Eligibility for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is based on your work history, the severity of your condition and the length of time your disability has lasted or is expected to last. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from performing any of your past relevant work and is expected to last at least 12 continuous months, or result in death. When making its decision on whether to grant or deny disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will factor in your age, education and past work experience.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested federal disability program, which means that it provides benefits to disabled individuals based on income and assets. A single person can have no more than $2,000.00 in assets to qualify for SSI. If you are approved for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration will ask you questions about your resources to determine if you are eligible.

You may have already filed for social security benefits and received a denial letter. Don’t be discouraged by this; the majority of initial applications are denied. The first step in the appeals process is called a request for reconsideration and the second step is called a request for hearing. Keep in mind that you only have 60 days to file an appeal of a denial of benefits. This deadline is applicable at each step in the appeals process. Once you request a hearing, your claim will be scheduled to take place before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The chances of getting approved for benefits before an ALJ increase significantly for claimants who are represented by an attorney.

We handle SSDI and SSI cases in both North Carolina and South Carolina. If you have been denied for benefits, contact us today at (704) 310-5651 for a free and confidential consultation. We will fully evaluate your situation and determine your eligibility for both Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income. If we are able to help you, Molly will handle your claim personally, rather than turning your case over to a paralegal or legal assistant