Leading North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers
How do you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?
The SSD process can be complicated and challenging to follow alone. Turn to the experienced North Carolina social security disability lawyers at Daggett Shuler to guide you through the entire process to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
The Social Security Disability process consists of four main steps:
- Initial Application and Reconsideration
The first step is completing the application which is reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS). If the application is denied, then you have to file a request for reconsideration which is an appeal of the unfavorable determination by DDS. This is simply a second review by DDS of your disability claim. Most applications and requests for reconsideration are denied by DDS.
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If the request for reconsideration is denied, you can file a request to have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. At the hearing, your attorney will present legal arguments and medical evidence in support of your disability claim, solicit testimony from you about your medical condition and functional abilities, and question the vocational expert. carefully reviewing all of the evidence and legal arguments, the judge will issue a decision.
- Appeals Council
If you receive an unfavorable decision from the Administrative Law Judge, you can file an appeal with the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council reviews the unfavorable decision to see if it is supported by substantial evidence and to make sure the judge did not make a legal error. The Appeals Council can reverse the judge’s decision and approve your claim, remand your case to the judge for another hearing, or deny your appeal.
- U.S. District Court and Beyond
If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision, you can file a lawsuit in federal court to further challenge the Social Security Administration’s unfavorable decision. If the district court upholds the unfavorable decision, then you can appeal the decision to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court.
Simply applying for disability benefits can be confusing, time consuming, and frustrating. Most applications are denied and multiple appeals are needed to challenge the Social Security Administration’s unfavorable decisions. As a result, it is important to have an attorney to help you through every step of the Social Security Disability process. If you are ready to file an application for disability benefits or you need to appeal an unfavorable decision, call the experienced and knowledgeable social security disability lawyers at Daggett Shuler today for your free consultation at 336-724-1234.