Asheville Social Security Disability Lawyer

Asheville Social Security Disability (SSD) Attorney

Social Security has some textbook disability cases that will always get approved. The problem is, most people don’t fit into those textbook cases. Your case, your disability is different from anyone else’s claim. You need a lawyer who understands the unique and individual aspects of your case and who will stay with you throughout the appeals process. The attorneys at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices are experienced Asheville Social Security Disability Claims lawyers and will guide you through the process.

With a combined experience of over 60 years, they have guided disabled people through the complex process to obtain benefits.

Why do you need an SSD lawyer in Asheville, NC?

When you are disabled because of an injury, mental, or physical illness and can’t work, you need a lawyer that will fight for the benefits you deserve. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we fight for people with disabilities. We are here to help. We are skilled and versed in the Social Security benefits process. Some things you should know include:

• The Social Security disability claims process is complex and confusing. Almost everyone is denied the first time. Most will get denied a second time before having a fair chance at winning their case. You need a lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the process.
• If your application has been denied, an experienced attorney can correct the statements and documents used and get them back into the consideration process, handling all SSD appeal matters.
• Your attorney can determine if additional information — such as a vocational or psychological evaluation — is needed.
• An experienced, determined lawyer can get your case before a judge with the appropriate information from your doctors.
• We will attend every hearing for your case and provide the necessary information for application approval.
• There is no cost to you unless your lawyer obtains the benefits you applied for.

Before getting the Social Security Disability benefits that you rightfully deserve, your claim will likely be denied at least one time. Most claims are denied a second time. While this can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening, it is not the end of your case. Well over 80% of initial Social Security Disability (SSD) claims are denied. There is a process for appeals, however, and our office can help.

We Are Dead Serious About Your Disability

At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we have over 60 years of combined experience standing up for the rights of injured and disabled people and their families. Our team of North Carolina lawyers represent people denied Social Security Disability benefits. We work hard to help clients seek the disability benefits that they deserve when they are unable to work as they used to due to disability from illness or injury.

We work hard to thoroughly prepare your SSD appeals. Whether we have been involved since your initial filing or have been enlisted to help with the appeal, we work together with clients to see that all information is provided and that the Social Security administrators and judges can understand your situation. We have experience presenting your medical records and evidence of the impact that the injury has had on your life, as well as testimony from family, friends, co-workers and other individuals who help bolster your claim.

Contingent Fees. We Win When You Win.

We can answer any cost and fee related questions for you. Consultations are free. Our fees are paid when you get paid.

We are attentive and responsive to our clients. We understand that being injured is difficult enough. Our job is to help alleviate your burden while helping ensure you are compensated for your losses, or cared for through your disability and illness. Call us 828-252-2852 today so we can help.

FAQs About Asheville, NC SSD Benefits

What witnesses or evidence will I need at the hearing?

Medical reports are critical. Objective testing. examination, and medical opinions supported by prior office visits are required for a favorable decision. Doctors are NOT asked to attend hearings or give depositions in SS hearings. Most non-medical testimony is presented by written letter, not in person. Evidence is weighed by quality not quantity.

Can I work and receive SS benefits?

55 law requires that you report any income or benefits while you are receiving checks. You cannot work and be disabled at the same time. However, SS law permits you to make some efforts to work without jeopardizing your eligibility. If you fail to report any earnings you make while trying to work, your SS benefits could be terminated. The law on making attempts to work is complicated and changes on a regular basis. You should consult a qualified lawyer before deciding how to approach this issue.

Can I draw SS checks and Workers’ Compensation checks at the same time?

Yes, but your SS check will be reduced or offset by the amount of your Workers’ Compensation check. SS law mandates an offset of disability checks when your combined income totals 80% or more of your pre-injury earnings. Federal law requires that you report all income or benefits that you receive while receiving SS checks.

The offset or reduction in SS benefits can be lessened or minimized by careful planning and legal wording in your Workers’ Compensation settlement. You should consult a qualified Asheville SSD lawyer to help you maximize your payments from each source.

For more than 60 combined years, the Bridgman Gantt Law Offices have represented people suffering from accident injuries and disabilities throughout Western North Carolina. Our firm primarily helps people seek and acquire Social Security Disability Benefits. Social Security Disability claims are always handled on a contingency basis. This means that our fee is recoverable only if your claim is successful.

The amount of the favorable decision is based on the amount of your back benefit and must be approved by the Administrative Law Judge who decides your claim. Since your initial consultation is free, there is no risk in seeking the advice of a qualified and experienced lawyer.

Call for your appointment today and learn about your legal right to benefits under the Social Security laws. The most important things you need to know about applying for Social Security Disability from one of Asheville‘s most experienced injury and disability lawyers.

Social Security Disability Self Help for First-time Applicants

Applying for and receiving Social Security Disability Benefits is a multi-step process. Here at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we handle Social Security Disability cases from the point of first denial. Essentially we are appellate lawyers. We help Social Security Disability applicants in Asheville, NC who have been denied benefits to seek reconsideration and have their matter heard by a judge. Though rare, some disability applicants are approved at their first application. This page is meant to be a roadmap of how the system works through the point of your first denial, and what you can expect from there.

In the vast majority of cases, acquiring Social Security Disability benefits is a three-part process, with each part having multiple steps. Essentially the three parts are application, followed by a first and then second appeal. Those three steps are more completely described below in “The Claim Process” Section of this page.

Social Security Disability is a national disability insurance funded by your tax payments.

Supplemental Security Income is a national insurance that is based on income. You may qualify for SSI while you are applying for disability.

Preparing to File Your Claim

Preparation and organization are key factors in helping applicants maintain focus. We suggest creating a reference folder that includes things the Social Security interviewer will want to know, and things that will need to be included in the forms you must complete. Having the following information handy will be beneficial to you while applying for Social Security Benefits.

Creating A Reference Folder. While your Social Security interviewer will provide you a list, you will want to have the following items on hand, both for the initial telephone conversation and personal interview, if required. You should put these items together before starting your initial application and to maintain copies of this information in a file with your Social Security Disability correspondence. You will be asked for this same information several different times during your application process. Click the tabs below to get specific lists about what your folder should include, including personal information about you, information about your work, and information about your medical care. The more organized you are the less stressful the process is apt to be.

Things to add to your SSD Folder

About You

Information Pertinent to Your History

• Your date and place of birth and Social Security number
• The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse.
• Names and dates of birth of your minor children
• Your bank or other financial institution’s Routing Transit Number [more info] and the account number, if you want the benefits electronically deposited

About Your Work

Make Notes and Organize Information About Your Work:

• The amount of money earned last year and this year
• The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year
• A copy of your Social Security Statement
• The beginning and ending dates of any active U.S. military service you had before 1968
• A list of the jobs (up to 5) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work and the dates you worked at those jobs
• Information about any workers’ compensation, black lung, and/or similar benefits you filed, or intend to file for. These benefits can:
  • Be temporary or permanent in nature;
  • Include annuities and lump sum payments that you received in the past;
  • Be paid by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, private agencies, or Federal, State or other government or public agencies; and
  • Be referred to as:
    • Workers’ Compensation;
    • Black Lung Benefits;
    • Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation;
    • Civil Service (Disability) Retirement;
    • Federal Employees’ Retirement;
    • Federal Employees’ Compensation;
    • State or local government disability insurance benefits; or
    • Disability benefits from the military (This includes military retirement pensions based on disability but not Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits.)

About Your Medical Condition

Keep this information handy for multiple reasons:

• Name, address and phone number of someone we can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your application
• Detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries or conditions:
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals and clinics;
  • Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them; and
  • Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them.

Disability Benefits Evaluation Request

The form below contains eleven (11) parts. It will take at least twenty (20) minutes to complete. Depending on your unique situation, completing this form may be a lengthy process. The information requested in this form is the same kind of information we would request from you on your initial consultation to our office. Completing this form does not obligate you in any way, nor does it obligate our firm to represent you. This form is simply a tool for helping us evaluate your potential for acquiring disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Completing this Form

You will need some fair amount of information on hand to complete this form. You might find it easier to print our paper-based form and use it. If you would like to complete the questionnaire offline on paper, click on the print button below. If you have not already done so, call our office to schedule a consultation and be sure to bring the completed forms with you then.

Completing this form online does not replace a consultation with our attorneys. Consultations are cost and risk-free. Completing this form online will save you time at your initial consultation, and you will not have to provide this information again. The more thorough you are in responding, the fewer questions our paralegals will have to adequately prepare for your consultation with your attorney.

If you have not already contacted our office, we will use your preferred method of contact to setup your consultation.

QUICK Disability Benefit Evaluation Questionnaire