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THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BLOG

Call David Gantt
P: 828-252-2852

Social Security Disability and Your Employment

David Gantt is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Workers Compensation Law. He represents individuals in matters regarding workers’ compensation and Social Security disability benefits matters. Contact David Gantt at 828-252-2852 to schedule a consultation about your unique circumstance.

TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO

There are rules that involve work and Social Security. The general rule is you can’t work, but there are some gray areas where there certain limited types of work if there accommodated or if they involve special circumstances. If you would like to talk about any of these issues with me, I would be glad to sit down with you at my office and go over all of the issues involving work and Social Security. The rules are totally different in Social Security after you’ve been approved. There is a public policy to try to encourage people to try to work and see what they can do to get off Social Security.  So there are different rules that you have before you get Social Security approval and what you have after you get approved.

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P: 828-252-2852

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FREQUENTLY ASKED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY QUESTIONS

Q. What type of physical ailments are considered disabling under SS law?

A. SS law reviews the overall impact of your cumulative ailments in deciding whether you are disabled or not. A review of your age, education, past work experience, and vocational possibilities will all be considered in deciding your disability. The key to the question is whether your overall physical and/or mental health makes it difficult for you to hold down regular work in the national job market. SS considers medical, vocational, and personal factors in making the decision.

Q. Why won’t SS pay for my disability without an ALJ Hearing?

A very small number of applicants are awarded benefits in North Carolina before the ALJ hearing. Social Security decisions and opinions prior to the ALJ hearing are generally made by people who have never seen or talked to you. Many SS doctors will give opinions on your physical condition without the benefit of an actual exam. It is extremely important for you to maintain a good relationship with your treating doctor and to fully explain the reasons you are applying for Social Security. If you are persistent and have evidence of your medical disability, you will get the benefits you are entitled to.

Q. Are children eligible for Social Security?

A. Yes. Children may be eligible for several different types of Social Security programs. While most people consider “regular” Social Security as the program based on taxes paid while working, several other programs exist to aid qualified children who meet other requirements such as financial need, disabled or deceased parent. Even adult children (over the age of 18) may qualify for benefits under some circumstances. Staff at the Social Security Administration local office are very cooperative and helpful in reviewing what programs a child with special needs might be eligible for. If the child’s application is filed and denied by Social Security, the family should consult with a qualified lawyer to help present evidence and testimony to support the claim.

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 is the difference between SS and SSI?

Both SS and SSI benefits have the same requirements for disability--the inability to work at a suitable job for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more. SS benefits (also called Title II) are based on the amount of SS taxes you have paid in the system for the ten (10) year period before you became disabled. SS benefits are generally higher than SSI benefits. Dependents of SS recipients may also be entitled to benefits. You should report any dependants to SSA even if they do not live with you. SSI benefits (also called Title XVI) are based on a financial need. You may be eligible for SSI benefits even if you have never worked or paid SS taxes in your life. Generally SSA...

Q. How much will a lawyer cost me?

The ALJ must approve any fee charged by a lawyer. Lawyers will take Social Security cases on a contingency or percentage (%) basis. The standard percentage is twenty-five percent (25%) of any past-due benefits you might be entitled to. If your claim is rejected by the ALJ, you will not owe any money for attorney fees. Although if you lose, you are still obligated to pay any "out of pocket" expenses such as costs to obtain medical reports, copies, long distance phone calls and other related calls. No fees will be charged on future benefit payments.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY VIDEOS

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.