If an injury or medical condition prevents you from working, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide the financial support you need. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits can be challenging, particularly when you’re facing health issues. However, our South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers are ready to help you seek the disability benefits you deserve.
At Jebaily Law Firm, we’re committed to helping individuals with disabilities across South Carolina understand their rights and pursue the benefits they need. Whether you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits for the first time or appealing a benefits denial, our experienced lawyers can handle every step of the process.
Contact us now to set up a free consultation with an experienced SSD attorney in South Carolina. The claim review is confidential and comes with no strings attached.
How Our South Carolina SSD Lawyers Can Help Your Claim
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you must collect medical, financial, and work history evidence demonstrating your eligibility. When you work with Jebaily Law Firm, our lawyers can gather this evidence for you and file your petition with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If your claim is initially denied – and many valid claims face denial at first – we’ll review the denial, make the necessary adjustments, and file an appeal on your behalf.
Our firm has been representing people in South Carolina for over 50 years, and our lawyers have over a century of combined legal experience. We’ve also gained a reputation for fighting hard for the benefits our clients deserve, which is reflected in our reviews and testimonials. Here’s what one of our clients had to say about working with us:
“Jebaily Law Firm has represented my family on several occasions in the past several years and has been truly dedicated to accomplishing their goals for our family. We feel blessed to have had this team on our side and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking a professional legal group to assist them with any legal matters.”— Cynthia Gaines Sturgeon
SSDI vs. SSI: Understanding the Differences in South Carolina
You may be unsure whether you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both. While the Social Security Administration administers both, they serve different groups and have different eligibility requirements:
- Social Security Disability Insurance is available to individuals who worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, they must have earned a certain number of work credits and be considered disabled based on the SSA’s guidelines.
- Supplemental Security Income is a program that provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. To qualify, you must be 65 or older, be blind, or have a disability.
Some applicants could qualify for both programs. Our South Carolina disability attorneys will evaluate your situation and help you pursue the right benefits for your unique circumstances. We’ll also help you understand how returning to work could affect your benefits.
Who Can Receive Disability Benefits in South Carolina?
To receive disability benefits in South Carolina, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s medical and non-medical eligibility criteria. To meet the medical criteria for benefits, your disability must:
- Prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity,” as defined by the Social Security Administration
- Have lasted for or are expected to last for at least one year or result in death
- Fall under the Social Security Administration’s definition of a qualifying disability
The non-medical criteria you must meet depend on the type of benefits you’re applying for:
- For SSDI, you must have worked for 5 of the last 10 years and paid enough Social Security taxes during those years.
- For SSI, your income and assets must be limited to $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples, and an additional $2,000 when applying with a child.
Conditions That Could Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that qualify as a disability if specific criteria are met. Each condition has its own set of criteria, and the conditions listed include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system disorders
- Digestive disorders
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders affecting multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
Even if your specific condition is not specifically listed, you may still qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if the condition prevents you from working. Our lawyers can help you determine your eligibility and collect the evidence necessary to prove that your disability meets the SSA’s criteria.
Application Process for SSDI or SSI Benefits in South Carolina
The Social Security Disability claims process involves several key steps, including:
- Initial application – You can apply for Social Security Disability Benefits online, over the phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. When completing your application, it is important to provide detailed medical records, work history, and other information relevant to your disability and case.
- Application review – After receiving your application, the SSA will review it to determine whether you meet the non-medical eligibility requirements.
- Medical evaluation – If you meet the non-medical requirements, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS), which will review your medical evidence and check it against the medical eligibility criteria. At this stage, they may also request additional information or medical exams.
- Decision – Finally, the SSA will send a letter informing you whether your application was approved or denied.
Many Social Security Disability applications are initially denied, but this does not mean you are out of luck. Many initially rejected claims are later approved through the appeals process. Our knowledgeable disability lawyers can review your denial and file an appeal on your behalf.
Appealing a Denied Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits
If your application is denied at first, you can take the following steps to appeal the decision:
- Request a reconsideration and have a different SSA reviewer re-evaluate your claim.
- Seek a hearing with an administrative law judge who will decide whether to approve your claim.
- Ask the SSA Appeals Council to review the administrative law judge’s decision.
- File a lawsuit in federal district court seeking the benefits you need.
Our lawyers can handle every step of the appeals process, so you do not have to worry about gathering evidence and meeting deadlines.
Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney in South Carolina Today
If you’re seeking disability benefits through Social Security in South Carolina, contact Jebaily Law Firm for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Whether you’re filing a disability claim for the first time or need to appeal, we’ll review your case, explain the process, and answer any questions you have.
