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Social Security Disability Lawyers in Raleigh Fighting to Help Clients Obtain Full Benefits

If you have filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and have been denied, you must hire a knowledgeable lawyer to help you file an appeal. Most individuals who file for SSDI are denied the first time. However, an experienced attorney can review your claim and help you fight for the benefits you need to give you a sense of security.

Brent Adams & Associates of Raleigh, N.C., is a law firm dedicated to helping individuals obtain SSDI benefits. Our lawyers understand how the Social Security Administration assesses claims and will put our knowledge to work for you.

If you or a family member has recently been denied benefits, you must hire an attorney to act as your legal advocate. In most instances, filing an appeal is time-sensitive, so you must ensure you complete all critical deadlines. Contact our law offices immediately and ask to schedule a free initial consultation so that we may review your claim and determine what legal options may be available.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Initially, many individuals applying for SSDI benefits do not feel they need to hire a lawyer. However, many people quickly realize that the claims and appeals process is more complex than they first believed.

As a result, it is always best to hire an experienced lawyer to assist you with your SSDI claim. Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer include:

  • A knowledgeable lawyer will review your case and determine what type of disability benefits you may be able to claim.
  • A lawyer can help you file a claim for the first time. One of the most common reasons first-time claims are denied is that they may be filled out incorrectly or missing key pieces of information.
  • If your claim is denied, your lawyer can assist you with filing an appeal. You have 60 days to file an appeal if the claim is denied. However, the appeals process can be overly complex and challenging to try and navigate independently. A lawyer can assist you with understanding why the claim may have been denied and ensure that your appeal is filed within the 60-day time limit.
  • If your appeal, also called a reconsideration, is denied for a second time, you will have another 60 days from the day you receive the notice in the mail to request a hearing, which is the second step in the appeals process. It is crucial that you have legal representation during this stage of the appeals process, as you will be presenting your case in front of an administrative judge.
  • Your lawyer can help prepare you by explaining how the hearing process will proceed, determining what witnesses should be called on your behalf, and providing you with necessary legal representation.

Brent Adams & Associates has extensive experience with all aspects of the claims and appeals process and will work diligently to help you obtain SSDI benefits.

How Are Social Security Disability Benefits Calculated?

One of the most critical factors the SSA uses when determining Social Security Disability benefits is their Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). AIME is the amount of time an individual has worked and their average income during that time period. A mathematical formula is used in conjunction with the AIME to determine the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA is then used to calculate the SSDI amount.

However, individuals must have enough qualifying work credits and have worked long enough to be considered “insured” under the SSA’s guidelines. Typically, this is 5 out of the last 10 years for individuals 31 and older.

Some other qualifications for eligibility include:

  • The applicant has paid into Social Security and has FICA or SECA taxes withheld.
  • The applicant has been disabled for at least a 12-month period.
  • The applicant’s medical condition prohibits them from engaging in work that provides more than a small amount of income or substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA is based on an individual’s income while engaging in some type of productive work.

If you still need help understanding what factors are used to calculate SSDI benefits, you need to consult with a qualified attorney from Brent Adams & Associates, who can answer your questions.

What Are Some of the Most Common Medical Conditions That Qualify For Social Security Disability?

While many medical conditions may qualify an individual for SSDI, there are several that are more commonly accepted by the SSA. These conditions may include but are not limited to:

  • Back and neck disorders.
  • Cancer
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neurological disorders
  • Mental health disorders
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Deafness/ Blindness
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

However, it should be noted that because an individual suffers from one of the above-listed orders, a claim will not be guaranteed to be approved. The SSA considers many other factors when determining if an individual should be approved for SSDI benefits.

For this reason, hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer can give you an advantage. An attorney will review your medical records and ensure all pertinent information is presented to the SSA to help speed up the claims process.

What Makes Your Law Firm Stand Out Above Others?

Brent Adams & Associates of Raleigh, North Carolina, is a law firm that strives to maintain its hometown feel with our clients. You only pay us money if we win your case. When you choose us to handle your legal needs, our legal team will immediately begin to gather information and medical evidence to support your claim.

Our legal staff understands the toll the claims and appeals process can take on disabled individuals and their families. That being the case, we strive to inform you of any changes or progress so you always feel safe.

If you want to file a claim for SSDI or have recently been denied benefits, contact Brent Adams & Associates at 919-726-3705 and ask to schedule a free consultation to learn your legal options.