What is Social Security Disability

Video Transcript:

Cindy Speaker: What is Social Security Disability?  That’s our question on this episode of Main Street Law.  My guest is North Carolina attorney, David Daggett of Daggett Shuler Law.

So David, thank you for being with us today.

David Daggett: Thanks for having me with you, Cindy.

Cindy Speaker: Well, David, can you explain to us a little about what Social Security Disability is?

David Daggett: Sure, Cindy.  Social Security Disability is an insurance program through the United States Government to cover people if they become disabled form working.  It’s just like any other insurance policy.  You know the FICA that’s on your paycheck, that is actually and insurance payments to the government and that’s there to cover you if become disabled from working.  So this is something you pay into over your working career in order to cover you if you become disabled and can’t work any further.

Cindy Speaker: David, what are the standards for Social Security Disability?

David Daggett: In order to qualify for Social Security Disability, you have to be disabled from doing any gainful employment and have a work history of paying the insurance that we discuss into the program then you become eligible for Social Security Disability.

Cindy Speaker: Well, how do you go about the process?

David Daggett: Generally, what an individual has to do is fill out and file a Social Security Disability application.  You can either do that at your local Social Security office, or the application is now available online that you can complete to be submitted.  When you complete that application that then begins the Social Security Disability process, this process goes through the government agency and it’s processed through the paperwork and through a claims processing system with the government.

Cindy Speaker: How long does this usually take?

David Daggett: Unfortunately, one of the difficulties with Social Security Disability claims is in most part of the country, the Social Security Disability office is backlogged sometimes for a extended period of time.  This cost is quite a bit of a delay for disabled person and actually can put them in quite a bind when they’re out of work and can’t return to work and don’t have any other source of income coming in.  The most important thing for an individual to do is they believe they are disabled or have an impending disability, is to get that application filed to get the process started.

Cindy Speaker: Why should someone hire an attorney in a Social Security Disability case?

David Daggett: Hiring a qualified attorney in a Social Security Disability case can help an individual cut through some of the red tape of the process and an experienced lawyer knows how to work their way through the system a little more quickly, a little more efficiently and provide the necessary documentation so that the odds of successfully concluding your claim increases.

Cindy Speaker: I understand that there are national law firms doing Social Security Disability and some that advertise on cable TV and that sort of thing.  And let me ask you this.  Do you feel there is an advantage to hiring a local attorney rather than a national firm?

David Daggett: In North Carolina, it’s important to have a local attorney on your Social Security Disability claim for several reasons.  First, the North Carolina State Bar has a certification process for experienced Social Security Disability lawyers.  This certification process in which an attorney can become a board certified specialist in Social Security Disability, helps for the claimant to know and depend that they are getting an experienced lawyer to help them on their claim.

Further, hiring a lawyer who is board certified in Social Security Disability in North Carolina also means that you are getting a lawyer who is familiar with the local claims office, the local claims office personnel has presented cases before this very same administrative law judges, perhaps a number of times, and the familiarity with the system, again, can help an individual both with the efficiency of processing their claim as well as we believe enhanced the opportunities for having a successful outcome of your Social Security Disability claim.

Cindy Speaker: If someone is awarded Social Security Disability benefits, when do those payments begin?

David Daggett: If you’re awarded Social Security Disability benefits, typically, you are entitled to back benefits back to the date of your disability, through the present and then you have monthly payments then begin going on into the future as long as an individual remains disable.

Cindy Speaker: Well, David, if someone wants more information, how they can reach you?

David Daggett: Well, certainly, we would be please to answer any questions that any has regarding Social Security Disability claims, they can contact us toll free at 1-800-815-5500 or they can contact us trough out website at www.daggettsulerlaw.com.  We’d be happy discuss the merits of the case, provide guidance and representation if necessary.

Cindy Speaker: David, that’s terrific.  Thank you so much for your time today.

David Daggett: Thank you for having us.  We appreciate providing assistance to people who may need Social Security Disability.

Cindy Speaker: You’re welcome.  This is Cindy Speaker for State Law TV.