What Is Considered a Fully Favorable SSDI Decision in North Carolina? 2025

After an illness or injury that left you unable to work, you may be entitled to receive disability benefits from the federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) disability benefits program. Under this program, you may receive crucial benefits at a time when it can make a significant difference in your life. When filing for benefits, you may wonder what is considered a fully favorable SSDI decision in North Carolina.

Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, shares information about SSDI, how to qualify, what fully favorable decisions mean, and reasons to work with a North Carolina attorney for a benefits claim.

Understanding SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is intended to provide benefits to people in North Carolina who are unable to work because of a qualifying disability or medical condition. In order to get financial assistance, applicants have to prove their work and medical eligibility. This process can be long and complicated.

As of March 2025, approximately 7.3 million U.S. disabled workers received SSDI benefits. On average, monthly benefits totaled $1,853.05. However, approval for benefits under the program isn’t guaranteed. Every year, about 2 million people apply for benefits, and the approval rate nationally for first-time applicants sits around 38 percent. Even if you do qualify, getting your first benefits payment can take time.

An experienced attorney can help expedite the process and ensure that a compelling benefits request package is filed. Contact Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, to discuss how we can help you qualify under the SSDI program. We routinely help clients qualify for benefits and work hard to appeal decisions when necessary.

North Carolina SSDI Benefits

According to the Social Security Administration, to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked in a job that’s covered by Social Security and have a diagnosed medical condition that falls within their strict disability definition. With a medical condition affecting your ability to work that is anticipated to affect you for at least one year or result in your death, you should be able to qualify for SSDI benefits.

Known for our rich history of manufacturing, telecommunications, textiles, automotive parts, and food processing, 12.9% of North Carolina’s residents in 2021 didn’t have health insurance. With such physically demanding jobs, SSDI benefits are often critically important.

Fully Favorable SSDI Decisions

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your claim for disability and your date of onset, you have what’s considered a fully favorable decision for your SSDI benefits. If so, you can get benefits and back pay from the date of disability onset. It’s the most sought-after SSDI outcome.

If you receive a favorable decision, you should start getting benefits the following month, and there’s nothing else to do. However, if your SSDI decision is unfavorable or even partially favorable, you may appeal. In that scenario, contact an attorney to discuss your next steps.

Improving Your Odds of Getting SSDI Benefits

In North Carolina, you can improve your odds of getting SSDI benefits right from the start by working with an attorney. People working without an attorney often submit incomplete paperwork, fail to include medical records, or make other errors.

With a lawyer, you can present a compelling benefits claim. They can:

• Review the application
• Discuss the decision process
• Gather evidence
• Manage deadlines
• Represent your interests throughout your benefits claim

With Lyndon R. Helton working on your behalf, you can have help qualifying for benefits. You don’t have to work through this challenging process alone. Set up a consultation right away.

FAQs

Why Do I Need an Attorney for Denied SSDI Benefits in North Carolina?

An attorney can help handle your SSDI benefits claim, and they’re there if you need help after a denial. The underlying process is confusing, and the appeal process if you’re denied benefits is even more overwhelming.

When you believe you’re entitled to benefits, you should pursue what’s fair for your SSDI benefits. An attorney can help gather evidence, correctly file paperwork, and expedite the overall process. Contact Lyndon R. Helton to discuss the entire SSDI process further.

When Should I File for SSDI Benefits?

To file for SSDI benefits, you are recommended to start right away. Under the SSDI guidelines, you are unable to get disability benefits unless and until you’ve been unable to go to work for one year after your disability or accident date.

However, you can start preparing your application right away. You can get started early, and with an attorney’s help, you can ensure you follow all SSDI and SSA requirements.

How Does a Partially Favorable SSDI Decision Affect My SSDI Payments?

SSDI benefits are based on your credits for working, which you can earn through wage taxes. The more credits you’ve earned, the more you’ve paid into the SSDI system. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reported that SSDI payments for 2023 averaged approximately $1,483 per month.

If you receive a partially favorable decision, it impacts the amount of your benefits, while a fully favorable decision usually provides the maximum available monthly benefits. Contact an attorney to discuss your potential recovery.

Should I Appeal My SSDI Decision in North Carolina?

As a resident of North Carolina, an attorney can help you appeal your SSDI decision if it’s anything other than fully favorable. You should appeal if you don’t agree with an unfavorable decision, especially if it’s a denial of SSDI benefits.

It’s worth speaking with an attorney who could help you potentially receive significantly more monthly benefits. Contact Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, for more information.

Contact Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC

If you need help preparing a disability benefits claim or an appeal, contact our office. For over 25 years, Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, has helped people with SSDI claims. We serve Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties. We routinely make our clients’ needs our top priority.

Located in Hickory, our office is right off I-40 near the Blowing Rock Draft House & Brewery. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with a knowledgeable North Carolina lawyer about SSDI benefits.