How To Apply For Disability In Nc

How Much Ssdi Money Can North Carolina Disability Applicants Qualify For Each Month

Different Ways to Apply for Social Security Disability in NC

In 2022, the SSDI programs maximum monthly disability payment is $3,345. However, the amount you receive entirely depends on your monthly paychecks earned while you were working. Nationwide, disabled workers currently receive $1,358/month in SSDI benefits, on average. The only way to increase your benefit amounts is through an annual cost-of-living-adjustment increase.

How Eligible Employees Qualify For North Carolinas Ncflex Disability Insurance Plan Benefits In 2022

NCFlex provides both short-term and long-term North Carolina disability benefits to all eligible employees. This NCFlex coverage isnt mandatory, so be sure to enroll as soon as youre eligible! Important: The NCFlex plan does not cover any employees working in the University of North Carolina system. If health problems force you to stop working, you must apply for disability through your DIP-NC plan instead.

For everyone else, heres what you need to know:

Only full-time, active employees of a state agency, select community college or charter school can enroll in NCFlexs disability plan. You must work at least 30 hours per week to count as a full-time employee under the NCFlex plans rules.
Short-term disability benefits through the NCFlex plan begin once your mandatory 14-day waiting period passes. NCFlexs short-term North Carolina disability benefits last until the 60th day after you stop working.
You can receive up to $150/day, or up to $750/week in short-term disability benefits. NCFlex pays STD benefits each week. If you also receive workers comp or Social Security benefits, they wont reduce your STD payment amount.
The NCFlex plans long-term North Carolina disability payments start on day 61. If your condition makes you permanently unable to work again, LTD payments can last until your full retirement age .
LTD payments equal 66 2/3% of your monthly paycheck amount while working. The maximum amount you can receive in monthly LTD payments is $12,500 per month.

Pay Attention To Financial Qualifications

While the basic rule for Social Security disability is defined as a condition that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months, that should not necessarily determine when you apply for benefits.

“If an individual is not working and earning income, then they’re allowed to apply now,” Geist said. “There’s not a set period of time where they have to wait to apply.”

However, there are certain financial restrictions that claimants will have to meet to be approved.

For starters, you must have paid so-called FICA taxes into the system. Generally, you have to contribute for at least 10 years in order to be eligible.

Additionally, your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of a disability. It must be so severe that you can no longer work. It must also be expected to last for at least a year or result in death.

In addition, your income must fall below certain a certain threshold known as substantial gainful activity. In 2021, that limit is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals.

Those who have not paid FICA taxes may instead qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. However, those benefits are means tested and come with strict asset limits of $2,000 per individual, or $3,000 per married couple.

While some disabled workers may be tempted to take advantage of expanded pandemic unemployment insurance benefits that are still available in some states, that could hurt your chances of getting approved for disability benefits, Geist said.

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If You Do Not Qualify For Ssdi

Many people meet the SSA definition for disability but do not qualify for SSDI benefits. We have extensive experience helping these clients obtain benefits through other disability programs, including:

Supplemental Security Income and SSI appeals
Widows benefits
Childrens benefits

If your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied, an experienced lawyer can help you get the benefits you need. We dont collect any attorney fees unless you win.

Please contact us today by calling one of our offices to schedule a free initial consultation and to find out how we can help you. We are available for calls and appointments between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We have convenient parking in all four locations. We look forward to hearing from you.

What We Mean By Disability

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true:

You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.

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You Fail To Follow Prescribed Therapy

If you are being treated by a doctor, but fail to follow the doctor’s prescribed therapy when you have the ability to do so, you can be denied disability benefits. However, the SSA recognizes certain legitimate excuses for failing to follow the doctor’s orders .

Acceptable medical excuses. Failure to follow prescribed therapy can be excused for reasons beyond your control. Some examples follow.

You have a mental illness so severe that you cannot comply with prescribed therapy.
You have a fear of surgery so intense that surgery would not be appropriate. Your treating doctor must confirm the severity of your fear to the DDS consulting doctor.
You physically cannot follow prescribed therapy without assistancefor example, because of paralysis of the arms or cataracts caused by diabetes.

Acceptable nonmedical excuses. It is possible that you cannot follow a prescribed therapy for a reason that has nothing to do with your medical condition. Acceptable nonmedical excuses for failing to follow prescribed therapy follow.

You don’t have the money to pay for treatment.
Your religious beliefs prohibit you from receiving medical therapy.
Your doctor prescribes treatment that another doctor disagrees with.

For more information, see Nolo’s article on the impact of failing to follow prescribed treatment.

Disability Profiles Supported In Our Website

Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile : this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as M , H , F , B , and G to jump to specific elements.

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Filing For Nc Disability Benefits

Home » Filing for NC disability benefits

by Tim Moore. Free Case Evaluation for North Carolina Residents here.

As a former disability claims examiner for Social Security in North Carolina, I became very familiar with how cases are decided. And it helps quite a bit as a disability representative to know how the system works from the inside out.

Important points about applying for NC disability benefits:

1. You can file for disability in North Carolina online at the SSA website, or you can arrange for an appointment for a disability application interview so that you can file in person at a local Social Security office, or be called on the phone and have your interview conducted that way.

At our disability practice, we assist disability claimants at all levels. But we also help individuals get their claims started by making the first contact with Social Security by calling your local office and getting an appointment set for you. This appointment is for a disability application interview. Once the appointment is set, you only have to wait for the day and time that Social Security will call you and discuss your medical conditions, medical treatment, and work history with you.

2. A decision on an initial claim in North Carolina, or a Social Security Disability or SSI application, will generally be made within 90 to 120 days. Decisions can sometimes take longer than this for a variety of reasons however, in most cases the decision will be made within this timeframe.

Yes

Applying For Social Security Disability

Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, NC

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can complete some or all of the forms online or you may call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Staff personnel at SSA office can assist you either in person or by phone.

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Information You Need To Apply

Before applying, be ready to provide information about yourself, your medical condition, and your work. We recommend you print and review the . It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application.

Information About You

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. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death .
Names and dates of birth of children not yet 18 years of age.
Your bank or other and the account number.

Information About Your Medical Condition

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.
Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who ordered them.

Information About Your Work:

Award letters, pay stubs, settlement agreements, or other .

We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns, or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate.

Do not delay applying for benefits because you do not have all the documents. We will help you get them.

How Do I Become Eligible For Medicare If I Am Under Age 65 And Disabled

Before you can receive Medicare you must apply, be approved and have received Social Security Disability Insurance for a period of time. You can apply for disability benefits at your local Social Security office, apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll free 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 to make an appointment to file an application.

Which Medical Conditions Are Likely To Qualify For Disability

While any of the above medical conditions are SSDI and SSI qualifying disabilities, some medical conditions are more likely to lead to an approval of benefits than others. We recently surveyed our readers about their experiences in applying for disability benefits and compared their answers to government statistics. The conditions most likely to get approved were multiple sclerosis and some types of cancers. Respiratory disorders and joint disease were also high on the list. For the details, see our article on survey statistics on getting Social Security disability for common medical conditions.

The Ssa Cannot Find You

The SSA and Disability Determination Services the agency that determines your medical eligibility for benefitsmust be able to communicate with you regarding your application. If these agencies cannot reach you to schedule examinations or communicate with you about critical matters, your benefits may be denied. If you name a representative to handle your paperwork, you may not need to get in touch with the SSA, but be sure to stay in touch with your representative or attorney. If you move while your application is being considered, make sure the SSA knows how to contact you. Claimants get denied every day because the SSA cannot find them.

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How To Apply For Disability In Wake County North Carolina

In North Carolina you may apply for social security disability insurance by calling your social office toll-free number and following the voice instructions. It is also possible to use a web form available on the administrations website. The last option would be to go to the offices for social security in Wake County and make a physical application.

As you prepare to file your application, make sure you already have your social security number handy, and identification in the form of passport or drivers license that will help as proof of age. You will need names and addresses of any professionals such as doctors, caseworkers and nurses who have previously treated or taken care of you. Make sure you have the details of all your previous encounters with the health practitioners, especially the dates of visit. Get your medical records these will include the following.

Test results from laboratories
Reports from clinics, therapists, hospitals or caseworkers

Be ready to provide your employment and career records as captured in the following details.

Present occupation
Your previous employment
A recent W-2 form/federal tax return copy

Additionally you will also need social security numbers for any family member and proof of the same. Married people also need proof of marriage but this only applies to a spouse that applies for the benefits.

Income Guidelines For Ssi

Contrary to SSDI, SSI is a need-based program, so there is not only a limit on your income, but also on your assets and unearned income. In 2015, the income limit for SSI is $733 for an individual and $1,100 for couples. This amount may increase from time to time due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments . You also cannot have more than $2,000 in assets to qualify for SSI.

The guidelines for the sources of income that affect your SSI are complex. For example, wages you earn, unemployment benefits, Social Security retirement benefits, gifts from friends, and free food or shelter will affect your SSI eligibility whereas, sources such as loans, food stamps, tax refunds and other public, need-based benefits do not.

For assistance applying for benefits or legal help if you think your benefits were wrongly denied, call Chad Brown Law in North Carolina. Contact us today at 556-9115 for a free consultation.

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Ssi Applicants Younger Than 65 Must Be Blind Or Disabled To Qualify

Only blind or disabled SSI applicants who cannot work may qualify for North Carolina disability before their 65th birthday. If youre already 65 years old when you apply, you can pass the SSI medical screening based on age alone. Otherwise, the SSI program requires a DDS medical exam that must confirm youre unable to work for health reasons.

Expect Possibly Longer Wait Times

Applying for SSDI Benefits in North Carolina – Updated for 2021 | Citizens Disability

In March 2020, the Social Security Administration mostly shuttered its in-person services.

Today, it is still largely processing correspondence online and via postal mail.

A recent investigation by the Social Security Office of the Inspector General found there have been some big delays for people waiting on application decisions.

Currently, it’s taking about 125 days for the agency to process an initial claim, Geist said. For applications that are reconsidered, there’s an additional four months to six months, he said.

So if you’re planning to file an application for benefits for any disabling condition, including Covid-19 and associated long haul issues, “the earlier, the better,” Geist said.

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Ssi Claimants Also Need Very Low Income And Few Resources To Qualify

Youll have to list all monthly income and financial assets on your SSI claim for North Carolina disability benefits. SSI program rules state that any money you get each month counts as income, even if you cannot work. That includes things like alimony or child support payments, interest from a savings account, lottery winnings, TANF, SNAP, etc. In addition, you cant have more than $2,000 in your bank account when you apply. Countable assets include any resources you own now and can easily sell for cash. Examples include your jewelry, property, 401k or IRA accounts, stocks or bonds. Things that never count towards your $2,000 asset limit include:

Your house and the lot it sits on
A vehicle you use for daily transportation
Wedding ring, furniture, clothing or other daily living items

Basically, you wont qualify for SSI if you own too much stuff or receive too much money every month. Married couples must have less than $3,000 in resources and $1,350 in combined monthly income to qualify for SSI.

Does A Medical Condition Have To Match The Listing

An applicant filing for Social Security disability benefits doesn’t necessarily have to satisfy the exact listing requirements for a particular illness or condition to be awarded disability benefits based on the condition. You can be awarded disability benefits if Social Security considers aspects of your condition medically equivalent to the criteria in the listing or a related listing. This is called “equaling a disability listing.”

Alternatively, you can be eligible for disability benefits if you don’t meet or equal the criteria for the medical listing, if your condition limits your functioning so much that you can’t work. Social Security will consider the effect of your condition on your capacity to perform routine daily activities and work and will then determine whether there is any kind of job you can safely be expected to do. This is called qualifying “vocationally” for disability benefits. For more information, see our section on how Social Security decides if your limitations make you disabled.