If you’re considering applying for disability benefits in North Carolina, understanding the qualification criteria is important. At Golson, McCracken Inc., we’ve helped countless individuals across Raleigh, Sanford, Mebane, Greensboro, Charlotte, and other parts of North Carolina navigate the complex world of disability benefits. In this post, we’ll break down the five key criteria you need to meet to qualify for disability benefits in our state.

1. Medical Condition Severity

The first criterion is the severity of your medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of disability, and your condition must meet this definition to qualify for benefits.

What Constitutes a Qualifying Disability?

To be considered disabled by the SSA, your condition must:

1. Be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities
2. Have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or result in death

The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions, known as the Blue Book, that automatically qualify as disabilities if the specific criteria are met. However, even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if it’s considered medically equivalent to a listed impairment.

Common Qualifying Conditions

While any condition that meets the SSA’s definition can potentially qualify, some of the most common conditions we see at Golson, McCracken Inc. include:

1. Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back problems, arthritis)
2. Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
3. Cardiovascular conditions
4. Neurological disorders
5. Respiratory illnesses

Remember, it’s not just the diagnosis that matters, but how the condition impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities.

2. Work Credits and Recent Work Test

For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have earned enough work credits through your employment history. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled.

Understanding Work Credits

1. You can earn up to four work credits per year
2. In 2024, you earn one credit for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income
3. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins

The Recent Work Test

This test ensures that you’ve worked recently enough before your disability began. The requirements vary based on your age:

1. If you’re 31 or older, you generally need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years
2. If you’re between 24 and 31, you need to have worked half the time between age 21 and the time you became disabled
3. If you’re under 24, you need 1.5 years of work in the three years before your disability began

3. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits

To qualify for disability benefits, your earnings must fall below what the SSA considers “substantial gainful activity” (SGA).

Understanding SGA Limits

For 2024, the monthly SGA amounts are:

1. $1,550 for non-blind individuals
2. $2,590 for blind individuals

If you’re earning more than these amounts, the SSA generally won’t consider you disabled, regardless of your medical condition.

Exceptions and Considerations

1. There are some exceptions to the SGA rule, particularly for self-employed individuals
2. The SSA considers not just your earnings, but also the nature of your work and how much you’re able to do

At Golson, McCracken Inc., we can help you understand how your specific work situation might impact your eligibility for disability benefits.

4. Duration of the Disability

As mentioned earlier, your disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or result in death. This duration requirement is a critical factor in determining eligibility for disability benefits.

Why the 12-Month Requirement Matters

This requirement ensures that disability benefits are reserved for those with long-term or permanent disabilities, rather than short-term or temporary conditions.

Exceptions and Considerations

1. Some conditions, such as certain types of cancer, may qualify for expedited processing under the Compassionate Allowances program
2. If your condition is expected to improve, the SSA may schedule periodic reviews to reassess your eligibility

5. Inability to Perform Substantial Work

Finally, to qualify for disability benefits, you must be unable to perform substantial work in not just your previous job, but any job in the national economy.

The SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you’re unable to work:

1. Are you working at or above the SGA level?
2. Is your condition “severe”?
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listing in the Blue Book?
4. Can you do your past work?
5. Can you do any other type of work?

Factors Considered

When evaluating your ability to work, the SSA considers:

1. Your medical condition
2. Age
3. Education
4. Past work experience
5. Transferable skills

At Golson, McCracken Inc., we help our clients navigate this complex evaluation process, ensuring that all relevant factors are properly considered.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Navigating the disability benefits application process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a medical condition. That’s where Golson, McCracken Inc. comes in. Our team of experienced disability advocates understands the intricacies of the qualification criteria and can guide you through every step of the process.

How Golson, McCracken Inc. Can Help

1. Evaluate your case to determine if you meet the qualification criteria
2. Assist in gathering and organizing medical evidence
3. Help you understand and meet the work credit requirements
4. Guide you through the application process
5. Represent you in appeals if necessary

Golson, McCracken’s Commitment to North Carolina Residents

At Golson, McCracken Inc., we’re dedicated to helping individuals across North Carolina, including Raleigh, Sanford, Mebane, Greensboro, and Charlotte, secure the disability benefits they deserve. Our team understands the local landscape and has built strong relationships with medical providers and SSA offices throughout the state.

If you believe you meet the criteria for disability benefits in North Carolina, don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact Golson, McCracken Inc. today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your case and provide the guidance and support you need to secure your benefits.

Remember, understanding these five key criteria is just the first step. The application process itself can be complex and time-consuming. With Golson, McCracken Inc. by your side, you can focus on your health while we handle the intricacies of your disability claim.

Reach out to Golson, McCracken Inc. today, and let us help you navigate the path to securing your disability benefits in North Carolina.