Dealing with a permanent or temporary disability can impact your life physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Suppose you are out of work dealing with a disability and having difficulty making ends meet. In that case, the team at Freedman, Thompson, Witt, Ceberio, and Byrd is here to help guide you through applying for social security disability in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability is a program offered by the United States Social Security Administration. The program is funded by taxpayer money and is designed to provide monthly benefits to persons who have been determined to have a qualifying disability that impedes their ability to fulfill the requirements of their job.

Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability?

If you’ve been injured and are no longer able to work, you may think you are automatically eligible for these benefits, right? Wrong! Only certain workers may be eligible for disability benefits, and this is where enlisting the help of a social security disability attorney can help you secure the best benefits for your case.

The way the government determines eligibility for social security disability recipients is based on a number of factors including

• Worker age and how many years the person has worked full-time

• How recently the person has worked,

• Whether or not social security taxes were withheld from the worker’s paycheck

• If the person has a qualifying disability

When submitting a disability claim, Social Security Administration staff will review these factors to determine your eligibility for benefits.

What Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?

While the decision to extend benefits to workers is often determined on a case-by-case basis, there are certain conditions that the Social Security Administration has outlined for consideration. These conditions include but are not limited to the following:

• Musculoskeletal conditions

• Neurologic disorders

• Certain types of cancer

• Mental health disorders

• Cardiac conditions

• Respiratory disorders

• Endocrine diseases

Although there are no conditions that automatically qualify workers for disability benefits, this guide can be helpful in determining your eligibility.

How Do I Apply for a Claim?

Applying for a social security disability claim can be a long, complicated procedure, but there are three simple ways to file a claim. For most people, the easiest way to file a claim is online through the Social Security Administration website. Their automated system allows users to plug in their information easily, including items like

• Name and contact information

• Social Security number

• W-2 forms

• Secondary point of contact

• Bank account and routing information

• Information regarding worker’s compensation claims

• A detailed list of all jobs over the past 15 years

Additional application routes include applying by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or with your local claims office.

What if My Claim Gets Denied?

Did you know that nearly 25% of disability claims filed in the state of North Carolina are denied?

Receiving a notice of denial often comes as a surprise to workers who think they have a rock-solid case, but there’s still hope! Even if your case gets denied, a social security disability attorney may be able to help you file for an appeal.

Contact Our Winston-Salem Law Firm Today

At Freedman, Thompson, Witt, Ceberio, and Byrd, we know how difficult it can be to manage daily life while dealing with a disability. Filing a disability claim can seem like an overwhelming task, but our team is here to help you through every step along the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you file a social security disability claim in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.