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Western North Carolina's Most Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney

Why do you need an SSD lawyer?

Social Security has some textbook disability cases that will always get approved. The problem is, most people don’t fit into those textbook cases. Your case, your disability is different from anyone else’s claim. You need a lawyer who understands the unique and individual aspects of your case and who will stay with you throughout the appeals process. David Gantt is an experienced Social Security Disability Claims Attorney and will guide you through the process.

For nearly 40 years, David Gantt has guided disabled people through the complex process to obtain benefits.

  • The Social Security disability claims process is complex and confusing. Almost everyone is denied the first time. Most will get denied a second time before having a fair chance at winning their case. You need a lawyer who has a thorough understanding of the process.
  • If your application has been denied, an experienced attorney can correct the statements and documents used and get them back into the consideration process, handling all SSD appeal matters.
  • Your attorney can determine if additional information — such as a vocational or psychological evaluation — is needed.
  • An experienced, determined lawyer can get your case before a judge with the appropriate information from your doctors.
  • David will attend every hearing for your case and provide the necessary information for application approval.
  • There is no cost to you unless your lawyer obtains the benefits you applied for.

Before getting the Social Security Disability benefits that you rightfully deserve, your claim will likely be denied at least one time. Most claims are denied a second time. While this can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening, it is not the end of your case. Well over 80% of initial Social Security Disability (SSD) claims are denied. There is a process for appeals, however, and our office can help.

At David Gantt Law Office, we have over 30 years of experience standing up for the rights of injured and disabled people and their families. David is a North Carolina lawyer who represents people denied Social Security Disability benefits. He and his staff work hard to help clients seek the disability benefits that they deserve when they are unable to work as they used to due to disability from illness or injury.

We work hard to thoroughly prepare your SSD appeals. Whether we have been involved since your initial filing or have been enlisted to help with the appeal, we work together with clients to see that all information is provided and that the Social Security administrators and judges can understand your situation. We have experience presenting your medical records and evidence of the impact that the injury has had on your life, as well as testimony from family, friends, co-workers and other individuals who help bolster your claim.

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P: 828-252-2852

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FREQUENTLY ASKED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY QUESTIONS

Q. What is an Administrative Law Judge Social Security Hearing?

A. Social Security hearings are held by a judge called an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The hearings are relatively informal and have no District Attorney or U.S. Attorney present representing Social Security. Some ALJs will ask questions, some will let your lawyer ask all the questions. All you should do is tell the ALJ what is wrong with you and why you are unable to return to work. The ALJ will hear all the evidence and make a decision based on your medical records and testimony heard at the hearing. Sometimes the ALJ will request a Vocational or Medical Expert to testify regarding hypothetical circumstances regarding your condition(s). Your lawyer should help you understand the issues, expected testimony and procedure.

Q. Can I draw Social Security if I have never worked full time?

A. Yes. If you are unable to work at any job for a period of twelve (12) months or more AND have financial need, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a special program of the Social Security Administration that provides benefits to individuals who have not worked on a full time basis. Even if you have worked in the past, you might be eligible for SSI. You should consult a qualified lawyer to understand the types of Social Security programs for which you may be eligible.

Q. When can I expect a hearing on my claim?

Due to the large number of appeals in Social Security cases, it is often many months before each level of an appeal is decided. You are generally given several months notice prior to a hearing before an ALJ and you will be expected to attend that hearing unless you have an extraordinary reason why you cannot attend. The exact number of months between appeals varies from time to time and there is little that can be done by you or your lawyer to speed up the process in light of the huge backlog of cases waiting for a hearing. Once a hearing is held, the ALJ should render a favorable or unfavorable decision within ninety (90) days of the hearing.

Q. What if my disability is caused by drugs and/or alcohol?

A. Congress has passed legislation that severely limits the receipt of Social Security (SS) benefits if your substance abuse problems contribute to your disability. While the current law is very unfavorable to these types of claims, careful analysis by an experienced lawyer may help you find other grounds that are legitimate reasons to qualify for SS benefits.

Q. What happens if I try to work when I am receiving Social Security benefits?

A. Social Security law requires that you report any income or benefits while you are receiving checks. You cannot work and be disabled at the same time. However, Social Security law permits you to make some efforts to work without jeopardizing your eligibility. If you fail to report any earnings made while trying to work, your Social Security check could be terminated. The law on making work attempts is complicated and changes on a regular basis. You should consult a qualified lawyer before deciding how you approach this issue.

Q. What happens in a SS disability hearing?

A. SS disability hearings are informal. The decisions are made by an Administrative Law Judge, most of whom live in Greenville, SC. The people likely to be present at the actual hearing are you, the Judge, a court reporter, and your lawyer. In some cases, the Administrative Law Judge has a medical doctor or vocational expert present to testify at the hearing. SS hearings do not have any jurors, spectators, or lawyers representing SS. Some hearings in Western NC are now conducted by closed circuit television by Judges who live all over the United States.

Social Security Disability Video Library

Our Video Library is not closed-captioned.  Instead of embedding our videos, we have created posts for them, where full transcripts of can be found.
Click on the links below to view the video and its transcript.

Social Security Detail

Social Security – Detail

Social Security part 4

Social Security Part 4

Social Security part 3

Social Security Part 3

Social Security part 2

Social Security Part 2

Social Security part 1

Social Security Part 1

Rules Regarding Social Security Disability and Your Employment

Rules Regarding Social Security Disability and Your Employment

Social Security Hearing Timeframe

Resolution of Social Security Disability Cases: A Timeframe Overview

Contemporaneous Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Claims

Contemporaneous Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefit

Working While on Social Security

Social Security Disability and Your Employment

Appealing Social Security Denials

Appealing the Denial of Your Social Security Disability Claim

Work History Requirements

Work History Requirements for Social Security Disability

Drug and Alcohol Dependency and Social Security Disability

Drug and Alcohol Dependency and Social Security Disability

Child Eligibility for Social Security

Child Eligibility for Social Security Benefits and Social Security Insurance

The Administrative Law Judge’s Role in Social Security Disability

The Administrative Law Judge’s Role in the Social Security Appellate Hearing

Compassionate North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer

David Gantt describes his History in Helping People with Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Cases

~ What Our Clients Say ~

Google Review 2020

April 8, 2020

My first time meeting Mr.Gantt, he was very open and honest about what it takes to get my SSDI. He was optimistic about my case. He walked me through what he needed on my part. I was very happy with the results of my hearing. I am very pleased with Mr.Gantt and definitely recommend his…

Yelp Review 2019

December 19, 2019

David Gantt and his staff were excellent very informative, kept me updated on every move and with this dedication I was able to win my Social Security hearing. Highly Recommend.

November 2019 AVVO Review

November 27, 2019

Amazing! When my husband was injured, we didn’t know who to turn to. I started googling to find a attorney, I called Mr. Gantt, I couldn’t be more thankful! The nightmare was over as Mr. Gantt and his amazing team handled everything from that very moment! Not only was professional but extremely caring, taking time…

November 2019 AVVO Review

November 27, 2019

David Gantt and his staff handled my disability claim and they were excellent. I highly recommend him, he is the best in Western North Carolina. Mrs. Kelly Reaves 5.0 stars November 5, 2019

October 2019 Martindale Hubble Review

October 29, 2019

David is clear, precise, and delivers as promises.

2019 Google Review

August 7, 2019

The entire staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, helpful, and nice people! David was professional. He knew exactly what he was talking about and did what he said he was going to do. I have had a wonderful experience with this firm and will not hesitate to use them in the future.

2019 AVVO Review “Get ‘er done Gantt!”

July 10, 2019

I was very satisfied with David Gantt’s expertise and knowledge in all aspects handling my case. He dealt with all the paperwork and contacted all necessary providers to get my medical history – it was extremely hassle free! He communicated and counseled me on what to expect – being very forthcoming (he’s a straight shooter)!…

2019 Facebook review

June 5, 2019

I highly recommend Mr. Gantt. He is very kind and always professional. He prepared me for my disability hearing and calmed my nerves. Everything happened exactly as he said it would. I honestly do not think that I would have been approved for disability without his help. Also, his office staff were always ready to…

2019 Google Review

May 28, 2019

Mr. Gantt took good care of me. I will be forever grateful for him getting me the social security payments I need for a disability due to military service. He seems like a genuine compassionate good man. I highly recommend! ~C.M.

2019 Google Review

May 10, 2019

David and his entire staff are so nice and show compassion to everybody. He was there when I had any questions. David Gantt is the best attorney in his field, he goes above and beyond. I am extremely grateful to him and his staff. ~M.H.

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

Very nice and friendly service. They always answered any of my questions. Had a great experience working with them on my disability case. I highly recommend there services! After trying for 6 years and 2 unfavorable decisions, David and his team did a great job representing my case and won. I appreciate there time and…

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

The whole office is very respectful. Answered all my questions. So Glad they were there cause I had no clue after fighting for 2 years. Thank you guys soo much. ~K.H.

2019 Google Review

May 9, 2019

I am very grateful to David Gantt & his staff! They were wonderful and made the confusing process much easier to understand. I wish I had contacted them sooner. They were super to work with and such nice people! Thank you so much! ~K.S.

Avvo Review 2019

May 7, 2019

Mr. Gantt is a highly compassionate and professional lawyer. He worked hard for me to show my disabilities. Always pleasant and supportive, while being very much on top of his cases. I recommend David Gantt to anyone. Great Attorney! 5 Stars. ~ Dakota

Google Review 2019

April 10, 2019

Wonderful client services..very friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help clients. highly recommend him for anyone needing assistance for the Disability SSI. ~T.D.

2019 Google Review

April 9, 2019

I am so grateful to Mr. Gantt & his staff. They have been so professional and knowledgeable. They’ve answered all of my questions and made a very stressful situation, bearable. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Gantt. He is knowledgeable, professional & caring. ~J.H.

Avvo Review 2019

April 8, 2019

Linda Calloway Mundy David Gantt is an outstanding Lawyer. I highly recommend him. He was beside me all the way and I would like to thank him. ~Linda 5 Stars

2019 Google Review

March 9, 2019

David Gantt and his staff are very professional, upfront, honest and nice. They made me feel at ease discussing my case. They helped me with every step of the way towards my disability approval. I would recommend them to anyone. They kept me updated on everything. Just wish I had contacted them sooner. ~D.P.S.

2019 Google Review

February 10, 2019

When I applied for Social Security Disability I saw no reason that I would need a lawyer since my case seemed clear. It wasn’t until the second rejection that I realized that I had no idea how the system worked. A couple of local lawyers I had contacted suggested that I talked to David Gantt…

2019 Google Review

February 10, 2019

This office is fantastic. The staff is helpful and friendly. He is honest with you about the pros and cons of your case. He works hard to get a positive result. ~S.G.