not made, you pay us nothing. Get help from our SSDI Attorneys today!
Meet our North Carolina Disability Lawyer
Eric W. Goodale
Eric Goodale is the Social Security disability attorney at Henson Fuerst. He has handled Social Security disability claims for over 20 years and has exclusively practiced disability law for over 15 years. Before joining the Henson Fuerst team in 2012, Eric spent 7 years practicing Social Security disability law for a nationwide disability law firm in Washington, D.C., where he handled more than 500 disability hearings in 38 states. Before his time in Washington, D.C., Eric spent 4 years in a general practice law firm in Syracuse, New York. Eric earned his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School in 2000 and he graduated from Penn State University in 1997 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. Eric now serves as the senior Social Security disability attorney at Henson Fuerst, a role he has held since 2014.
We have represented thousands of clients in our 45 years.
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Find out how our North Carolina Social Security disability lawyers can help you and your family. Call us today at 919-781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form. There’s no obligation, and our phone lines are open 24/7.
Raleigh Office
Raleigh, NC 27612 P (919) 781-1107
F (919) 781-8048
Rocky Mount Office
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 P (252) 443-2111
F (252) 443-9429