Experienced Charlotte disability attorneys helping you cut through the red tape and maximize your Social Security benefits after a life-altering disability in North Carolina
Social Security disability benefits are a lifeline for millions of Americans who can no longer work due to serious medical conditions. If you’re struggling with a disability, these benefits aren’t just financial support—they’re the security you need to keep a roof over your head, put food on the table, and access the medical care you deserve.
If you’ve started the process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you probably already know how complicated it can be. The paperwork is overwhelming, the rules are confusing, and far too many people are denied benefits—even when they clearly qualify. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and unfair.
If you’re struggling to get the benefits you need, you don’t have to do it alone. At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, our experienced Charlotte disability lawyers know the system inside and out.
We’ve helped countless people get their disability benefits, whether they’re applying for the first time or fighting an unfair denial. We know how to cut through the red tape and make your case as strong as possible.
You focus on your health—we’ll handle the rest.
Schedule a free consultation with Wilder Pantazis Law Group today to get your disability claim on the right track.
Meet our attorneys
Disability attorneys serving clients across North and South Carolina
Wilder Pantazis Law Group is powered by a team of tried and tested attorneys with decades of experience successfully handling injury and disability cases across North and South Carolina. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of legal services in the areas of Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, personal injury, and complex civil litigation.
Annemarie Pantazis 
Rob Wilder 
Beau Wilder 
Allison Vaughn 
Vince Varano Client reviews and testimonials
Recommend 100%
Annemarie exceeded my expectations in EVERY way possible surrounding my injury and case. I was referred by a friend and so happy I sought out the help I didn’t know that I needed. Managing my case and recovery felt like a full time job each and everything took a complete 180 after I hired her. She was very knowledgeable and honest throughout my entire process and I appreciate it so much. Annemarie, thank you for helping me navigate one of the worst times of my life. I will always be grateful! I recommend her 100%!
– Michelle C.
Fabulous experience
Absolutely fabulous experience!!! I literally can’t say enough kind words about Allison and the entire team. Very quick response to every email and phone call (there were many). Answered every question professionally and quickly through my entire case! I would give her a 100 star review if possible!!!
– Scott M.
Best in the city
Wilder Pantazis law firm is the best in the city. They are kind and caring. They have extensive knowledge of the law and explore all resources for a fair and equitable outcome for their clients. I highly recommend this firm.
– Kathleen C.
Exceeded my expectations
As a health care professional, I hold people to a high standard. Beau Wilder has exceeded my expectations. He has kept my best interest in mind at all times. Beau and his support staff have calmed my fears, provided guidance and reassurance. The communication is consistent and timely. Beau can explain the law in terms even I can understand. I would recommend Beau to my family or friends.
– Amanda R.
FAQs about disability benefits in North Carolina
How many people in the U.S. have a disability?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million people in the U.S.—about 1 in 4—are living with a disability. Its data also shows that people with disabilities are more likely to experience long COVID, with nearly 11% of people with a disability reporting COVID-19 symptoms that lasted 3 months or longer.
What’s the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) both provide disability benefits, but they have key differences:
- SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security through taxes. Your benefits depend on your work history and earnings.
- SSI is for people with little to no income or assets, regardless of work history. It’s a needs-based program that helps those with disabilities who don’t qualify for SSDI.
Both programs require proof of disability, but eligibility depends on your work history and financial situation.
Is it better to be on SSI or SSDI?
Generally speaking, SSDI is better if you qualify because it typically provides higher monthly payments based on your work history, allows access to Medicare after 2 years, and doesn’t have strict income and asset limits. SSI is a kind of safety net for those who don’t qualify for SSDI, but the payments are lower and subject to strict financial limits.
Can I collect SSI and SSDI at the same time?
Yes, if you’re eligible for both, you can receive SSI to supplement SSDI.
What qualifies you for disability in North Carolina?
To qualify for disability benefits in North Carolina, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means:
- Your condition significantly restricts your ability to work and earn a living.
- It is severe enough that you cannot do your past work or adjust to other types of work.
- It is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA has a list of qualifying conditions, but even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if it severely limits your ability to function and work. Strong medical evidence—such as doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment history—is essential for proving your disability.
What disability is hard to prove?
Some disabilities are harder to prove when applying for benefits in North Carolina, especially if there’s no clear medical test to back up the diagnosis or the symptoms come and go. Here are some of the most challenging conditions to get approved for Social Security disability:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and cognitive issues. Memory loss, trouble focusing, and brain fog aren’t always obvious on scans, so neuropsychological testing and detailed records are key.
- Chronic pain conditions (like fibromyalgia, migraines, or complex regional pain syndrome). Since there’s no single test to confirm these conditions, you’ll need strong medical records and detailed notes from your doctor.
- Neurological disorders (like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s). Even with a diagnosis, you’ll need to prove how symptoms like seizures or tremors affect daily life and job performance.
- Mental health disorders (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder). These conditions rely on self-reported symptoms and psychiatric evaluations, which can make them harder to prove.
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis). Symptoms can flare up unpredictably, making it tough to show a consistent impact on your ability to work.
- Rare or misunderstood conditions (like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or dysautonomia). If a condition isn’t well-known or doesn’t have standard diagnostic criteria, getting benefits can be an uphill battle.
Since these conditions often lack concrete, black-and-white medical proof, strong medical evidence, detailed doctor statements, treatment history, and personal documentation (such as symptom diaries) are essential for a successful disability claim.
What gives 100% disability?
Some medical conditions automatically meet the criteria for total disability, while others require strong medical evidence. Here are some that commonly result in full disability approval:
- Terminal illnesses. Advanced-stage cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or other conditions with a poor prognosis often qualify immediately.
- Advanced heart or lung disease. Conditions like congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at an advanced stage can prevent any substantial work.
- Total blindness or deafness. If vision or hearing loss is profound and cannot be corrected with aids, it may meet disability criteria.
- Loss of two limbs or paralysis. Amputations or paralysis that make it impossible to perform most jobs can qualify for full disability.
- Severe mental health disorders. Conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may qualify if they severely limit the ability to function in daily life despite treatment.
- Kidney failure requiring dialysis. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant typically qualifies.
If you have a severe disability and need help proving your case, working with a local Charlotte disability attorney from the start can significantly improve your chances of getting approved.
Why do most people get denied for disability?
Most people get denied disability benefits because the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements and demands strong medical evidence to prove you can’t work. Below are the most common reasons we’ve seen for denied disability applications:
You don’t have enough medical evidence
The SSA needs detailed medical records proving your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. If you don’t have consistent doctor visits, test results, or treatment history, they may deny your claim.
Your condition isn’t expected to last 12 months
To qualify for disability, your condition must be expected to last at least one year or be terminal. If the SSA thinks your condition will improve with treatment, they may deny your claim.
You earn too much money
If you’re working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620 per month for individuals who aren’t blind and $2,700 per month for individuals who are blind in 2025), the SSA will assume you are not disabled enough to need benefits.
Your impairment is caused by drug addiction or alcoholism
If your condition is linked to substance abuse, the SSA may deny your claim, arguing that your disability would improve if you stopped using drugs or alcohol. However, if you have an unrelated disabling condition, you might still qualify, but you’ll need strong medical evidence showing your condition exists independently of substance use.
You didn’t follow your doctor’s orders
If you aren’t following prescribed treatments—like taking medication, attending therapy, or having recommended surgeries—the SSA may argue that your condition could improve with treatment and deny your claim.
Your application had errors or missing information
The disability application process is long and complicated. Missing paperwork, incorrect details, or failure to submit required documents can cause automatic denial.
You can still do some type of work
Even if you can’t do your previous job, the SSA will look at whether you can do any job at all. If they believe you can adjust to another type of work, they will deny your claim.
You applied too soon
Some people apply right after they stop working, but the SSA needs proof that your condition is long-term. If you haven’t been out of work for long enough or don’t have a clear medical history, you may get denied.
Looking for the best Social Security disability attorneys near you in Charlotte?
If you’re feeling lost in the system after developing a disability, you’re not alone. At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we understand the stakes are incredibly high when you can’t work and are waiting for the support you need.
With extensive experience handling disability claims throughout North and South Carolina, our knowledgeable Charlotte disability lawyers know how to build strong cases, cut through the red tape, and fight for the benefits you’re rightfully owed.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we can simplify the process and secure the benefits you deserve.
Contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you get the full benefits you deserve.
Have more questions?
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References
CDC. (2016, January 1). CDC Newsroom. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0716-Adult-disability.html
How You Qualify | Disability Benefits | SSA. (n.d.). Www.ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html#anchor3
Part III – Listing of Impairments (Overview). (2019). Ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm
Substantial Gainful Activity. (n.d.). Www.ssa.gov. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html