At Collins Price, we proudly serve the Salisbury, NC community with experienced and compassionate disability lawyers in Salisbury, NC who provide experienced Security Disability representation. Founded by two North Carolina attorneys and Wake Forest School of Law alumni, our firm is locally owned and operated—and we personally manage every case from start to finish. Whether you’re applying for benefits or challenging a denial, our disability lawyers offer a free consultation with no upfront costs. You only pay if we win your case, and there’s never any pressure to hire us after your consultation.
Wondering If You’re Eligible for Disability Benefits?
If a serious mental or physical condition is preventing you from working, you may qualify for disability assistance through the Social Security Administration. To be eligible, your situation must meet both the SSA’s medical criteria and technical guidelines.
There are two main federal programs available: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Our disability lawyers in Salisbury, NC can help you determine which program is right for you, assist with filing your initial application, appeal a denial, and represent you at hearings before an Administrative Law Judge if needed.
If you cannot work and would like to apply for disability benefits or appeal a denied claim, call us today at 1-877-296-1030 to request your free consultation. Or, submit a contact form below and one of our attorneys will call you to discuss your claim as soon as possible.
What Our Clients Say
Disclaimer: Testimonials found on this website are actual client reviews of Collins Price, PLLC edited only for length. Because the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case: we cannot guarantee particular results for future clients based on successes we have achieved in past legal matters.
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates two primary programs that offer disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs use the same criteria to define disability, they differ significantly in how eligibility is determined.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a work-based program intended for individuals who are no longer able to work due to severe medical impairments. To qualify, applicants must have earned enough work credits by paying into the system through their previous employment. Most adults need around 40 work credits, with 20 of those earned in the 10 years before becoming disabled. However, younger applicants may be eligible with fewer credits. During your free consultation, our Salisbury disability attorneys can help review your work history and determine if you qualify.
Keep in mind: to receive these credits, your income must be reported properly to the IRS, and FICA taxes must be paid. If your wages weren’t reported—or if you were paid off the books—your eligibility could be affected.
How FICA Taxes Work
If you’re employed, you likely pay into Social Security automatically via payroll deductions—6.2% of your gross income, up to an annual cap that changes every year (for example, it was $142,800 in 2021). Income beyond that cap isn’t taxed for Social Security purposes.
You also pay a Medicare tax of 1.45%, which applies to all earned income with no limit. Employers match both taxes. If you’re self-employed, you contribute through a different system called SECA, but the result is the same—you’re still paying into SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program, not tied to your work history, and is meant to assist individuals with serious disabilities who have limited income and financial resources. Eligibility for SSI depends on your current assets and earnings—not your past jobs or tax payments.
Because the financial limits are strict, many applicants are surprised to learn they don’t qualify due to savings, property, or other income. If you’re in Salisbury or the surrounding area, our team can walk you through the SSI eligibility rules to help you avoid common mistakes and delays in the application process
Do I Qualify for Disability?
In our practice as Social Security Disability Lawyers, we are often asked: “Do I qualify for disability?” It’s always a good idea to revisit Social Security’s definition of a disability.
The Social Security Administration considers you disabled under Social Security rules if:
- You cannot do work that you did before;
- They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
While this definition is clear, there are many reasons you may or may not qualify. It’s important to work with an experienced disability lawyer to avoid mistakes and missed deadlines. If you have a severe physical or mental condition that has or may prevent you from working for 12 months or longer, contact us today. Let us assess your situation and help you get any Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you may be entitled to. There is no fee unless we win.
Why Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?
Studies show that claimants who work with disability lawyers in Salisbury, NC have better outcomes. Collins Price, PLLC is a local firm with experienced, licensed Social Security disability attorneys who have been practicing for decades. We are kind and client-focused, with over 100 5-Star Google Reviews to date.
We will help you navigate the confusing and lengthy application and appeals processes by doing the following:
- Meeting with you or discussing your options by phone or in person
- Preparing and filing all documents (including support documents) at the initial application stage if appropriate.
- Filing an appeal if your disability claim is denied.
- Representing you at an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

How Much Money Do You Get On Disability?
The payment disability claimants receive depends on which Social Security program they qualify for. The federal Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) pays benefits based on your average lifetime earnings. The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits based on the SSI federal benefit rate less any countable income you may have.
The AIME determines your monthly benefit amount for SSDI. Generally speaking, the more you have in qualified earnings, the higher your benefit will be. The max monthly payment for SSDI in 2025 is $4,018.
Maximum Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment amounts increase with the cost-of-living increases that apply to Social Security benefits. The latest such increase, 2.5 percent, beame effective January 2025.
For 2025, the maximum benefit for SSI benefits is $967 monthly for individuals, and $1,450 for eligible couples.
Contact Disability Lawyers in Salisbury, NC Today
If you live in Salisbury or surrounding areas, our disability lawyer in Salisbury, NC can help. If you think you are disabled or if your claim was denied, call us today at 1-877-296-1030. Or, complete the form below to request a free consultation on your claim.
Free Case Evaluation
Salisbury is a city in Rowan County, North Carolina, and serves as the county seat. Located in the heart of the Piedmont region, Salisbury has a rich history dating back to the 1700s and is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and educational institutions such as Catawba College and Livingstone College.
Once a center for textile manufacturing, Salisbury today features a diversified economy that includes healthcare, education, and logistics. The city is home to the headquarters of Food Lion, a major grocery store chain, and maintains a strong sense of community rooted in tradition and cultural heritage.