Burgaw Social Security Disability Lawyer

Burgaw Social Security Disability Attorney

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the government agency responsible for managing the Social Security program. Everyone who works and earns income in the United States pays tax to the Social Security program, accumulating work credits over the years. When you become unable to work, the SSA may award you benefits based on your contributions over your years of working. In addition, some individuals who are permanently disabled from a young age may still qualify for other benefits even if they did not accumulate work credits.

Legal Counsel for Burgaw, NC, Social Security Disability Claims

Navigating the claim process for obtaining Social Security benefits is very difficult. Most Social Security Disability claims filed in the United States are denied outright. The SSA may deem that the claimant did not provide enough information to prove they have a qualifying condition, or they may argue that the claimant can perform some gainful activities. In addition, many people are injured at work and then face uncertain prognoses, sometimes with the threat of permanent disability looming over their situations.

An experienced Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney is an invaluable asset in this situation. Your legal team can help you understand the eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability benefits, file your claim, and navigate subsequent proceedings more efficiently.

Benefits of Legal Counsel for Your Social Security Disability Claim

An experienced lawyer can help their client file their Social Security Disability claim with greater chances of success. Christina Rivenbark & Associates routinely assists Burgaw, NC, area clients with difficult Social Security Disability claims. We review each client’s unique situation, helping them determine whether their condition or conditions qualify for Social Security benefits and gathering any documentation they will need to provide to the SSA for consideration.

While an attorney can help their client improve their initial claim for Social Security Disability benefits substantially, it is still possible for the SSA to deny the claim on various grounds. The agency may demand more information, more extensive medical records, or testimony from qualified medical professionals who can attest to the nature and severity of the claimant’s condition. The SSA also coordinates a vast network of disability examiners operating from state-level agencies,who remit their investigations to the SSA for further review.

Ultimately, filing for Social Security Disability benefits is more tedious, difficult, and likely to result in denial than many claimants expect. Working with an experienced Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney can provide a better chance of success with your first claim, but you will also have ongoing support and guidance when you must appeal the SSA’s decision and/or refile your claim.

How a Burgaw Social Security Disability Attorney Can Help You Obtain Benefits

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has extensive experience with the Social Security Disability claim process. We leverage this experience for every client who needs our help with their Social Security claim. We take time to learn as much as possible about each client’s unique situation, providing them with tailored legal counsel throughout all phases of their case. Then, when you choose our team as your Burgaw Social Security Disability attorneys, we can help you file your claim, accounting for any benefits you currently receive. The SSA will still award benefits to individuals who collect workers’ compensation benefits and state-level disability benefits, but the amount such a claimant receives in Social Security benefits will be reduced based on the amount of other monthly benefits they receive.

Navigating the Social Security Disability benefits claim process is much easier with an experienced lawyer on your side. When you can claim multiple benefits, a good lawyer will help you maximize your monthly benefit total. In addition, it’s possible to arrange Social Security and other disability benefits differently, not all of which the average person may understand on their own.

When a Social Security Disability benefits claim is denied, the claimant may have several options for their next step. Depending on the reason for the denial, the claimant may need to resubmit their claim with errors fixed and required supporting documentation provided. It’s also possible for the SSA to determine the claimant does not have a covered condition, in which case the claimant may need to consult their attorney about the best method of appealing this decision.

Whether you believe your claim is straightforward or complex, dealing with the SSA can be unpredictable and stressful for anyone without experienced legal counsel. For example, you may need to coordinate your SSA claim around other benefits you already receive, or you may need to prepare for an extensive appeals process to prove the severity of your condition and need for benefits.

Handling Denials and Delays from the SSA

It can be incredibly disheartening for anyone to have their Social Security Disability claim denied. However, the reality is that the SSA denies most of the claims received each year, most of which are denied for technical or procedural reasons. Working with an experienced Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney is the best way to improve the overall quality and chances of success of your initial claim for benefits, but you will need legal counsel if you must appeal a denied claim.

If the SSA denies your claim for benefits, you have the right to petition the agency to reconsider your claim. Your attorney can advise you whether you need to make any adjustments, correct any errors, or provide supporting documentation with your petition for reconsideration. In addition, some claimants will have the opportunity to attend a hearing with an SSA administrative law judge, and this hearing can be the chance to prove the validity of their claim.

Social Security Disability claims are complex, vulnerable to many complications, and difficult to address when denied. However, working with the right attorney can greatly improve your chances of success with your claim. They can also help you determine which type of Social Security benefits best suit your situation.

SSDI Versus SSI

Social Security can provide necessary income assistance for Americans struggling with disabilities. The SSA provides different programs to meet the needs of different levels and types of disability. When an individual must file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits, they must make sure they file for the appropriate type of benefits. The SSA offers two forms of disability benefits:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) addresses claims from individuals injured at work who have paid into the Social Security program through previous work credits. The SSA tracks income-based contributions from every taxpayer, and an account is maintained for each taxpayer they can access through disability benefits or retirement benefits.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled children and adults with very limited income and assets. This type of benefits program aims to help those born with severe disabilities, such as blindness, as well as those who need disability benefits and have no access to alternative benefits programs.

Your Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney can help you file your claim with the appropriate form of benefits selected. While these two forms of Social Security Disability benefits may seem relatively similar, the SSA assigns eligibility for these benefits programs using different criteria. SSI eligibility is typically determined based on the age and disability of the claimant and proof of limited assets and income. SSDI eligibility typically hinges on the severity of the claimant’s disability and their accumulated work credits.

Regardless of the type of benefits you intend to claim, you should expect a rigorous series of medical examinations to complete the claim process. Your attorney can help you obtain any professional letters or medical reports you will need to prove the severity of your condition and substantiate your claim for benefits.

Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation/Other Benefit Programs

Both SSDI and SSI payments can fluctuate based on several factors, primarily the claimant’s receipt of other benefits from workers’ compensation agreements and state-level benefits programs. Therefore, whenever a person files a claim for Social Security benefits, the SSA must review their current benefits and will adjust their SSDI or SSI accordingly.

Many people who suffer injuries at work in North Carolina can file workers’ compensation claims. The state requires virtually every employer to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. An experienced attorney can help clients navigate the workers’ compensation claim process more efficiently, increasing their chances of success with the claim. If you have recently filed a workers’ compensation claim in Burgaw but believe your condition demands more extensive compensation than your workers’ comp settlement provides, Social Security Disability benefits may be an option for improving your situation.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates provides every client with individualized attention. We carefully review their current benefits and other unique factors to determine the best way to maximize their success with their Social Security Disability claims. It’s common for our clients to face challenges related to the type of benefits they’re seeking from the SSA and the other benefits they already receive.

We understand how tedious it can be to parse through the SSA’s strict laws and regulations. We help each client maximize the chances of success with their first claim and prepare them for their determination. When a client’s claim is denied, or if the SSA delivers a benefits determination that is far less than expected, their attorney can help them with a petition for reconsideration, prepare them for appearances before SSA administrative law judges, and help them understand how various benefits programs interact with each other.

FAQs About Burgaw, NC Social Security Disability Law

Is It Worth Hiring a Burgaw Social Security Disability Attorney?

The right attorney can significantly improve your experience with the Social Security Disability claim process and your interactions with the SSA. A good lawyer will help their client compile their claim, file it appropriately, and respond to requests for more information from the SSA’s examiners. When a client must file an appeal and/or attend administrative law proceedings pertaining to their claim, a Burgaw Social Security Disability lawyer is the ideal asset in this situation.

How Long Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

When the SSA reviews a claim for disability benefits, they not only determine how much the claimant receives but also how long. A claimant can continue receiving Social Security Disability benefits as long as they remain disabled. However, if they reach the age of 65, Social Security Disability benefits will transition to retirement benefits.

How Long Does a Social Security Disability Claim Take?

Most people who file claims to the SSA for Social Security Disability benefits will wait three to five months before receiving determinations on their claims. When a claimant must refile a claim, file an appeal, and attend administrative law proceedings regarding their claim, these factors can significantly extend the time required to obtain Social Security benefits. An experienced Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney can provide their client with a reasonable estimate of the time their claim will likely take to conclude.

Can I Earn Too Much to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Many people who collect Social Security Disability benefits will continue working in limited capacities to maximize their monthly income. However, they must be careful in doing so, as the SSA is very strict regarding how much a benefits recipient can earn each month. Other benefits payments also factor into these calculations. If you want to try to earn income while disabled, you should consult your attorney to ensure you do not contradict the terms of your benefits determination from the SSA.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has years of experience providing clients with compassionate and responsive legal counsel in a wide range of cases. We understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the administrative red tape that Social Security claims often entail and how disheartening it can be to have a disability claim denied. Our team is ready to assist you if you are ready to work with an experienced Burgaw Social Security Disability attorney to secure the benefits you and your family need. Contact us today and schedule your initial consultation with our team.