Applying for Social Security Disability for Stroke in North Carolina
Stroke survivors know just how scary and debilitating having a stroke can be. While the SSA lists vascular insults to the brain, or strokes, in section 11.04 of the Blue Book, not everyone who has a stroke will qualify for disability benefits. Rather, stroke survivors must meet specific medical criteria as outlined by the SSA.
To be considered disabled for any health condition, you must have significant impairments that render you unable to work for at least one year following your diagnosis. Therefore, your neurologist must confirm that the effects of your stroke will still be present in a year.
Claimants filing for disability benefits for a stroke are processed differently than most other applicants. The impairments immediately following a stroke are often severe. However, as time passes, they sometimes resolve. As a result, the SSA delays the review of disability claims for three months following a stroke. Therefore, it’s best to wait 90 days after your stroke before submitting your application.
If three months have passed since your stroke, and if you are expected to be out of work permanently due to your condition, you can apply for SSDI benefits online or by visiting one of the numerous Social Security offices in North Carolina. Below are a few of the offices in the larger cities within the state:
Charlotte Social Security Office 28227
2201 Coronation Blvd. Suite 100
Charlotte, North Carolina 28227
(800) 772-1213
Raleigh Social Security Office 27609
4701 Old Wake Forest R
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
(877) 803-6311
Durham Social Security Office 27707
3511 Shannon Rd Suite 200
Durham, North Carolina 27707
(888) 759-3908
Can A Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Stroke in North Carolina?
Although federally mandated, the Social Security disability is locally administered by the states in which the residents reside. Each state slightly varies when it comes to wait-times and approval rates. While North Carolina has a higher than average approval rate, there are still many deserving individuals who are denied disability benefits.
To improve your chances of a speedy approval, you might want to consider hiring a Social Security lawyer. An experienced disability lawyer can help to ensure that your application is best supported by the essential medical documentation needed to win your case. It’s important to note that hiring a disability lawyer or advocate does not cost you. Instead, they are only paid if you win your case.
