At Carmichael Law Group, we help clients with Social Security Disability claims nationwide. If you need the assistance of an attorney for your claim, contact us now.
You can find specific information about the local field office listed below:
If you are facing an uncertain future because of a disability that prevents you from working and making a living, you need experienced, knowledgeable legal assistance. A Kingsport disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group can help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We understand that your medical condition is not the only issue at hand.
The manner in which you tell your story—how your disability has affected not just your work but your day-to-day tasks—is a vital part of that story. How your disability has altered your enjoyment of life is a part of your story. At Carmichael Law Group, we will help you put your story together, giving your application or appeal the very best chance of success.
Information on this page:
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for Social Security Disability Benefits?
You can look online to determine whether or not your disorder or disability qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits. The disabilities are split between adult and child, with the adult section having 14 categories of disorder and the child section having the same 14 plus one more.
Even if you locate your disability on this list, it must have either lasted at least twelve months, is expected to last twelve months, or is expected to result in death. Additionally, you must fall below the financial resources and income allowed, and you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a specific length of time.
In some cases, a disability qualifies for the Compassionate Allowances program. Technology is used to identify potential applicants that may qualify for this program. Those who have certain types of cancer, adult brain disorders, or rare disorders that affect children could have their application fast-tracked, so long as they meet the other requirements for SSD benefits.
What Is the Process for Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits?
After you have submitted your SSD application with all supporting documentation, you will receive a letter from Social Security either approving or denying your benefits. If your benefits are denied, you have four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Review by the Appeals Council, and a Federal Court Review. You can file your initial application over the phone, online, or in person at your local SS field office.
It is extremely important that your application is complete and has all the necessary supporting documentation. It can be beneficial to speak to a Kingsport disability lawyer right from the beginning to ensure your application has the best chance of success. If your initial application is denied, it is imperative that you speak to a Kingsport disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group because the appeal process can be overwhelming without assistance.
I’ve Received an SSD Denial—Now What?
If your initial SSD application is denied, the best thing you can do for your future is to immediately contact a highly experienced disability attorney. The appeal process is not for the faint of heart, requiring specialized knowledge of the laws and the process. When you receive your denial following your initial application you have 60 days to file for Reconsideration. It’s important to note that the Reconsideration phase will be determined by the same department that issued your denial.
Providing additional documentation can potentially change the denial to an approval during reconsideration, but the percentage of claims that are approved during Reconsideration is low. If you are denied at Reconsideration, your next step will be to ask for an appeal before an Administrative Law Judge. At this appeal, you absolutely need a strong legal advocate from the Carmichael Law Group. Your attorney will have insider knowledge of the process and likely knows all the “players.”
Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
Generally speaking, if you make more than $1,350 per month you are considered by SS to be engaging in “substantial gainful employment.” If you can engage in substantial gainful employment, then you are not—under SS rules—considered disabled. Once you are receiving disability benefits, if you want to try to go back to work, there is a program known as Ticket to Work. Ticket to work allows you to receive free vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support.
If you decide to try to work, you are allowed to continue receiving your SSD benefits while you work. If, after completing a nine-month Trial Work Period, you will be considered to be engaging in substantial gainful employment. Your benefits will be suspended for the months in which your earnings are over the allowed amount during a 36-month re-entitlement period. If your earnings fall below the substantial level ($1,350) in that period, your benefits can be reinstated. At any time, if the SSD believes your medical condition has improved and you no longer have a disability, your benefits could be discontinued.
How a Kingsport Disability Lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group Can Help
When you are struggling financially because you need Social Security disability benefits but have been unable to secure them, a Kingsport disability lawyer from the Carmichael Law Group can help you through this difficult time. We understand what you are facing and how you feel. We are compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced disability attorneys who help those across the nation with initial applications and SSD appeals. Don’t face the uncertainties of your future on your own—contact the Carmichael Law Group today.
Kingsport Social Security Field Office
The Kingsport Tennessee Social Security Field Office located at 2401 South Wilcox Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660 provides services to disabled claimants living in Hawkins and Sullivan Counties. The direct telephone number for the Kingsport Field Office is 1-888-487-0161 and the direct fax number is 1-833-905-2064.
