Recent Posts in Social Security Disability Category

Social Security death benefits are available to people who have lost a member of their family. Those who can receive Social Security death benefits include:

• Spouses
• Disabled Spouses. Disabled spouses often start receiving benefits at age 50
• Divorced Spouses. You must have been married for 10 years and are now over the age of 60 to receive death benefits.  If you got remarried before you turned 60, you might be eligible for something called survivor benefits instead.
• Minor Children. Children who are under the age of 18 and unmarried usually qualify for survivor benefits, as do step-children, grandchildren, and adopted children under certain circumstances. Children who became disabled before the age of 22 also usually qualify for Social Security benefits.
• Dependent Parents. Dependent parents can apply for these benefits, but must usually document and explain why they are disabled or cannot work, as well as why they have been dependent on their family for support.

At Lanier Law Group, we know you’ve just been through a terrible ordeal. The last thing you need is to get caught up in the Social Security Administration’s red tape. A North Carolina Social Security lawyer at our firm can help you apply for death benefits and assist you in gathering all the documents you’ll need, which likely includes a copy of the death certificate, marriage certificate, and birth certificates for minor children. Let us help take the burden off your shoulders. Contact Lanier Law Group today by calling 1-888-CONSULT!

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are available to people who have suffered a total disability, and are now no longer able to work.  If you are planning to file for Social Security disability benefits, it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney to represent you during the application process. Not all people who apply for these benefits will be approved.  While you can file an appeal if your petition has been denied, there are several alternatives to these benefits that you might be able to take advantage of:

A workers’ compensation claim:  If you suffered an injury while at work or as a result of repetitive work duties, you can seek medical and financial benefits through the North Carolina workers’ compensation system.  Unlike other types of injury claims, you do not need to establish fault in order to be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.  As long as your injury occurred while you were working or as a result of your job, you should be awarded workers’ compensation benefits.

A personal injury claim: If your injury was caused by another person’s negligent or reckless actions, you have the right to sue that individual in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you suffered an injury after falling on another person’s property, and you can prove the property owner not only knew about the hazardous condition, but also failed to fix, repair, or warn guests about the condition, then you have grounds to file a lawsuit.  In a personal injury lawsuit you can seek compensation for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical bills, lost wages, property damage (if applicable), decreased enjoyment of life, and more.

An insurance claim: If you suffered an injury in an auto accident, you may be able to receive compensation from your insurance company for your property damage and medical bills. 

These are just a few of the alternatives to Social Security disability benefits available to you. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to contact Lanier Law Group today, and an experienced North Carolina Social Security Disability attorney can provide you with the guidance, counsel, and representation you need!

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you must prove you are suffering from a “total disability.”  Social Security benefits are not available to anyone suffering from a short-term or partial disability.

According to the Social Security Administration, you will be considered “totally disabled” and entitled to benefits if:

• Your injury, illness, disability, or condition prevents you from doing the work you did before you became disabled

• You cannot adjust to another type of work due to your disability or condition

• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death

The Social Security Administration is very strict about awarding benefits to only those people suffering from a total disability, so it is important to consult an experienced attorney before applying for these benefits.

Contact a North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer Today!

If you think you are suffering from a “total disability,” please do not hesitate to contact a North Carolina Social Security Disability attorney at Lanier Law Group.  We have a great deal of experience and practice in U.S. Social Security laws, and have helped clients throughout the state apply for Social Security benefits.  If you do not qualify for SSDI benefits, we can help you apply for Supplemental Security Income or take advantage of some other viable alternatives.

To learn more, please contact a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer at Lanier Law Group today!

Both Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income are available to people suffering from an injury, illness, or disability and are consequently no longer able to work.  However, there are some differences between the two.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits are available to people who have suffered a “total disability” and are no longer able to work.  Because SSDI benefits are funded by Social Security taxes, you must prove you have been working for a long enough period of time (usually five of the last 10 years) in order to qualify.  This eligibility requirement was established to ensure those seeking SSDI benefits have paid enough Social Security taxes into the system.  SSDI benefits are paid monthly until your condition has improved and/or you are able to return to work.  If your condition worsens or stays the same, you can expect your benefits to continue until there is a change in circumstances.

Supplemental Security Income provides federal assistance to the aged, blind, or disabled with little to no income.  However, unlike Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, SSI is funded by general tax revenues.  This means you do not need to have worked any length of time in order to qualify.   To qualify for these SSI, you simply need to prove that you are at least 65 years old or you are blind or you are disabled.   You will also need to establish that your combined household income is less than $3,000 a month.

This is a very basic explanation about SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security Income.  If you or a loved one needs help filing for either of these programs, a North Carolina Social Security Disability attorney at Lanier Law Group can provide you with the advice and experienced legal counsel you need to file a claim.

To get the claims process started, contact Lanier Law Group today!