Initial Applications

Preparing Your Initial Social Security Disability Claim

Many people file an initial application for disability benefits on their own. They know they cannot work: they would not apply otherwise. They think their doctors’ reports will state clearly everything that is wrong with them. They assume the Social Security Administration will look at their information and be convinced. No one feels they are just a number on a blood pressure cuff or a Social Security claims file, yet they often get treated that way.

You are not just a number to us.

At the Charlotte law office of Hempson & Zupanec, we can help you prepare your initial application for disability benefits so that you get the help you deserve as soon as possible. In fiscal year 2006, more than 70% of initial applicants were denied benefits in North Carolina. In South Carolina, the initial denial rate was 76.7%.

Some people are denied at the initial application stage because they did not present enough details about their disabilities. They may not have known to list everything that could be considered an impairment. They may not have provided all the important medical evidence. They may not have been able to fill out the questionnaires that the Social Security office sent them while it was in the process of reviewing their claim.

When you step into our office, you will meet directly with an attorney who can help you understand what Social Security needs in order to approve your application.

Important Social Security Disability Claim Information

Whether we meet for the first time at our office or your home, we will review with you all the important information in your case, including:

• Reasons you are disabled
• Medical providers and treatments
• Diagnostic tests
• Medications you are taking and any side effects they cause you
• Prior work experience, including when you last worked
• Age
• Level of education

We will ask you questions that will help you think about what you are able to do. We will explain how the Social Security Administration analyzes claims. We will help you apply this analysis to your own case. At the initial application stage, we will be available to answer all your questions. We will do everything we can to help make sure your claim is prepared carefully and thoroughly from the very beginning.

Contact Us

The first step in securing disability benefits is to file a claim with the Social Security Administration. Contact us for help in making sure that your case is prepared and presented fully at the very first step.