Social Security Disability Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

elderly under social security disability

The social security disability attorneys and staff at Hardison & Cochran are tireless advocates for our clients. We firmly believe in an educated and informed client.

That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure that all of our clients understand what is happening with their cases.

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elderly under social security disability

If you have applied for benefits through the Social Security Disability (SSD) program and been denied, you may feel frustrated and unsure of what to do. You may be worried because you cannot work and need disability benefits to make ends meet. More than 300,000 adults and children in North Carolina receive disability benefits. Many of those people obtained SSD benefits after being turned down initially.

At Hardison & Cochran, our social security disability attorneys know what you are going through. The disability claims process can be complicated and confusing. We can help you appeal the Social Security Administration (SSA) decision regarding your disability claim. We represent clients throughout North Carolina in Social Security Disability cases. We can help you to understand what has happened in your case and what we can do to help you. Don’t delay in taking action. The sooner you contact us, the more quickly we can start to work on your appeal.

Why Do I Need a Social Security Disability Attorney?

Before applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it’s highly advisable that you speak with an experienced disability lawyer about your application. You are more likely to obtain the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits you need if you have a knowledgeable attorney to advocate for you.

A disability attorney will have the skills to:

  • Explain the disability process to you in an easy-to-understand way
  • Assess the strength of your claim
  • Review your SSDI or SSI benefits application for any errors or fill out your application for you
  • Collect your medical records and other documentation to back up your claim
  • Participate in conversations with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Help you file an appeal if your initial claim is denied
  • Bring medical specialists to provide testimony to support your case
  • Explain your rights and guide you through the legal process

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, disabled individuals are three times more likely to secure benefits if they work with an attorney than applicants who do not have legal representation. At Hardison & Cochran, our attorneys are knowledgeable about the Social Security disability claims process. We highly recommend working with an experienced disability benefits attorney when seeking Social Security disability.

A Fresh Look at Your SSD Benefits Application

If your SSD application has been denied, you are not alone. Roughly half of all SSD benefits applications are initially denied, including many valid claims. Many of the denials may be reversed on appeal. A fresh examination of your case may help.

A Social Security lawyer at Hardison & Cochran can analyze your application and determine if:

  • You meet the work and disability requirements needed to obtain SSD benefits
  • Your application correctly showed that you meet the requirements.

Your application may have failed to provide sufficient medical evidence of your disability. A knowledgeable SSD attorney can help you prepare a complete application the first time and avoid delays.

Consider these statistics from the Social Security Administration related to the processing of SSD claims by offices in North Carolina:

  • 8 to 24 months — Average wait time from the date a hearing is requested until
  • disability claim 10, 314a hearing is held in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review’s hearing offices in Raleigh.
  • 10,314—Number of disability claims cases pending in Raleigh office
  • 513 days—Average number of days until final disposition of cases processed by the SSD hearing office in Raleigh
  • 18 months—Average wait time from the date a hearing is requested until a hearing is held in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review hearing offices in Fayetteville, N.C.
  • 7,709—Number of disability claims cases pending in Fayetteville office
  • 572 days—Average number of days until final disposition of cases processed by the SSD hearing office in Fayetteville
  • In 2021, nearly 2/3 of all initial claims were denied.