Joyce & Bary Law PLC

09/02/2026

When your doctor asks how you’re feeling, “I’m fine” may not tell the full story.

If you’re applying for disability benefits, it’s important to explain how your condition affects your daily activities, work-related abilities, and overall functioning. Be specific about your symptoms, limitations, and what has changed.

Clear, thorough conversations help your medical provider understand your condition and ensure your concerns are reflected in your medical records.

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

"I can not say enough good things about the law firm. They handled my case and were very courteous, and professional. They exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Do not try on your own. Let this firm handle your case and get the benefits you are entitled to. Mr Bary and Terry did an amazing job. Again highly recommend!!!!"

— Brian, Google

08/27/2026

If you are like most of the folks we work with, you can't afford to live without a steady income for an extended period of time. And in most cases, it will take months for your disability application to be processed.

That's why we recommend consulting a disability attorney as soon as possible after you become unable to work.

An important part of our job at Joyce & Bary Law is making sure your case is evaluated as soon as possible. That means submitting a complete and accurate application package, and following up to ensure the evaluator has everything they need to review your case.

Don't waste time on form mistakes or missing records. Let us help.

No one plans to sustain a serious injury, be involved in an accident, receive a terminal diagnosis, or come down with a long-term illness. When faced with one of these situations, it can throw your life into a tailspin. You may be dealing with pain and the inability to care for yourself. You may not...

08/21/2026

"Joyce & Bary did a wonderful job on my disability case. We won. Even though Social Security dragged their feet, they [Joyce & Bary] stayed on top of it."

- Claude, Google

08/19/2026

To be eligible for SSDI, you must prove that you are disabled. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential process to determine whether an applicant is disabled.

In Step 1, SSA evaluates whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity, or SGA.

We usually focus on the dollar amount that puts applicants over the SGA limit. For individuals who are not blind, the SGA threshold for 2026 is $1,690 per month. If you’re earning more than that, you are generally considered to be engaged in SGA. Your application for benefits will be denied.

However, SGA is more than a dollar amount. According to SSA, “the term ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings.” Let’s break that down.

SSA defines substantial work as that which involves doing significant physical or mental activity or a combination of both.

Gainful work activity may be:
➡️ Work that is performed for pay or profit.
➡️ Work that is generally performed for pay or profit.
➡️ Work intended for profit, whether or not profit is realized.

We've got more at the link in the comments. ⤵️

08/18/2026

Lots of good stuff here. ⤵️ Mark your calendar!

📅SAVE THE DATE📅

🎉Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare invites you to our Community Resource Fair on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Burrell Center.

🎉Join us to connect with local agencies and service providers, learn about community resources, receive health screenings, and enjoy FREE hot dogs and refreshments.

08/14/2026

"Joyce & Bary Law firm is nothing short of amazing! Mr. Bary and his staff go above and beyond to make the client feel heard and comfortable. I was in the reconsideration phase of my claim when I received the good news of being awarded benefits. I highly recommend Joyce & Bary Law."

- Terri, Google