SOCIAL SECURITY ATTORNEY IN NORFOLK, VA
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits or you are applying for the first time, you do not have to face this process alone. Our Social Security attorneys at Goss & Fentress have represented thousands of disability claimants across Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., for over 40 years. We handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases from initial application through every stage of appeal.
Our firm is based in Norfolk, Virginia, with attorneys licensed to practice in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Whether your claim has just been denied or you are preparing for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, we can help you understand your rights and your options.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability benefits are for people who can no longer work because of a serious medical condition. To qualify, you generally must meet two sets of criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Medical Criteria:
- You have a physical or mental condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, or that is expected to result in death.
- Your condition prevents you from doing the work you did before, and also prevents you from adjusting to other types of work.
- Your condition is recognized by the SSA, either through its official list of qualifying conditions (the “Blue Book”) or through a case-by-case evaluation.
Work History Criteria (for SSDI):
- You have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- You have earned enough work credits, based on your age and years of employment.
- Most people need 40 work credits, 20 of which must be earned in the past 10 years, before becoming disabled.
SSI has different rules. It is based on financial need, not work history. You may qualify for SSI even if you have never worked, as long as you meet the income and resource limits set by the SSA.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, a free case review with one of our attorneys is the best place to start. We will look at your medical records, work history, and situation to help you understand your options.
What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Many people use the terms SSDI and SSI interchangeably, but they are two separate programs. Here is what you need to know.
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SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) |
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Based on |
Work history and payroll taxes paid |
Financial need (income and resources) |
|
Who it is for |
Disabled workers who have paid into Social Security |
Low-income disabled individuals, including those with limited work history |
|
Work credits needed |
Yes, must have sufficient work history |
No, no work history required |
|
Medicare/Medicaid |
Medicare (after a waiting period) |
Medicaid (usually from the month of application) |
Some people qualify for both SSDI and SSI at the same time. This is called concurrent benefits. Our attorneys can review your situation and help you understand which program, or both, you may be eligible to apply for.
How Does the Social Security Disability Process Work?
The Social Security Disability process can be long. Most claims go through several stages before a final decision is made. Here is how it works.
Step 1 — Initial Application
You submit your application to the Social Security Administration, either online, by phone, or in person. The SSA will review your medical records, work history, and daily functioning. This stage can take several months.
Step 2 — Reconsideration (if denied)
If your initial application is denied, you have the right to request reconsideration. A different SSA reviewer will look at your case. Most reconsideration requests are also denied, which is why legal representation becomes especially important here.
Step 3 — Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often the stage where having an attorney makes the biggest difference. The ALJ will review your full case, hear testimony, and issue a written decision.
Step 4 — Appeals Council Review (if denied at hearing)
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Social Security Appeals Council to review the decision. The Council can affirm, reverse, or send the case back to an ALJ for further review.
Step 5 — Federal Court (if denied at Appeals Council)
If all administrative options are exhausted, you may be able to file a lawsuit in federal district court. John Goss has experience representing disability claimants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
At Goss & Fentress, we can represent you at any stage of this process, whether you are filing your first application or appealing a denial that has already gone through several reviews.
When Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?
There is no single right time to hire a disability attorney, but the earlier you get help, the better prepared your case will be. Here are some of the most common situations where people reach out to Goss & Fentress.
- You are filing your first application and want to make sure it is complete and properly supported.
- You received a denial letter and are not sure what to do next.
- You have already been denied reconsideration and need to request a hearing.
- You have a hearing scheduled before an Administrative Law Judge.
- You are a veteran with a disability-related claim and are unsure how VA benefits and Social Security Disability interact.
- Your condition is getting worse, and you are worried about losing your ability to work.
You do not need to wait until your case has been denied multiple times before seeking legal help. Our attorneys can review your situation at any point in the process and advise you on the best path forward. Initial consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fee unless we successfully represent you.
What Should I Do If My Social Security Disability Claim Was Denied?
A denial is not the end of your case. Most Social Security Disability claims are denied at the initial application stage. But many claimants do eventually receive benefits, often after going through the appeals process.
If you have been denied, the most important thing is to act quickly. You have 60 days from the date of your denial notice to request the next stage of review. Missing this deadline can mean starting over entirely.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied:
- Insufficient medical evidence to support the severity of your condition
- Missing or incomplete information in the application
- The SSA determined that your condition does not prevent you from doing some type of work
- You did not follow the prescribed treatment without a valid reason
- Your condition is not expected to last 12 months or longer
An experienced attorney can help you identify why your claim was denied and build a stronger case for appeal. This often involves gathering additional medical records, obtaining statements from your treating physicians, and preparing you for the ALJ hearing.
At Goss & Fentress, we have been helping clients appeal denied disability claims for over 40 years. If you have received a denial notice, contact us for a free case review.
Social Security Disability Legal Help in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Region
If you are searching for a Social Security Disability lawyer near you in Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., Goss & Fentress may be able to help. We offer remote consultations so you can speak with an attorney from home; all you need is a phone or internet connection.
About Goss & Fentress — Social Security Disability Attorneys
Goss & Fentress PLC is a regional law firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. The firm was established in 1982 by John O. Goss, who began his legal career representing disability claimants in the Tidewater Legal Aid Society in 1977. J. Russell Fentress IV joined the firm in 1994, bringing experience in personal injury litigation.
Together, Goss and Fentress have represented thousands of clients in Social Security Disability, SSDI, and SSI cases across Virginia, northeastern North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The firm has more than 130 years of combined experience in disability and injury law.
John Goss has appeared before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He received the American Bar Association’s 2016 Pro Bono Award for his advocacy work in Appalachia. Russell Fentress is licensed to practice in Virginia and North Carolina and has represented disability claimants and injured accident victims in administrative and civil courts.
The firm’s model is built around personal service. Clients work directly with attorneys and a dedicated support team, not a call center. Our paralegals keep clients informed at every stage, from initial application through final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability
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How long does it take to get Social Security Disability approved?
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What happens if I am denied Social Security Disability?
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Can a veteran apply for Social Security Disability?
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What is an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing?
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What is the timeframe for my case to be in front of an ALJ after my SSDI application was denied?
Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer — Free Case Review
If you are applying for disability benefits, dealing with a denial, or preparing for a hearing, the attorneys at Goss & Fentress are ready to help. We offer a free initial consultation by phone, in person, or remotely, so you can share your situation and we can advise you on your options.
There is no fee to speak with us, and no attorney’s fee unless we successfully represent you.
Or use our online contact form to request a case review.
Our Social Security attorneys serve clients in:
- Norfolk,
- Newport News,
- Richmond,
- Virginia Beach,
- Chesapeake,
- Washington, D.C.,
- Baltimore,
Elizabeth City, and across the Virginia and North Carolina region.
