FAQ

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and it is a separate program of the Social Security Administration. This program assists low-income disabled adults or children. It does not require a work history in order to qualify.

It’s possible to receive medical benefits in addition to the cash benefits. Those who have been eligible for two years for SSD will receive Medicare. Those awarded SSI receive Medicaid immediately.

You have a limited time to appeal your initial denial – don’t wait to see if your health improves. Contact Burch & Rodgers today. Let our experience help win you the benefits you deserve.

It’s best to contact a lawyer before you file a Social Security claim. The North Carolina-based disability attorneys at Burch & Rodgers can help you plan a strategy to win your case. If you wait to get an attorney until your claim has been denied, you could harm your case with damaging statements and other information. This information could be used against you on appeal and by working with a professional attorney from the start, it can be avoided.

SSA sets attorney fees at 25% of back benefits or $6,000, whichever is less. All representatives charge the same fee because it is set by law. If you do not win, there is no fee.

Initial Filing – You must file your claim for disability within a strict time limit of when you became disabled. Usually, you must file within five years of being unable to work. The longer you wait, the lower your monthly benefits will be. If you wait too long you may be precluded from applying. We recommend applying as soon as you become unable to work.

Appeal – If you are denied, the appeal becomes the next important deadline. Most initial claims are denied, so you should not be discouraged and you will need to act quickly. You have 60 days from the date of the denial to appeal the decision. If you wait longer than this, you give up your right to appeal. Having an attorney like Burch & Rodgers can assure you will not miss important deadlines like this.

The Office of Hearings Operations of the Social Security Administration holds the hearing and an Administrative Law Judge will decide if you are eligible for the benefits. Testimony is taken under oath.

Evidence that is presented includes health records and other supporting documentation. Opinions from physicians as expert witnesses may be used as well. You will testify regarding your impairments and limitations. Burch and Rodgers will prepare you for your hearing.

There are many ways to make mistakes when handling Social Security claims. You could submit paperwork incorrectly or miss a deadline if you are not aware of the intricacies of how the system works. This can make or break your case. An attorney will handle this for you. An attorney will also present an effective and persuasive outline of information and will know what to expect. Finding an attorney who is experienced in dealing with the SSA, like Burch & Rodgers, will give your claim a much better chance of being approved.

Federal law heavily regulates what can be charged. Burch & Rodgers ask for no money upfront and no attorney fee unless you win your case. If you do win, attorney’s fees are 25% of your back benefits or $6,000, whichever is less.

Being board-certified means the attorney received specific training in that area of law; in this case, Social Security law. To receive this certification, an attorney must:

• Be a licensed attorney in good standing with the state bar that has practiced for a minimum of five years.
• Have experience specifically in Social Security Disability for 600 hours/year over at least three years.
• Have completed continuing education hours focused on Social Security Disability law.
• Passed both a full-day written exam and a peer evaluation to finish certification.

That’s great to hear, and we’re honored that you want to use our services. We recommend either calling our toll free office number at 800-662-8702 or filling out the contact form on our contact page. We look forward to talking with you and then working to get any benefits that you are owned.