If you are unable to work because of a medical condition or an injury, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Your claim hinges on hard medical evidence that confirms your condition and its severity. If your condition meets specific medical criteria, your claim may be approved. The Social Security Administration (SSA) works with Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine if you qualify based on strict medical criteria. You must be fully disabled, and your condition must be expected to result in your death or last longer than a year.
In North Carolina, you have a 30 percent chance of having your disability claim approved on its first review. If your claim is denied, you can file a request for reconsideration. Only about 10 percent of the claims are approved on the reconsideration review level. If your claim is denied on that level, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At that level, your case has a 76 percent chance of being approved for disability benefits.
Wilmington, NC, Health Resources
Continuing with your medical care during your claims process is a necessary part of your claim’s approval process. Medical records are essential to a successful claim, so ongoing care is necessary to show the progression of your condition as well as any changes in your restrictions and limitations. Since you are unable to work and earn a living, the cost of medical care may be challenging for you. There are free and reduced cost clinics in the Wilmington area.
Cape Fear Clinic
1605 Doctors Circle
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 343-8736
New Hanover Community Health Center
925 N 4th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 343-0270
St. Mary Health Center
412 Ann St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-8163
Mental Health Resources in Wilmington
Your mental health is just as important at your physical health. Some mental health conditions can be disabling. There are mental health facilities in the Wilmington area that can address your mental health needs.
Physician Alliance for Mental Health
3208 Oleander Dr
Wilmington NC 28403
(910) 794-3929
A Helping Hand of Wilmington
5013 Wrightsville Ave.
Wilmington, NC 28403
Wilmington Supplemental Social Security Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), is a disability program that is needs-based. SSI has a maximum monthly benefit of $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a married person who is eligible for SSI. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on credits earned through your most recent work history, which means you should have worked full-time for five of the last 10 years.
Help with Your Wilmington Social Security Disability Claim
If you are unable to work and earn a living, consult with a Wilmington disability attorney. With the help of an attorney who handles Social Security disability claims, you are much more likely to be approved for benefits. Most disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they will provide a free case review and then they will not charge a fee until your claim has been won and you are awarded benefits.
