Raleigh, north Carolina
Raleigh Disability Lawyers for SSDI and SSI
Downard & Associates represents adults in Raleigh, North Carolina, with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. We work with clients by phone and video from our Tennessee base. If a medical condition is limiting your ability to work, we can help with an application, reconsideration, or a hearing before a Social Security judge. Start by telling us about your treatment, work history, and where your claim stands.
How we help
Working With Downard From Raleigh
For SSDI, we gather medical evidence and document work history; for SSI, we also help with the required financial disclosures.
We help with new applications, reconsideration appeals, and hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The work depends on the stage of your claim:
Application: We help complete SSDI or SSI application paperwork. For SSDI, we gather medical evidence and document work history; for SSI, we also help with the required financial disclosures.
Reconsideration: We address the reasons for a denial and develop the supporting information for the appeal. That can include updated treatment records or SSI income and resource documentation.
Hearing: We prepare you for testimony and present your case to the ALJ. Preparation connects your medical history and daily limitations to the issues the judge must decide.
We handle SSDI cases for people who currently receive VA benefits, but we do not handle VA claims or appeals. We do not take disability cessation or continuing disability review cases, or new cases involving back-pay issues alone. We refer federal court appeals to a trusted affiliate rather than handling them in-house.
For the statewide overview, see our North Carolina disability representation page.
Benefit eligibility
SSDI and SSI Eligibility for Raleigh Adults
Duration rule
12months
SSDI generally requires enough recent work covered by Social Security. The work-credit requirements depend on your age when your disability began. SSI does not require a work history. It requires limited income and resources, eligibility through age 65 or older, blindness, or a qualifying disability, and other program conditions.
For SSDI and adult SSI claims based on disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether a medically determinable condition prevents substantial gainful activity, meaning significant physical or mental work usually done for pay or profit. If the evaluation reaches the relevant steps, SSA also considers whether you can perform past work it treats as relevant or adjust to other work. Not every claim reaches every step.
The disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death. You do not need to wait a year before applying. SSI based on age 65 or older does not require a disability finding. For SSI statutory blindness, there is no duration requirement, and SSA does not use substantial gainful activity to determine initial eligibility. SSI financial requirements still apply.
Read SSA's SSDI eligibility explanation and SSI eligibility requirements for the program-specific rules.
Medical evidence
Building a Raleigh Treatment History for DDS
Its records guidance includes office progress notes, emergency department records, and hospital discharge summaries.
North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes the initial medical determination on Social Security disability claims after SSA checks the nonmedical requirements and sends the case to DDS. North Carolina DDS first seeks evidence from your own health care providers. Identify each provider and the dates of treatment, including hospital visits and care outside Raleigh.
If You Received Care Through WakeMed
WakeMed operates a Raleigh campus. Its Health Information Management instructions explain how patients can obtain health information through MyChart or submit a written request using its authorization form. Its records guidance includes office progress notes, emergency department records, and hospital discharge summaries. Use those instructions if you need your own copies, and identify the providers and dates involved when discussing your evidence with us.
If existing medical evidence is unavailable or insufficient, DDS can arrange a consultative examination to gather additional information. An examination request is a step in developing the record; it is not an approval notice.
Get organized
A Preparation Checklist for Your Raleigh Claim
Use this checklist to organize information for an application or a discussion about your claim. SSA's disability application guidance explains what to gather and says not to delay applying because documents are missing.
Treatment list: Record each provider's name, contact information, treatment dates, and the condition treated. Include emergency visits, hospital stays, tests, and medications.
Work history: List your jobs, dates worked, duties, and when your condition began affecting those duties. Describe tasks such as lifting, standing, concentrating, or interacting with others rather than relying on a job title alone.
Claim papers: Keep your application information, SSA decisions, DDS requests, and the dates notices arrived together. This gives you a record of what has been requested and what stage you have reached.
Daily limitations: Write down specific examples of activities you have difficulty doing, how long you can do them, and the help or breaks you need. Describe your experience accurately, including variation from day to day.
After a denial
Responding to a Raleigh SSDI or SSI Denial
Deadline
60days
After an initial SSDI or SSI denial, you generally have 60 days after receiving the notice to request reconsideration in writing. After a reconsideration denial, the deadline to request an ALJ hearing in writing is generally 60 days after receipt. SSA normally presumes receipt five days after the notice date, unless you show that it arrived later.
If a request is late, ask for an extension in writing and explain why you missed the deadline. SSA must find good cause; an extension is not automatic. Check the instructions in your decision. SSA's appeal guidance explains the review stages.
Hearing attendance
Planning a Raleigh Hearing Appearance
SSA hearings may take place in person, by audio using a telephone, by agency video using SSA equipment at an agency office, or by online video using your own device. Online video requires your agreement. SSA sends forms for agreeing to online video or objecting to audio, agency video, or both. Objections follow SSA's rules and exceptions. Follow your notices for response deadlines and the hearing's scheduled method and location.
Review SSA's hearing attendance options. Our hearing-office guide provides office information to read alongside your notices.
Common questions
Raleigh Disability Claim Questions
Can I qualify for SSI if I have not worked recently?
SSI does not depend on work credits. You must have limited income and resources and qualify through age 65 or older, blindness, or a qualifying disability, along with meeting other program requirements. A lack of recent work does not by itself rule out SSI.
Should I wait until I have every medical record to apply?
No. SSA says not to delay applying because documents are missing. Identify your treating providers and the records you already have so the remaining evidence can be requested.
Does a DDS examination provide treatment?
No. North Carolina DDS consultative examinations collect information for the disability determination. They do not provide treatment, and the examination provider does not decide whether you qualify for benefits.
Does Downard have an office in Raleigh?
No. We are based in Tennessee and have no offices outside Tennessee. We represent Raleigh clients by phone and video. Those client communications are separate from the way SSA schedules your hearing.
Discuss your claim
Talk With Downard About Your Raleigh Claim
Tell us how your condition affects your work, where you have received treatment, and whether you have already applied. We can discuss your situation and the next steps for representation.