Disability Advocates of Northwest North Carolina
Our Mission is to:
· Minister to individuals with severe disabilities by helping them obtain Social Security and Medicaid benefits for which they qualify
· Serve in the spirit of Christ with compassion, persistence, and effectiveness
· Provide spiritual support for those with disabilities and their caregivers
· Work cooperatively with caregivers, congregation, and agencies
Applying for benefits: The process of qualifying for Social Security Disability is long and grueling. Some cases take years to complete. The forms are relatively simple, but the criteria used in the determination process are complicated and highly technical. Tragically, those for whom the benefits are designed to help (those with severe disabilities) are often least able to navigate through the extensive “medical maze” of the application and appeals process.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not welfare: it is a government insurance program paid for by workers through taxes taken out of their paychecks. Limited benefits called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are available for low-income, long-term unemployed individuals. The average monthly disability benefit is well below federal poverty levels for families.
Experienced staff and volunteers:
- Help clients prepare all forms
- Correspond with the Social Security Administration on behalf of clients
- Obtain records and documentation from health care professionals
- Prepare legal briefs and personally represent clients at appeal hearings
- Provide respectful, confidential, compassionate care in a professional manner
Volunteers assist in various areas. Some handle case management and hearings daily, others help with office work, hospital and home visits, transporting clients to medical appointments, development and board responsibilities. Experienced medical and legal professionals can volunteer their time in their field. New volunteers are always welcome!
Staff:
Rev. Jeff Coppage, Director, Representative
Fletcher Hunter, Representative
Kevin Mulqueen, Attorney
Bill Robertson, Afternoon Intake Manager, Volunteer
Facts about Disability Advocates
Population served: We serve low-income individuals with severe disabilities that prevent employment for 12 months or more. Currently we represent over 100 active clients in the disability claim process. Counties served include Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin, Davie and Davidson.
Results: From January 2005 to June 2007: 101 clients were approved for benefits versus 10 denials at the hearing stage, a 90% approval rate. The value of benefits for clients average $11,052 per year plus Medicaid/Medicare ($13,761).
Eligible: Individuals served are individuals with medically documented disabilities. This includes persons with disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, back injuries, heart conditions, stroke, and others. Clients must meet the SSA definition of disability for their specific illness or injury. The disability must be medically documented and prevent full-time work for 12 months or more. The professional opinion of an individuals treating physician affirming a disability is normally important to be approved for benefits.
Ineligible: Those ineligible for representation include those who, individuals with an injury or illness that is not expected to last 12 months or more, individuals that do not seek or are not compliant with medical treatment, and those who already have legal representation.
Medicaid or Medicare benefits are automatically provided for those who are awarded social security benefits. Disability Advocates is not able to assist with Medicaid (DSS) appeals except for our Social Security disability clients.
Fees/Sources of funding: Modest one-time fees are charged only if claims are successful. There are no up-front or out-of-pocket costs to the clients. Disability Advocates contracts with the client for 15% of back payments awarded with a maximum fee of $5,300. Due to the backlog on Social Security cases the claims process normally takes 12-26 months. The remaining part of Disability Advocates’ revenue is from donations from area churches, individuals, businesses, civic groups and foundations. Disability Advocates is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Disability Advocates of Northwest North Carolina, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit ministry. We were founded in 2005 by local leaders and Triad Disability Advocates to serve Forsyth County and the Northwest Piedmont area. Cost are kept low by the extensive use of volunteers, office space in churches, and minimal paid staffing. A local board of directors governs our agency. Financial audits are conducted annually by an accredited CPA firm.