What to Do If Your SSDI Check Isn’t Enough to Survive in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a current cost of living that’s similar to the national average. This makes the Tar Heel State neither very expensive nor very cheap when compared to other states across the country. If you’re in an accident or suffer a serious illness and are unable to work, you can file for SSDI benefits. However, those monthly payments may prove lacking. It’s important to consider what to do if your SSDI check isn’t enough to survive in North Carolina.

What Should I Do If My SSDI Check Isn’t Enough?

If your SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) check isn’t enough to cover your living expenses while residing in North Carolina, you can explore other available options. You may want to consider state-administered supplements, other governmental assistance programs, and resources for managing basic needs. Additionally, you can consider exploring federal assistance programs, like SNAP and Medicaid, to help with food and healthcare costs.

Governmental Assistance Programs

The federal government has several programs to assist those who need additional help with living expenses. These include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If your income and other resources are limited, you can apply for SSI in addition to SSDI. SSI provides monthly payments to those who qualify.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program used to be known as the food stamp assistance program, and it can provide money for groceries and essential items.
• Medicaid. This provides healthcare coverage for medical costs and hospital bills.

North Carolina Programs

In North Carolina, you can also qualify for rent rebates or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Our state’s social services and disability support agency can assist with cost-of-living expenses as well. Assistance programs in our area can help with cell phone costs, homemaker services, transportation, and meals.

Other Benefits

Depending upon your situation, you might qualify for supplemental assistance. Consider applying for:

• Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC)
• Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIP-NC) for employee disabilities
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) or ABLE accounts to set up a savings account that doesn’t impact your preexisting benefits.

Also, there are other avenues of financial recovery for specific individuals. If you need help, seek trustworthy professional guidance.

Consult a Disability Lawyer

To explore all methods of financial assistance, contact a trusted lawyer familiar with disability law and its related programs. A disability lawyer can make sure you are getting the maximum benefits through SSDI, manage your application, and help you file for any other programs for which you may qualify. They can answer any questions you have and use their experience to improve your individual situation.

By exploring these available options and seeking additional financial support from federal and state agencies, you can find other ways to supplement your SSDI benefits and manage your living expenses in North Carolina.

Why Choose Us?

If you fear that your SSDI payments are not enough to cover your cost-of-living expenses as a resident of North Carolina, contact an attorney. Whether you live in Burke, Caldwell, or Catawba County, we can represent your interests. Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can help you file for SSDI benefits and discuss other ways to supplement your payments through other available assistance programs.

Lyndon R. Helton is a true native of this beautiful state, and he works tirelessly for his clients to maximize their recovery and provide clear, open communication. He’s worked in the legal field for over 20 years. As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, he knows how to fight for what’s right. For assistance with your SSDI claim, contact our dedicated team.

FAQs

Can I Get Emergency Money From Social Security?

Yes, you can potentially get emergency money from Social Security. You can apply for an Emergency Advance Payment (EAP) for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This option is available only to individuals who are initially applying for SSI benefits and facing a financial crisis. To qualify, you must demonstrate a true need for emergency funds because you lack resources to cover your essential expenses, like shelter, food, or medical care.

When Should I Start My SSDI Benefits Application?

Ideally, you should start your application for SSDI benefits right away after you’ve suffered a debilitating injury or illness. To get the SSDI recovery you deserve, it’s recommended that you start quickly on the application because it can take a while to get it approved.

An attorney can guide you through all the SSDI application requirements and improve your likelihood of approval.

Do a Lot of People Qualify for SSDI?

It can be hard to qualify for SSDI. In this country, nearly 7.3 million disabled workers got SSDI benefits last year. The amount received, on average, for monthly benefits equaled $1,853.05. However, the approval rate for SSDI hovers around 38 percent for all first-time applicants.

Consult Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, to discuss your eligibility for SSDI and how to maximize your benefits.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer If My SSDI Benefits Are Denied?

You should hire a lawyer if your SSDI benefits are denied because an attorney can get you what you need for your financial recovery. They can help with a claim and assess an SSDI benefits denial. If you thought the application process was confusing, the appeal process can be even more complicated. An attorney can guide you through the process and provide reassurance. Contact our office to discuss how we can advocate for you after a denial.

Contact a Knowledgeable North Carolina SSDI Disability Benefits Lawyer

If you are hurt or unable to work due to a serious illness, you need an experienced lawyer to get your deserved SSDI benefits. Sometimes, even when you secure benefits, it’s not enough to cover your expenses for daily living in North Carolina. In that situation, an attorney can work with you to uncover some alternate methods of financial assistance.

If you need this type of legal aid beyond your SSDI benefits, Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can counsel you. Contact us to schedule a meeting with a dedicated attorney to further discuss your situation.