On October 30, 2026, the Social Security Administration’s biggest update in years to its rules for heart and blood vessel conditions took effect. SSA’s medical criteria for these conditions, called the cardiovascular “listings,” had gone largely unchanged for about two decades. The new version adds conditions that weren’t listed before, creates new ways to qualify…

Quick answer: A Social Security disability advocate is an attorney or qualified non-attorney who represents you before the Social Security Administration (SSA). An advocate helps you file your claim, gathers the medical evidence SSA needs, tracks every deadline and represents you at appeals and hearings. Most advocates are paid only if you win, and SSA…

If you’re receiving disability benefits and considering filing for bankruptcy, you may be wondering how this decision could impact your source of income. At Golson, McCracken Inc., we understand that this is a common concern for many of our clients across North Carolina, from Raleigh to Charlotte. In this guide, we’ll explore the relationship between…

Quick answer: To qualify for Social Security disability in North Carolina, you generally must (1) have a medical condition that severely limits your ability to work, (2) expect it to last at least 12 months or result in death, (3) be unable to do your past work or any other work, (4) earn less than…