SSDI Lawyer Raleigh
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who cannot work due to qualifying disabilities, offering monthly benefits and healthcare coverage to help maintain financial stability during challenging times. Securing SSDI benefits requires understanding complicated regulations, meeting strict deadlines, and presenting convincing evidence of your disability’s impact on your ability to work.
If you’re seeking these benefits and have run into a dead end, you need an SSDI lawyer Raleigh law firm to provide answers and a way forward. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers can guide you through every step of the application and appeals process. We have the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to fight for the benefits you deserve. We’re on top of it.
Why People Trust Our SSDI Lawyer Raleigh Law Firm
Our SSDI attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience fighting for people with disabilities to secure the benefits they deserve. We understand the intricacies of Social Security disability law and have successfully helped countless North Carolina residents obtain their rightful SSDI benefits. The attorneys at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers are on top of it, ensuring every detail of your case receives the attention it deserves.
Free Case Evaluation
We provide case evaluations to assess your eligibility and discuss your options without any financial obligation. During your free consultation, our SSDI lawyers will review your situation, explain the process ahead, and answer all your questions about securing SSDI benefits.
No Fee Unless We Win
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure your SSDI benefits. Working with our SSDI attorneys provides peace of mind without any financial risks in retaining quality legal counsel.
A Record of Recoveries for Clients
Clients across North Carolina have trusted us to fight for their rights, and we’ve secured millions of dollars in disability benefits on their behalf. These outcomes have helped people prioritize their recovery, access necessary medical care, and move forward without the constant worry of financial strain. When you work with us, you can count on the same level of dedication and results-driven advocacy.
How Our Raleigh SSDI Lawyer Law Firm Assists You Every Step of the Way
When you work with our SSDI attorneys, we are in it together from the initial application through any necessary appeals. Our lawyers handle all aspects of your SSDI claim, allowing you to focus on your health while we manage the legal and administrative requirements.
Evaluate Your Eligibility
We thoroughly assess your medical conditions, work history, and financial situation to determine your eligibility for SSDI benefits. Our evaluation process ensures we understand every aspect of your case before moving forward with your application. Your eligibility for disability benefits depends on several key criteria:
- You must have a qualifying disability that prevents substantial gainful activity.
- Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- You must have earned sufficient work credits through your employment history.
- You cannot perform your previous work or adjust to other work.
- Your disability must meet or equal a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book.
Based on our comprehensive evaluation, we’ll provide honest guidance about your chances of approval and develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. We ensure you understand all requirements before proceeding with your application.
Explain the Claims Process
We break down each stage of the SSDI application process in clear, understandable terms so you know what to expect. Our team keeps you informed about timelines, requirements, and potential challenges throughout your case. Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and ensures you’re prepared for each step ahead.
Gather Critical Medical Evidence
Supporting your claim with comprehensive medical documentation is critical for a successful SSDI application. The Raleigh SSDI lawyers at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers work directly with your healthcare providers to obtain all necessary medical records, test results, and physician statements that demonstrate the severity of your condition. The Social Security Administration recognizes numerous qualifying disabilities, including:
- Musculoskeletal disorders and back injuries
- Cardiovascular conditions and heart disease
- Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, MS, and Parkinson’s disease
- Cancer and effects of cancer treatment
- Immune system disorders, including HIV/AIDS and lupus
- Respiratory illnesses and lung disease
- Digestive system disorders
Our team ensures all medical evidence is properly organized and presented to clearly demonstrate how your condition meets SSA disability criteria. We know which medical documentation carries the most weight with disability examiners and administrative law judges.
Address Technical Requirements
Making sure forms are correctly formatted with all pertinent information prevents unnecessary delays and denials based on technical errors. We meticulously review every document to ensure compliance with SSA regulations and requirements. Our attention to detail helps avoid common mistakes that could derail your claim.
Ensure Accurate Application Submission
The SSDI attorneys at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers complete and submit your application with precision, ensuring all information is accurate, consistent, and thoroughly documented. Our team double-checks every section to prevent errors that could lead to delays or denials. By handling the submission process, we help maximize your chances of initial approval.
Handle All Communications With the SSA
We serve as your primary point of contact with the Social Security Administration, managing all correspondence and responding promptly to any requests for additional information. Our experienced SSDI attorneys know how to effectively communicate with SSA representatives and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. You can rest assured that we’re on top of it when it comes to keeping your case moving forward.
Secure Expert Testimony
When necessary, Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers arranges for medical experts and vocational specialists to provide testimony supporting your disability claim. Expert opinions can significantly strengthen your case, particularly during appeals hearings. We maintain relationships with qualified experts who understand how to effectively present evidence to administrative law judges.
Navigating Denied Claims and the Appeal Process
If your initial SSDI application is denied, don’t lose hope. Approximately 70% of initial applications face denial. However, many succeed on appeal with proper legal representation. Our SSDI lawyers in Raleigh have extensive experience guiding clients through each level of the appeals process to ultimately secure their benefits.
Request for Reconsideration
The first appeal level involves requesting reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your entire file, along with any new evidence you submit. Our Raleigh SSDI attorneys strengthen your case by addressing the specific reasons for denial and providing additional medical documentation. Key aspects of the reconsideration process include:
- Identifying Denial Reasons: We carefully analyze the denial letter to understand exactly why your claim was rejected. Understanding these reasons allows us to address each concern directly with targeted evidence and arguments.
- Submitting New Evidence: We gather updated medical records, new test results, and additional physician statements. Fresh evidence demonstrating the progression or continued severity of your condition can change the outcome.
During reconsideration, our SSDI attorney team ensures your file presents the strongest possible case for approval. While success rates at reconsideration remain relatively low, proper preparation at this stage sets the foundation for subsequent appeals if necessary.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If reconsideration doesn’t succeed, our Raleigh SSDI attorneys request a hearing before an administrative law judge. There you will have the opportunity to present your case in person. We thoroughly prepare you for the hearing, ensuring you understand what to expect and how to effectively communicate about your disability. During the ALJ hearing, we present:
- Medical evidence and expert testimony
- Your testimony about daily limitations
- Vocational expert cross-examination
- Legal arguments based on Social Security regulations
- Witness testimony from family or caregivers
The hearing represents your best opportunity for approval, with success rates significantly higher than in the earlier stages when you have skilled legal representation. The SSDI lawyers at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers know how to present compelling cases that resonate with administrative law judges and clearly demonstrate your inability to work.
Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ denies your claim, we can take the next step by requesting a review from the Appeals Council. This review focuses on whether the judge made legal mistakes or failed to consider key evidence. Our team prepares detailed briefs that point out any errors or misapplications of the law. While the Appeals Council seldom overturns decisions outright, it often sends cases back for a new hearing when problems are identified.
Federal Court Review
As a final option, we can file a lawsuit in federal district court challenging the Social Security Administration’s decision under U.S.C. § 404.981. Federal judges have the authority to reverse SSA decisions or remand cases for further proceedings when legal errors occur. Our trial attorneys have the litigation experience necessary to effectively argue your case in federal court if needed.
What SSDI Benefits May I Recover?
SSDI provides comprehensive benefits designed to help you maintain financial stability despite your inability to work. Understanding the full scope of available benefits enables you to plan for your future. It ensures you claim everything you’re entitled to receive:
- Monthly Income: SSDI provides regular monthly payments based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The average monthly benefit in 2024 exceeds $1,500, though your specific amount depends on your work history and earnings record.
- Retroactive Payments: You may receive back pay for up to 12 months before your application date if you were disabled during that time. These lump-sum payments can provide significant financial relief for expenses incurred while waiting for approval.
- Medicare Coverage: After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare health insurance coverage. Medicare provides essential healthcare access, including hospital insurance, medical insurance, and prescription drug coverage.
- Retirement and Survivor Benefits: Your SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age with no reduction in payment amount. Your family members may also qualify for survivor benefits if something happens to you.
In addition to monthly payments, SSDI may also protect you from debt collection. Under North Carolina law, certain disability benefits are exempt from garnishment. Knowing about these protections can give you peace of mind and help you make better decisions about handling existing debts while receiving benefits.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Your Loved Ones
After you qualify for SSDI, your family members may also be eligible for auxiliary benefits. These payments provide additional financial support to help cover household expenses and maintain stability during difficult times.
Benefits for Your Family
Family members who rely on your income may qualify for monthly payments worth up to 50% of your SSDI benefit. However, Social Security sets a cap on the total family benefit, usually between 150% and 180% of your individual amount. Our team works to identify every eligible family member and make sure they receive the full benefits allowed under the law.
Benefits for Your Children
Your unmarried children under age 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) can receive monthly benefits based on your earnings record. Children who became disabled before age 22 may continue receiving benefits indefinitely as disabled adult children under 20 C.F.R. § 404.350. At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we assist in gathering the necessary documentation to establish your children’s eligibility and ensure they receive maximum benefits.
Benefits for Your Spouse
Your spouse may qualify for benefits if they’re age 62 or older, or any age if caring for your child who is under 16 or disabled. The spouse benefit can provide essential household income while you’re unable to work. We help navigate the complex rules governing spousal benefits to maximize your family’s total benefit amount.
Contact Our Experienced SSDI Lawyer Raleigh Law Firm
Don’t face the Social Security Administration alone. The skilled team at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers will carefully evaluate your case, explain your options, and start working to secure the benefits you need to move forward with your life. For a free consultation with our experienced SSDI lawyer Raleigh Law Firm, contact our law firm online. You can also reach us by phone at (252) 777-2222.