Matthews Social Security Disability Lawyer

Matthews Social Security Disability Attorney

Social Security Disability coverage is meant to be a safety net for people who cannot work because of a physical or mental disability. The program benefits millions each year, but it can be difficult to secure approval for benefits. If you are in the Matthews area and need to apply for benefits or reapply after your initial application was rejected, an experienced Matthews Social Security Disability lawyer can help you sort through the paperwork and get the benefits you need.

Ayers, Ayers & Dressler – Your Social Security Disability Advocates

At Ayers, Ayers & Dressler, we help deserving people navigate the Social Security Disability system. From our office at 301 South McDowell Street in Charlotte, we advocate for clients all over the area, helping them sort out their paperwork, submit applications, and appeal decisions when necessary. We bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to every case we take on. No matter how complicated your situation may be, we have what it takes to help you.

What is Social Security Disability? 

Social Security Disability is an insurance program that provides monetary assistance to people who cannot work because they are disabled due to a physical or mental health condition. The money for the program comes from the federal Social Security program, which most working Americans pay into every pay period. 

People on Social Security Disability benefits may receive a monthly check as well as Medicare health insurance. Usually, beneficiaries are automatically enrolled in Medicare two years after the date they become eligible for disability benefits. There are a couple of exceptions to this. Individuals suffering from ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, are immediately eligible for Medicare. Additionally, people with kidney failure can receive Medicare benefits earlier if they receive a kidney transplant or begin dialysis. 

How Do I Get Benefits?

Disability is not rare. In fact, 28.7% of adults in the United States live with some kind of disability. At the end of 2024, around 8.6 million Americans were collecting Social Security Disability benefits. In order for a person to qualify for Social Security Disability, the following statements must be true: 

• The person has a mental or physical condition, diagnosed by a professional, that precludes them from working.
  
• The condition is expected to persist for at least one year.
  
• The person’s individual income does not exceed the maximum limits, which change each year based on cost of living, inflation, and other factors. For 2026, the income limit is $1,690. For individuals who are blind, the limit is $2,830.
  
• The individual applying for coverage has sufficient work history. Applicants over the age of 24 are required to have worked for five of the past 10 years, not necessarily consecutively. 

If you meet these basic qualifications, you can submit an application for benefits online or in person at a Social Security Administration office. For Matthews residents, the nearest office is in Charlotte, located at 2201 Coronation Boulevard, Suite 100. 

The application requires documents showing your medical history, documenting your disability, and any treatments you have tried. It is important to demonstrate that your disability is acknowledged by physicians and that you have made an effort to follow your doctor’s instructions. You also have to provide income information to show that your monthly income does not exceed the limits set by the Social Security Administration.

The paperwork for the application can be somewhat complicated, and mistakes can lead to applications being denied. In some cases, applications are denied because the reviewer does not have enough information to verify the disability. 

Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are preparing to apply for benefits, or if you have already applied and need to try again after a rejection, you should hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to help you. An attorney who is familiar with the ins and outs of applying for benefits can be a great asset to you. The attorneys at Ayers, Ayers & Dressler have seen countless Social Security Disability benefits applications, and they understand what leads to a denial and what leads to an approval. 

If you need to appeal a denial in Matthews, NC, your attorney can help you by advocating for a hearing for your case. Along with your lawyer, you can determine the reasons for your denial and find the documentation you need to support your case and secure the benefits you need. 

FAQs About Matthews, NC Social Security Disability Laws

Can I Return to Work Without Losing Benefits in Matthews?

Yes, it is possible to return to work without losing your Social Security Disability approval in Matthews. The system specifically allows people to ease back into work while retaining their benefits. So, if you want to try to return to work, you can continue to use Medicare insurance. If you make more than the maximum income, you would not receive a check for that month. 

What Does It Cost to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Matthews?

The cost to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer in Matthews and the surrounding area can vary widely. Attorneys generally bill on an hourly basis, and they set their own individual rates and fee structures. However, most lawyers who take Social Security Disability cases do so on a contingency model, meaning they do not require an up-front fee. Instead, they receive a percentage of the overdue benefits they secure for you.

Can Mental Health Disorders Qualify a Person for Disability Benefits in Matthews? 

Yes, mental health disorders can qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits in Matthews. Some mental health disorders are severe enough that they prevent sufferers from working a regular job, so they qualify as disabilities for Social Security Disability benefit purposes. Like physical disabilities, mental disabilities must be adequately documented by mental health professionals. 

Can I Still Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits if My Spouse Makes More Than the Income Limit in North Carolina? 

Yes. You can still qualify for North Carolina Social Security Disability benefits even if your spouse makes more than the prescribed income limit. Only your personal income is considered when determining whether or not you qualify for benefits, so what your spouse makes is not relevant to your application. If you have questions about this, your attorney can answer them and help you understand your exact situation. 

Contact Ayers, Ayers & Dressler Today 

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be stressful, and many first-time applicants are denied due to insufficient documentation or other paperwork mistakes. Hiring a seasoned attorney can make all the difference in the process. Contact Ayers, Ayers & Dressler today to find out how we can help you.