OUR SS DISABILITY LAWYERS ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL
Social Security Disability Attorneys
When your health makes work impossible, the forms, deadlines, and letters from Social Security can feel like a second job. You do not have to do it alone. At Kellum Law Firm, this work is personal. Attorney Jeffrey W. Phillips has represented thousands of North Carolinians in nearly 2,500 disability hearings, and our team will meet you where you are, explain what to expect, and keep the process moving.
Whether you are filing your first application, fixing a stalled claim, or appealing a denial, we gather the right medical evidence, speak your doctors’ language, and prepare you for your hearing so your story comes through clearly. We handle the paperwork and the follow ups so you can focus on your health and your family.
Start with a free case review. If we do not win, you do not owe an attorney’s fee.
PERSONAL INJURY | AUTO / MOTORCYCLE / TRUCK ACCIDENTS | WORKERS’ COMP. | SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY | WRONGFUL DEATH
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For 50+ years we’ve helped folks in North Carolina with their social security disability claims.
North Carolina residents with disabilities who cannot work may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI). This (and other) federal programs provide benefits to people who meet the Social Security Administration’s requirements for disability. The application for SSDI can be a complex procedure and we recommend that you seek help as early in the process as possible.
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Get the Disability Benefits You Deserve — With Help From an Experienced North Carolina Attorney
When a serious health condition forces you out of work, the process of applying for disability benefits can feel like one more burden. That’s why it helps to have someone who knows the system standing beside you. At Kellum Law Firm, attorney Jeffrey W. Phillips has spent nearly two decades helping North Carolinians navigate the complex Social Security Disability process—from the first application to the hearing stage and beyond.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the main programs available for people unable to work, but the process of qualifying can be confusing and time-consuming. Fewer than one in three applicants in North Carolina are approved on their first try. Having an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer early in the process can make all the difference.
Our role is to simplify the system for you. We gather medical evidence, handle every piece of paperwork, and prepare you for your hearing so your story is clearly understood. If your claim has already been denied, we’ll guide you through the appeal process and fight for the benefits you deserve—whether through negotiation or at a hearing before a judge.
Because we live and work in North Carolina, we understand how local rules and federal laws fit together. With offices in Jacksonville, New Bern, and Greenville, our disability team is here to help you locally and personally.
Let’s start with a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and only charge a fee if we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability (SSD) Claims
1. What’s the difference between SSDI and SSI, and which one should I apply for?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one or both programs. (Kellum Law Firm can help clients pursuing a SSDI claim, not SSI).
2. Why was my initial SSDI claim denied—even though I can’t work?
Most first-time applications are denied, often due to incomplete medical documentation, missing work history, or misunderstanding how your condition affects your ability to work. A denial doesn’t mean you’re not eligible—it means the SSA didn’t get the full picture. An experienced disability attorney can help correct that.
3. How long will it take to get a decision on my claim?
The timeline varies, but initial decisions often take 3 to 6 months. If your claim is denied and you appeal, the process can take much longer—sometimes over a year. Having legal representation early in the process can reduce delays and increase your chances of success.
4. Can I work part-time or do gig jobs while applying for SSDI benefits?
You can, but it’s risky. Earning over a certain monthly threshold (known as Substantial Gainful Activity) may disqualify you. Even lower earnings can trigger scrutiny from the SSA. If you’re unsure, talk to an attorney before working during the application process.
5. I have multiple health conditions—how does that affect my SSDI claim?
The SSA considers your overall ability to function, not just one condition. If you have several impairments that together make it impossible to sustain full-time work, you may qualify. Be sure to document how each condition impacts your daily life and work capacity.
6. Do mental health conditions qualify for disability benefits?
Yes, conditions like depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety may qualify—especially when they interfere with concentration, social interaction, or daily functioning. You’ll need consistent medical treatment and documentation from mental health professionals to support your claim.
7. I was recently denied—should I start over or file an appeal?
In most cases, filing an appeal is better than starting over. Restarting the process can cause you to lose valuable back pay. The appeals process includes multiple steps, and most successful claims are won during reconsideration or at a hearing with an administrative law judge.
8. How much does it cost to hire a Social Security Disability attorney?
At Kellum Law Firm, there’s no upfront cost. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is regulated by federal law and comes out of your back pay—never your future benefits.
What Types of Social Security Disability Claims Does Kellum Law Firm Handle?
At Kellum Law Firm, we’ve helped thousands of clients across North Carolina obtain the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits they need and deserve. Whether your disability is the result of a lifelong condition, a recent injury, or a mental health diagnosis, our experienced attorneys understand how to present your case in the strongest possible light—both medically and legally.
We Handle ONLY SSDI Claims
There are two primary types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration:
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For disabled individuals with limited income and few financial resources, regardless of work history.
Our legal team can help determine which program you qualify for.
Common Medical Conditions That Qualify
Social Security does not approve benefits based solely on a diagnosis. Instead, the SSA evaluates how your condition limits your ability to work full-time. That’s why building a case requires more than listing symptoms—it demands a thorough presentation of your functional limitations.
We regularly handle claims involving:
- Orthopedic injuries (back, neck, joint disorders)
- Autoimmune conditions (Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS)
- Neurological disorders (epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
- Heart and circulatory problems (congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease)
- Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
- Severe respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma)
- Kidney failure or other organ dysfunction
- Mental health disorders (depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Cancer and conditions undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
Disabilities From Workplace Accidents or Injuries
If you became disabled after a serious injury—whether from a car accident, job injury, or fall—you may qualify for both SSD and Workers’ Compensation benefits. Our legal team can coordinate both claims to help you maximize your recovery and ensure one benefit doesn’t reduce another unfairly.
Helping Clients Throughout Eastern North Carolina
We’re proud to serve clients in communities across the state through our network of local offices. If you’re located in or near one of the following regions, we encourage you to connect with the office closest to you:
- New Bern SSDI Lawyers – Our main office has served as a trusted legal resource in Craven County and surrounding areas for decades.
- Raleigh SSDI Lawyers – Serving the state capital and Wake County with legal support for disability claims, appeals, and hearings.
- Greenville SSDI Lawyers – Assisting claimants throughout Pitt County and eastern North Carolina with initial filings and complex appeals.
Your Disability May Qualify—Even If You’ve Been Denied Before
The majority of first-time SSDI applicants are denied benefits. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. At Kellum Law Firm, our attorneys can guide you through the appeals process, including hearings before an administrative law judge, where most successful claims are ultimately won.
Don’t let a denial define your future. We’ll evaluate your case, help you avoid common mistakes, and advocate for you at every step. Contact us today – use the form above to schedule your free disability case review, or call us 24/7.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS GUIDE
Explore our Social Security Disability Claims Guide for North Carolina — a step-by-step resource covering eligibility, the application process, appeals, and how our attorneys can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Start here if you’re applying for SSDI or facing a denied claim –
- Introduction To Our SSD Claims Guide
– An overview of the claims process, a starting point for those wishing to understand the anatomy of a SSD claim in North Carolina - 1. Understanding SSDI Eligibility Requirements
– Learn who qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance, how work credits apply, and the role of medical documentation. - 2. How to File a Social Security Disability Claim
– A step-by-step guide to completing your SSDI application and submitting the right information to avoid delays or denials. - 3. Why SSDI Claims Get Denied (and How to Avoid It)
– Discover the most common reasons claims are rejected and what you can do to improve your chances of approval. - 4. Appealing a Denied Disability Claim in North Carolina
– Learn how to request a reconsideration, prepare for a disability hearing, and build a stronger appeal with legal support. - 5. How a Disability Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
– Understand the value of experienced legal representation and how an SSD attorney can increase your chances of success.
Local Support for Social Security Disability Claims
Getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging — especially when you’re facing a denial or delay. Our attorneys are here to help, with offices across North Carolina:
- Helping Wake County residents navigate the SSD process – Raleigh
- Providing compassionate support for claimants in Craven County – New Bern
- Assisting individuals across coastal NC with SSD applications and appeals – Wilmington
- Guiding Onslow County clients through difficult disability claim stages – Jacksonville
- Representing Pitt County residents seeking SSD benefits – Greenville
- Helping claimants across Halifax County understand their rights – Roanoke Rapids
- Supporting disability claims throughout the Triangle region – Durham
- Serving clients in Cumberland County with appeals and SSD hearings – Fayetteville
- Advocating for disabled individuals across Mecklenburg County – Charlotte
- Providing guidance through the SSD process in Carteret County – Morehead City
- Helping rural North Carolinians access SSD benefits – Williamston
- Supporting SSD applicants in Wayne County and the surrounding area – Goldsboro
- Helping clients across Nash and Edgecombe counties secure their benefits – Rocky Mount
If you’re struggling to get approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you’re not alone. Our team is ready to assist from any of our conveniently located offices across North Carolina — starting with a free case review.
For more than twenty years I’ve focused almost exclusively on helping people who can no longer work because of serious injuries or long-term medical conditions. I have represented clients in every type of Social Security disability claim, including SSD, SSDI, and other disability benefit matters, and I have seen firsthand how confusing and overwhelming this process can be for individuals and families who are already under tremendous strain.
Since joining Kellum Law Firm in 2003, I have represented thousands of disability claimants across North Carolina and have appeared in nearly 2,500 hearings before Administrative Law Judges throughout the state. I have handled cases in Raleigh, New Bern, Wilmington, Greenville, Fayetteville, Asheville, Greensboro, Roanoke Rapids, and Elizabeth City, working directly with judges, medical experts, and vocational witnesses. That experience matters. Every judge, every hearing office, and every case has its own nuances, and knowing how these cases are evaluated can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
I have also had the privilege of representing members of the U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Lejeune and the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Bragg. Working with injured service members and veterans has given me a deep appreciation for the physical and emotional toll disability can take, as well as the importance of presenting these cases thoroughly and with respect for the sacrifices involved.
Every case I handle is personal to me because I understand how much is at stake. My goal is to guide clients through the process, prepare their case the right way, and stand with them at every stage, whether that means filing an initial claim or appearing before a judge to fight for the benefits they deserve.
Social Security Disability Resources
How to Prepare for Your SSDI or SSI Hearing: Tips for Success
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Insurance Claims
The Role of Vocational Experts in Disability Claims in NC
Proving Conditions That Aren’t Seen and How an Attorney Can Help
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Kellum Law Firm's corporate headquarters is located in New Bern, NC and has offices around North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and more. We provide local residents with legal services focusing on personal injury law including automobile accidents, social security disability, workers' compensation, elder abuse, and more.