Abingdon, Virginia Social Security Disability Lawyer

Abingdon, Virginia Social Security Disability LawyerSocial Security Disability Lawyer Abingdon, Virginia

For those Abingdon residents who become disabled and are unable to work, the federal government offers two assistance programs: Social Security disability insurance (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”).  These programs are designed to help Virginians support themselves and their families if they can no longer work; however, obtaining these benefits can be a challenge.

Approximately 70% of all initial SSDI claims are denied, leaving many disabled individuals and their families feeling hopeless.  Working with an experienced Abingdon, Virginia Social Security disability lawyer who understands the process can result in a higher level of success.  When you retain legal representation from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we can help navigate the complexities of the SSDI and SSI approval process to increase the likelihood of collecting the benefits that you and your family deserve.

What Is Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) provides financial compensation to those who are unable to work due to a disability.  Of the over five million Virginia residents, approximately 4.3% collect Social Security disability benefits.[1]  If you are unable to work for a minimum of twelve months due to a physical or mental disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.   As long as your condition persists, you may be able to collect SSDI benefits until normal retirement age and are eligible to collect Social Security retirement benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI is available to disabled individuals who have worked a certain number of hours over a specified amount of time.  Workers pay Social Security taxes out of each paycheck, and a portion of the tax money goes to fund the SSDI program.  If a worker becomes disabled, the SSDI is designed to compensate for some of their lost wages.[2]

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a disability benefit program available to those disabled Virginia residents with low incomes and individuals who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

How Do I Qualify For SSDI Based Upon Work History?

To potentially qualify for SSDI, you must show that you have accumulated sufficient work credits to substantiate the compensation.  These credits are essentially points are earned by paying Social Security taxes throughout your career.

Each year the SSA determines the amount of wages or self-employment income needed for one credit.  For example, in 2018, you earn one credit per every $1,320 of taxable income, up to a maximum of 4 credits.

The amount of qualifying credits needed for SSDI eligibility will vary depending upon your age at the time of disability; however, generally, you can potentially qualify if you have met two conditions:

    • you have earned a minimum of 20 credits in the 10 years preceding the disability; and
    • you have earned a minimum of 40 credits total.

However, the work requirements may be significantly reduced if you become disabled at a younger age.

Calculating eligibility and benefits can be cumbersome and difficult but, as an experienced Virginia Social Security disability lawyer, Mark Hurt can help assess your work history and assist in making an eligibility determination.

Can I Collect SSDI and Work?

In most instances, SSDI benefits are not available if you are able to work.  However, there are certain situations in which you can work, namely if you make under the substantial gainful activity (“SGA”) limit.[3]

You still may potentially qualify for benefits if you earn less that the monthly amount stipulated by the SSA.  This amount varies year-by-year and upon whether you are legally blind.  In 2019, the SGA was set at $1,220 for non-blind individuals and $2,040 for blind individuals.  SGA for the blind does not apply to SSI benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to both Social Security and SSI benefits.

 Helping Clients File Claims

The majority of Social Security disability applications are denied, even though many of those submitting the claims medically qualify for benefits.  As experienced social security disability lawyers, we know the complexities of these applications, as well as the reasons that the initial applications are often denied.  With this knowledge we help clients in preparing the applications, gathering the required medical and other documentation, and submitting the claim so that ideally it will be approved at the outset, and a client can begin collecting benefits.

What Should I Do If I Received a SSDI Denial?

While slightly higher than the national approval rate, Virginia only approves approximately 42% of initial SSDI applications.  Therefore, it is important to not be discouraged if you initially receive a denial, as it is a common occurrence.

Mark Hurt has experience addressing application issues resulting in denials, and he has helped numerous clients obtain approvals after initially having their claim denied.  Once we learn about your claim, we can review with you the action that we can take in appealing your denial and seeking benefits for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Abingdon, VA Social Security Disability Lawyer?

With medical and personal bills possibly mounting, one of the last things you may need to worry about is another invoice.  We do not collect a fee unless we successfully secure benefits for you.

We represent clients on a contingency-fee basis (no fee unless compensation is awarded).  This amount is equal to 25% of the backpay amount received (there is no fee for us with respect to future payments that are not yet due).  Typically, attorneys’ fees are capped at $6,000 by the SSA, with a few exceptions.  Our fee is usually paid directly by the SSA; however, you will be responsible for paying some expenses directly, such as any cost to obtain medical records.  To help ensure that you have a full understanding of the fee arrangement, we will provide a fee agreement (which governs our representation with respect to these matters).

Get Help from an Abingdon, Virginia Social Security Disability Attorney

Schedule a free consultation to learn how Mark Hurt may be able to put his expertise to work for you.


[1] Annual Statistical Report on The Social Security Disability Insurance Program, SSA (2018), https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/ssi_asr/2018/ssi_asr18.pdf.

[2] Benefits Planner: Disability | How You Qualify, Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html.

[3]Substantial Gainful Activity, Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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