Win the benefits you deserve
NC Social Security Lawyer
You’ve worked all your life, paid taxes and expected the Government to live up to its promise to help you if you became unable to work because of a medical problem. And now, you have a medical problem that keeps you from working and you need Social Security disability to help pay the bills. But the Social Security Administration says it will not pay you because your medical problem is not serious.
You need the experience of Attorney Greg Kornegay to help get the benefits you deserve.
Struggling with a social security benefits issue and need a Social Security Lawyer in Eastern North Carolina? Experienced trial attorney Greg Kornegay has the answers you need.
Two Programs for Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
is for individuals who are insured because of their contributions to the Social Security trust fund – they have worked a certain amount of time, paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. However, there are cutoff dates and requirements that apply (i.e., credits, quarters of coverage).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
is for individuals who have limited income and resources. Prior work is not required to obtain SSI, however, the amount paid under a SSI case is generally much lower than with a Social Security Disability (DI) case. SSI is a welfare program. We have the experience to represent both programs.
Let A Social Security Lawyer in Wilmington Fight For You!
Typical Bureaucratic Denial Language:
“We have determined that the condition is not severe enough to preclude work.”
“We have determined that the condition is not expected to remain severe enough for 12 months in a row to be considered disabling.”
“We have determined that the condition was not disabling on any date through , the last date insured for disability benefits.”
If you have received a Social Security disability denial letter from the Social Security Administration with any of the above explanations, or other explanations, you need to contact a disability attorney as soon as possible. You normally have 60 days from the date that you received the denial letter in which to appeal.
Get 25 years of experience from a Wilmington Social Security Disability Attorney fighting for you and call Greg Kornegay, Attorney at Law. Our fees are paid from your back benefits only when we win your case. We have handled a wide variety of medical conditions through the years resulting in many favorable decisions. We handle tough cases – no cherry picking.
Helpful Tips for Disability Claims:
- Talk to your doctor about disability before you apply to make sure your claim is supported.
- Never leave a Social Security office without proof of what you did while there.
- Send info to the Social Security office thru Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested.
- Take a list of your doctors and their contact info into the Social Security office when you first apply.
- Submit evidence of your diagnosis and functional limitations as soon as possible.
Compassionate Allowances
The government has set up a program that will allow faster processing times for certain impairments. If you have one of these medical problems, your case will be flagged by the Social Security Administration for a fast track. Your case will jump in front of others and be done sooner rather than later.
Social Security Disability Insurance FAQs
No question is too small. Every client is important. The Law Offices of Gregory Kornegay is an experienced social security disability insurance law firm. We help people file to get the benefits they deserve.
- All
- Applying for Benefits
- Basic Eligibility
- Denials & Appeals
- Family & Other Issues
- Medical Evidence
- Payments & Benefits
The Social Security Administration will aggressively fight your case if you are under 50 years old. The Social Security Administration’s own rules support their tougher stance against claimants less than 50 years old. This is legal age discrimination built into the rules and regulations used by the Social Security Administration. This creates problems for those under 50 years old that really need disability because of a severe impairment. It is fair to say there is an automatic suspicion by the Social Security Administration for anyone under 50 years of age applying for disability. This is because, normally, our limitations increase as we age. The Social Security Administration will assume you can adjust to some form of regular work if you are less than 50 years old. If you fall within this age category, you will need substantial evidence to prove your case. However, it can be done with the right medical evidence. You will need a functional capacity report signed by a medical doctor or psychologist, supported by medical notes and medical tests.
- Onset Date of Disability: Your onset date is when you became unable to work because of your impairment(s). Your back benefits are determined by this date – how far back in time you became unable to work. The farther back in time means more back benefits. There are limits on how far back in time your back benefits can go. The Judge will consider the date you had to stop working, the medical evidence, and your statement when setting the onset date.
- Drawing Unemployment: To get unemployment, you must be able to work. To get disability, you must not be able to work. These two positions are opposite and may cause problems for your case if you were paid unemployment benefits after the date you said you could not work.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Drug or alcohol abuse can cause problems in your case.
- Working or Trying to Work After the Onset Date:
Trying to work after the date you say you became unable to work can cause an issue in your case. The Judge will want to know the reason. If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation that satisfies the Judge, he or she will probably suggest that you change the date that you say you became unable to work, so that the new date will reflect the reality of what really happened. In contrast to regular work, an attempt to work is not real work under the rules. A few weeks or maybe a few months of trying to work is normal and many times the Judge will not hold this against you. This is seen as a commendable thing to do by a responsible person. If you attempted to work after the date you say you became unable to work, the Judge will want to know how long your attempt lasted, the type of work attempted, and how much you made. - Earnings After the Onset Date of Disability
- Failure to Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: If you have not followed your doctor’s treatment advice, this may cause problems in your case. You will need to explain why you have not followed your doctor’s advice. Acceptable reasons for failing to follow treatment are:
- You have a fear of surgery.
- You have had a similar unsuccessful surgery.
- The treatment is a high-risk
- Your doctor has advised you to get an amputation of an arm or leg.
- You cannot afford medical treatment.
Documentation of the existence of impairments must come from medical professionals that are accepted by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration has a specific rule for what is considered an acceptable medical source. A licensed doctor or psychologist must identify your problem. This is called a diagnosis. Your doctor should state how you would be doing in the future. This is called a prognosis. Once the existence of an impairment is established, all other medical and non-medical evidence is considered in assessing the severity of the impairments. Notes acceptable medical sources social security disability from doctor assistants, nurses, and other medical sources strengthen the case. Statements from family and friends help show your restrictions and pain. The bottom line is that the Social Security Administration wants to hear from a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Psychologist for the setting of a working diagnosis and then after the working diagnosis is set, additional medical sources come in to play to show the severity level of each impairment. We work disability cases in this way.
Below is a list of application checklist items.
- Dates of marriages and divorces
- Names and dates of birth of your minor children and your spouse
- Military service discharge information (DD 214) for all periods of active duty
- W-2 Form (or our IRS 1040 and Schedules C and SE if self-employed from last year
- Name, address and phone number of someone the Social Security Administration can contact who knows about your medical conditions and can help with your claim
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals, and clinics (look at your medical records you have)
- Names of medicines you are taking and which doctor prescribed them (look at your medicine bottles you have)
- Names and dates of medical tests you have had and which doctor sent you for them
- A list of jobs (up to 5) that you had in the 15 years before you became unable to work. Include the dates you worked at those jobs, if possible
- Information about any insurance or workers’ compensation claims you filed, such as claim number and name, address and phone number of insurance company
Talk to your doctor and ask if you are able to work at a regular job. If you cannot work, then proceed forward in the process and talk to a Social Security lawyer.
Apply for SSDI Disability online. Find your local Social Security Office for an in person interview. You must apply for SSI in person. You may call (800)772-1213 for an appointment.
The two Programs for disability are:
1. Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
2.Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for individuals who are insured because of their contributions to the Social Security trust fund – they have worked a certain amount of time, paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. However, there are cutoff dates and requirements that apply (i.e., credits, quarters of coverage).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for individuals who have limited income and resources. Prior work is not required to obtain SSI, however, the amount paid under a SSI case is generally much lower than with a Social Security Disability (DI) case. SSI benefit payments are lower. SSI is a welfare program. We have the experience to represent both programs. If you need an SSI attorney or an SSDI Attorney in Wilmington, call us at Greg Kornegay Law. We can help.
Usually every 3 to 7 years, depending on whether your condition is expected to improve.
Social Security offers a Trial Work Period where you can test working without losing benefits right away.
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children may qualify for auxiliary benefits based on your record.
SSDI is not affected, but SSI may change if your living situation or household income changes.
It can. Workers’ compensation, VA, or unemployment may reduce or conflict with your SSDI/SSI payments.
No. Benefits are suspended during incarceration, but can be reinstated after release.
SSDI: You get Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI: You usually get Medicaid immediately.
Not at the same time , when you reach full retirement age, SSDI converts to retirement benefits automatically.
You’ll speak with a judge about your medical issues and how they affect your work. A vocational expert may testify about jobs you can or cannot do. Your lawyer can cross-examine them.
Yes. You can appeal to the Appeals Council and then to federal court if necessary.
Your payment depends on your past earnings (for SSDI) or your income and assets (for SSI). The average SSDI benefit is around $1,500“$1,800/month.
Yes. Back pay goes back to your disability onset date or application date, depending on the type of benefit.
Sometimes. SSDI may be partly taxable if your total income is high. SSI is not taxable.
Many are denied because there isn’t enough medical evidence or Social Security thinks you can still do some kind of work.
You can file an appeal within 60 days. Most people who eventually win do so after appealing and going before a judge.
Wait times vary, but it’ often 12 to 18 months after you request a hearing.
You can still apply , but it’ best to document your symptoms and get any free or low-cost medical care if possible.
They evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent with medical evidence and how they limit your daily activities and ability to work.
They use a five-step process that looks at your medical condition, work ability, and age. If you can’t do your past work or any other work, you may be approved.
Social Security must consider the combined effect of all your impairments together, not just one at a time.
Yes. The older you are, the easier it becomes to qualify because it’ harder to adjust to new types of work.
Doctor’ notes, hospital records, test results (like MRIs, X-rays, labs), and treatment history are all important.
Maybe. If Social Security doesn’t have enough medical information, they’ll send you to a short consultative exam at no cost to you.
Social Security has a list of serious impairments called the œBlue Book. But you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t on the list, as long as it keeps you from doing full-time work.
Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, depending on your age.
Yes , through SSI, if you meet the financial limits and have a severe disability.
Your condition must be severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity (usually earning more than $1,550/month in 2025).
Maybe. You can earn a small amount, but if you make over the substantial gainful activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.
SSDI: You get Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI: You usually get Medicaid immediately.
Not at the same time , when you reach full retirement age, SSDI converts to retirement benefits automatically.
Social Security offers a Trial Work Period where you can test working without losing benefits right away.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record, and if found disabled, you automatically qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with little income and few assets, even if they haven’t worked much. SSI is based on your financial situation, and you will often qualify for Medicaid if found disabled. There are strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI.
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. Social Security looks at your medical records, work history, and age.
Yes. You can appeal to the Appeals Council and then to federal court if necessary.
Your payment depends on your past earnings (for SSDI) or your income and assets (for SSI). The average SSDI benefit is around $1,500“$1,800/month.
Yes. Back pay goes back to your disability onset date or application date, depending on the type of benefit.
Sometimes. SSDI may be partly taxable if your total income is high. SSI is not taxable.
Wait times vary, but it’ often 12 to 18 months after you request a hearing.
You’ll speak with a judge about your medical issues and how they affect your work. A vocational expert may testify about jobs you can or cannot do. Your lawyer can cross-examine them.
You can still apply , but it’ best to document your symptoms and get any free or low-cost medical care if possible.
They evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent with medical evidence and how they limit your daily activities and ability to work.
Many are denied because there isn’t enough medical evidence or Social Security thinks you can still do some kind of work.
You can file an appeal within 60 days. Most people who eventually win do so after appealing and going before a judge.
Doctor’ notes, hospital records, test results (like MRIs, X-rays, labs), and treatment history are all important.
Maybe. If Social Security doesn’t have enough medical information, they’ll send you to a short consultative exam at no cost to you.
They use a five-step process that looks at your medical condition, work ability, and age. If you can’t do your past work or any other work, you may be approved.
Social Security must consider the combined effect of all your impairments together, not just one at a time.
Yes. The older you are, the easier it becomes to qualify because it’ harder to adjust to new types of work.
Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, depending on your age.
Yes , through SSI, if you meet the financial limits and have a severe disability.
Your condition must be severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity (usually earning more than $1,550/month in 2025).
Maybe. You can earn a small amount, but if you make over the substantial gainful activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.
Social Security has a list of serious impairments called the œBlue Book. But you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t on the list, as long as it keeps you from doing full-time work.
Wait times vary, but it’ often 12 to 18 months after you request a hearing.
You’ll speak with a judge about your medical issues and how they affect your work. A vocational expert may testify about jobs you can or cannot do. Your lawyer can cross-examine them.
Yes. You can appeal to the Appeals Council and then to federal court if necessary.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record, and if found disabled, you automatically qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with little income and few assets, even if they haven’t worked much. SSI is based on your financial situation, and you will often qualify for Medicaid if found disabled. There are strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI.
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. Social Security looks at your medical records, work history, and age.
Many are denied because there isn’t enough medical evidence or Social Security thinks you can still do some kind of work.
You can file an appeal within 60 days. Most people who eventually win do so after appealing and going before a judge.
Maybe. If Social Security doesn’t have enough medical information, they’ll send you to a short consultative exam at no cost to you.
You can still apply , but it’ best to document your symptoms and get any free or low-cost medical care if possible.
They evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent with medical evidence and how they limit your daily activities and ability to work.
Social Security must consider the combined effect of all your impairments together, not just one at a time.
Yes. The older you are, the easier it becomes to qualify because it’ harder to adjust to new types of work.
Doctor’ notes, hospital records, test results (like MRIs, X-rays, labs), and treatment history are all important.
Maybe. You can earn a small amount, but if you make over the substantial gainful activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.
They use a five-step process that looks at your medical condition, work ability, and age. If you can’t do your past work or any other work, you may be approved.
Social Security has a list of serious impairments called the œBlue Book. But you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t on the list, as long as it keeps you from doing full-time work.
Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, depending on your age.
Yes , through SSI, if you meet the financial limits and have a severe disability.
Your condition must be severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity (usually earning more than $1,550/month in 2025).
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. Social Security looks at your medical records, work history, and age.
Doctor’ notes, hospital records, test results (like MRIs, X-rays, labs), and treatment history are all important.
Maybe. If Social Security doesn’t have enough medical information, they’ll send you to a short consultative exam at no cost to you.
You can still apply , but it’ best to document your symptoms and get any free or low-cost medical care if possible.
They evaluate whether your symptoms are consistent with medical evidence and how they limit your daily activities and ability to work.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record, and if found disabled, you automatically qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with little income and few assets, even if they haven’t worked much. SSI is based on your financial situation, and you will often qualify for Medicaid if found disabled. There are strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI.
Your condition must be severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity (usually earning more than $1,550/month in 2025).
Maybe. You can earn a small amount, but if you make over the substantial gainful activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.
They use a five-step process that looks at your medical condition, work ability, and age. If you can’t do your past work or any other work, you may be approved.
Social Security must consider the combined effect of all your impairments together, not just one at a time.
Yes. The older you are, the easier it becomes to qualify because it’ harder to adjust to new types of work.
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. Social Security looks at your medical records, work history, and age.
Social Security has a list of serious impairments called the œBlue Book. But you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t on the list, as long as it keeps you from doing full-time work.
Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, depending on your age.
Yes , through SSI, if you meet the financial limits and have a severe disability.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record, and if found disabled, you automatically qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with little income and few assets, even if they haven’t worked much. SSI is based on your financial situation, and you will often qualify for Medicaid if found disabled. There are strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI.
They use a five-step process that looks at your medical condition, work ability, and age. If you can’t do your past work or any other work, you may be approved.
Social Security must consider the combined effect of all your impairments together, not just one at a time.
Yes. The older you are, the easier it becomes to qualify because it’ harder to adjust to new types of work.
Your condition must be severe enough that you can’t perform any substantial gainful activity (usually earning more than $1,550/month in 2025).
Maybe. You can earn a small amount, but if you make over the substantial gainful activity limit, your claim will likely be denied.
Yes, through SSI, if you meet the financial limits and have a severe disability.
You must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 continuous months or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months. Social Security looks at your medical records, work history, and age.
Social Security has a list of serious impairments called the œBlue Book. But you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t on the list, as long as it keeps you from doing full-time work.
Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, depending on your age.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are based on your earnings record, and if found disabled, you automatically qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with little income and few assets, even if they haven’t worked much. SSI is based on your financial situation, and you will often qualify for Medicaid if found disabled. There are strict income and asset limits to qualify for SSI.
Bottom Line
The Government weighs evidence in the following order of importance:
1. Medical tests
2. Opinions of treating doctors
3. What you say about your medical problems.
A good medical test makes the Judge happy. The Judge will not have to guess. However, most cases have all three types of evidence. It is desirable to have medical tests and doctors’ opinions, all saying you have a serious medical problem. This means you will likely win your case.
