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THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BLOG

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FREQUENTLY ASKED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY QUESTIONS

Q. What is an Administrative Law Judge Hearing?

SS hearings are held by a judge called an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The Western North Carolina area has been blessed with very competent and reasonable ALJs. The hearings are relatively informal and have no District Attorney or U.S. Attorney on the "other side" trying to trick or confuse you. Some ALJs will ask questions, some will let your lawyer ask all the questions. Your testimony to the ALJ should emphasize specific physical and/or mental problems and how these ailments prevent you from working. 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 Expert or Medical Advisor to testify. No jury or other panel will...

Q. Why does it take so long to get my SS disability application approved?

A. Huge numbers of applications, changes in the disability program, a lack of adequate resources have combined to slow down the appeals process. Most applications are rejected twice before getting to a decision maker that will actually interview and listen to the claimant. In 2004, the Commissioner of SS made aggressive moves to speed up the process by electronic filing, closed circuit television hearings, and other changes. Don’t lose hope because of long delays. If you are disabled for twelve (12) months or more, you will eventually be found to be eligible for SS disability benefits.

Q. Does SS disability pay for my medical bills?

A. Not immediately. If you are receiving Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widows or Widowers Benefits or Disabled Adult Child Benefits, you must wait for twenty-four (24) months before qualifying for Medicare, which will pay most of your medical expenses. Medicare pays for doctors visits and for acute care in a hospital, among other things. You are responsible for deductibles and co-payments. Prescription costs will be partially paid by Medicare beginning in 2006 under a very complicated procedure.

Q. Can I be disabled under SS guidelines if the only problems I have are psychological in nature?

A. Yes. SS law requires a consideration of mental as well as physical factors in deciding disability. The key to establishing disability is the proof that the disability condition continue at least twelve (12) months or more. Mental ailments that have or are expected to last more than twelve (12) months qualify for disability if the condition is supported by mental health professionals. Disability does not have to be permanent for mental or physical conditions.

Q. How long will it take to start receiving Social Security Disability payments?

The period of time it takes for you to start receiving your Social Security Disability payments will depend on whether your initial application for benefits is approved or denied. After you file your initial application for Social Security Disability, it usually takes three (3) to (5) months for the Disability Determination Services to make a decision regarding your claim. In some situations, Disability Determination Services may need more information regarding your medical condition in order to process your claim and the agency may refer to you, at its expense, to a doctor or psychologist for further examination or testing. In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for people to be approved for disability benefits. According to the Social Security Administration’s statistics, seven (7) out...

Q. How do I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

A. You are eligible for Social Security disability benefits WHEN you have mental and/or physical problems severe enough to keep you from working for a period of twelve (12) months or more. You must be unable to work at any competitive job in the national economy, not just the one you had before your disability. Your age, education, past work experience, and ability to perform other jobs are among the factors that the Social Security Administration will consider in deciding your disability.
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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.