how long does it take to get approved for disability in state of north carolina with a lawyer

by Prof. Lionel Lemke 8 min read

How long does it take for a disability claim to be approved?

In most instances, a decision on an initial claim will be made in under six months, and very often between three and four months. Everything changes, however, when a disability case in North Carolina gets denied. When this happens, the claimant will find themselves in the position of having to file appeals. If you have to file appeals in NC

How does North Carolina's disability application process compare to other states?

After the case has been approved by the disability examiner, the case will be sent back to the Social Security office. Usually, the Social Security office CR, or claims representative, will inform the claimant who has been approved for SSD (Social Security Disability) that they can expect to receive their disability back pay within 30 days, and their regular ongoing monthly disability …

How do I apply for disability benefits in North Carolina?

This tends to vary by year. Officially, SSA has a time processing standard, or goal, of getting initial claim decisions done within 120 days. As a former examiner and someone who represents disability claims, I would say that a 90-120 day timeframe would be realistic after you apply for disability. Of course, it does not always work out this way.

How long do I have to wait to reapply for disability?

Getting a person into pay status is relatively quick and easy. Someone who has been awarded Social Security Disability benefits (SSD) can usually expect to receive their Social Security backpay within 30 days, and their regular monthly disability benefits the month after that. This is typically how long will it take to receive NC disability ...

How Do I Appeal If My Disability Application was Denied?

To appeal a denial in North Carolina, you first request that DDS reconsider its decision by filing a Request for Reconsideration. If DDS denies you...

North Carolina's Single Decision-Maker Program

North Carolina is taking part in a Social Security redesign project that allows a disability determination to be made without a doctor in some situ...

How Much SSI Will I Receive in North Carolina?

For most SSI recipients, the federal government funds the entire SSI payment (up to $733 per month), but for those who live in an adult care home,...

How Much Will It Cost to Get My Medical Records?

North Carolina law places a limit on how much a doctor’s office or hospital can charge you for your medical records. In North Carolina, medical pro...

Contact Information For North Carolina's DDS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers the state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) program. Unlike m...

Contact Information For North Carolina's Odar Offices

North Carolina has Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) hearing offices located throughout the state. Below is the contact informati...

Contact Information For Rehabilitation Services

North Carolina offers vocational rehabilitation and retraining services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). DVRS pro...

How long do you have to wait to receive your first SSDI payment?

Generally, if your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

When will SSDI pay in 2020?

We would pay your first benefit for the month of December 2020, the first full month of disability. We pay SSDI benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. This means that the benefit due for December 2020 would be paid to you in January 2021, and so on.

How long does Medicare cover ALS?

Medicare Coverage If You're Disabled. We automatically enroll you in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) after you get disability benefits for two years. However, if your disability results from ALS, Medicare coverage begins sooner, generally the first month you are eligible for disability benefits.

How long does it take to appeal an SSD claim?

The SSD application process doesn’t end if your first claim’s denied. Instead, you have 60 days from the day your denial letter arrives to file an appeal. However, where you live largely determines how long you’ll wait for an appeals hearing. See average appeals hearing wait times in your state or region here. Currently, the national average wait time for an appeals hearing is 11.8 months. In other words, you’ll wait at least 1.5 years from the date you apply if you win SSD benefits on appeal.

How many steps do you have to take to appeal a disability claim?

Most claimants have to appeal their initial denials, especially if they don’t have a lawyer handling their cases. Appealed disability claims have four steps before you should attempt to reapply for benefits. The SSA may approve your claim at any point in this process: Reconsideration.

How to appeal a disability claim?

Appealed disability claims have four steps before you should attempt to reapply for benefits. The SSA may approve your claim at any point in this process: 1 Reconsideration 2 A hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) 3 An appeals council review 4 Federal court

What is the first step in the long claims process?

According to Tim Moore, a former disability examiner for the SSA, the first step in the long claims approval process is to send your Social Security disability benefits application to a state disability agency, which is also called Disability Determination Services (DDS).

Can I get SSI faster in Ohio?

Some people may think they could receive benefits faster if they apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but the Ohio Bar says the “laws governing who medically qualify are the same” for both programs. According to the Federal Times, the issue may worsen as the number of SSA employees continues to decline.

What is the ODAR for disability?

The ODAR is the department that schedules and holds disability hearings and fields all SSA applications, including retirement and survivors benefits. Because there is a limited number of judges and the ODAR’s two case-processing divisions have only a few hundred offices across the country, this part of the process can take up a large chunk of time.

How long does it take to get a Social Security claim approved?

However, while initial claims take between 30 and 90 days to process, the appeals could take years. If your initial claim was approved, it’s likely to be approved within 90 days of having applied.

Can a disability prevent you from working?

If your job required physical labor, it will be easier to determine if your disability will prevent you from working. If not, they will need to evaluate your work more carefully. Then, they can determine if your disability will hinder your ability to work.

Find out about North Carolina's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid

Find out about North Carolina's state supplemental payments, plus how to appeal a denial of Social Security disability or SSI and whether you qualify for Medicaid.

How Do I Apply for Benefits in North Carolina?

There are three different ways you may be able to apply for benefits, regardless of where you live: by phone (800-772-1213), in person at your local Social Security office ( www.socialsecurity.gov/locator ), or online, for SSDI only ( www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm ).

North Carolina's Disability Determination Services

After Social Security decides you meet the basic eligibility requirements (income level or amount of work credits), your application is sent to North Carolina's Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency.

What Will My SSI Payments Be in North Carolina?

North Carolina also pays a supplement to SSI recipients who live in adult care homes, family care homes, or group homes. it's called State-County Special Assistance.

Am I Automatically Eligible for Medicaid if I Get SSI?

In North Carolina, if you are approved for SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Your eligibility for Medicaid will begin the first day of the month you became eligible for SSI benefits and will continue as long as you remain eligible for SSI.

Contact a Lawyer

If you decide to get help for your disability case, you can find an experienced disability attorney in your area by visiting our disability attorney directory.