Living with a disability can be incredibly challenging—physically, emotionally, and financially.
My firm, Corey Pollard Law, helps individuals in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties (Albemarle, Fluvanna, Orange, Louisa, Nelson, Rockingham, and Augusta) with this burden by securing disability benefits under the Social Security Act.
Do you need help applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Or do you want a skilled and knowledgeable disability attorney presenting your case before an administrative law judge (ALJ) in Social Security’s Charlottesville Hearing Office? If so, we are ready to stand by your side.
Our goal is simple: to help you get the disability benefits you need and deserve.
Navigating the disability benefits system challenges attorneys. Determining what you need to do to obtain SSDI or SSI benefits when unfamiliar with the process and while battling health issues can seem impossible.
Let’s simplify it.
Two main federal programs provide support for people with disabilities:
Each program has its rules and requirements for eligibility, waiting periods, and disability benefit amounts. Understanding the differences is critical to submitting the proper application and avoiding delays.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies most disability claims the first time around. Understanding why you received a denial of your initial application can help you prepare a strong case on appeal.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Whether you’re just starting your application or appealing a disability denial, our Charlottesville disability lawyers provide experienced, local guidance. Here’s how we help:
The path to getting benefits typically includes several steps:
Step One: Initial Application – Submit your paperwork and medical records to the Social Security Administration. You can do this online or at a local SSA field office near you.
Step Two: Reconsideration – If the SSA denies your initial application, you can request a review.
Step Three: Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge – If you receive a reconsideration denial, we help you prepare for and attend a hearing. Many applicants in Charlottesville and elsewhere must present their case at a hearing before receiving an allowance for disability benefits.
Step Four: Appeals Council Review – Still denied? You can ask the Appeals Council to review your case.
Step Five: Federal Court – As a final option, you may file a lawsuit in federal court. Our law firm handles many Social Security disability lawsuits in federal district courts for Virginia’s Eastern and Western Districts.
Conditions that seriously limit your ability to work may qualify—from chronic pain and mobility issues to endocrine disorders like diabetes to mental health disorders. Each case is unique.
Wait times vary. Disability Determination Services processes most initial applications in three to six months. But if you must appeal a denial, your claim can take more than one year before receiving a final answer.
In some cases, yes. But there are strict income limits—especially for SSI. We can help you understand what’s allowed. Further, you must explain to the ALJ handling your case why you cannot work more than you already do.
Don’t give up. Many disability applicants win their claims on appeal. We can accept legal representation at the appeal level, strengthen your case, and help you through the process.
You only pay if we win your case. There’s no upfront cost, and your first consultation is free.
Strong claims have detailed medical records, doctor letters explaining how your conditions limit your ability to work, permanent impairment ratings (if you suffer from a physical impairment), work history, and descriptions of how your condition affects daily life.
An administrative law judge in the Charlottesville Hearing Office may hear your case if you live in an area that one of the following SSA field offices services: Cumberland, MD; Culpeper, VA; Danville, VA; Harrisonburg, VA; Martinsville, VA; South Boston, VA; Staunton, VA; and, Petersburg, West Virginia.
Your disability hearing may occur by telephone or in person.
If you ask for an in-person hearing, it will likely occur at the Charlottesville Office of Hearing Operations at 1470 Pantops Mountain Place, 2nd Floor, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
You will likely have a Charlottesville disability hearing before one of the following ALJs: Brian Rippel, H. Munday, Carol Moore, or Peter Koclanes.
Your Charlottesville disability attorney should review your ALJ’s award statistics before the hearing.
Several local organizations in the Charlottesville area provide valuable services for individuals with disabilities:
If you’re applying for SSDI or SSI—or appealing a denied claim—don’t go through it alone. Corey Pollard Law is committed to helping residents of Charlottesville and surrounding areas secure the benefits they’re entitled to. We understand how stressful this process can be, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Call us at (804) 251-1620 or fill out our online contact form any time, day or night. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.