Do you have an injury or health condition that makes you unable to work? You may have the option of applying for financial benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the SSA maintains strict eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
Working with an experienced Myrtle Beach Social Security Disability lawyer can give you the best chance of securing the benefits you need. Jebaily Law Firm helps disabled individuals in Myrtle Beach understand their legal options and seek Social Security Disability benefits.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Why Our Myrtle Beach SSD Law Firm Is the Right Choice
Choosing the right legal representation to help you seek SSD benefits in Myrtle Beach can give you a better chance of securing the financial assistance you need after becoming permanently disabled. Since 1969, clients have chosen Jebaily Law Firm for legal representation and advocacy because:
- Our attorneys have over a century of combined legal experience protecting the rights and interests of clients in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to pursue the best possible results for our clients.
- We listen to our clients to understand their needs, goals, and concerns to ensure we make a difference in their lives. Our firm will use all our resources to make things right for individuals with disabilities.
- Our legal team will work tirelessly to give you the answers and provide the legal help you need and deserve. We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the best results under the circumstances of your case.
Our clients’ feedback underscores our commitment to providing excellent service and pursuing outstanding results. For example, Don Anderson wrote, “Everyone was nice and very kind to me. I received more help and results than I ever expected. I will be forever grateful! Thank you.”
Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits in Myrtle Beach
You may become eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you have a disability or a loss of vision that qualifies as blindness. A qualifying disability will prevent you from performing substantial gainful employment. The disability must either last for at least a year or more or be expected to result in death.
The Social Security system operates two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI benefits provide financial assistance to workers who become disabled and unable to work. You must have a disability and a sufficient work history. SSI benefits assist disabled individuals who meet income and asset eligibility limits without regard to work history.
Conditions That Commonly Result in Disabilities
Severe medical conditions that have a disabling effect may qualify you for Social Security benefits. Some examples of physical and mental conditions that commonly result in disabilities include:
- Amputation
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension
- COPD
- Heart failure or ischemic heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Loss of visual acuity
- Endocrine disorders
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS
- Cancer
- Physical problems (spinal injuries, arthritis)
How to Apply for SSD Benefits in Myrtle Beach
You can apply for SSD benefits by submitting an application to the Social Security Administration online, over the phone, or in person. Your SSD benefits application must include information to help claims examiners assess your eligibility, such as your income, assets, or work history.
The application should also include medical records and information to allow the SSA to determine whether you have a qualifying disability. During the application process, the SSA may ask for additional information or request that you submit to a medical evaluation.
Appealing Denied SSD Benefits in Myrtle Beach
Do not give up if your claim for SSD benefits is denied at first. The SSA initially denies the majority of applications for disability benefits, but many individuals with valid claims go on to recover benefits through the appeals process.
If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to appeal that decision. Appealing a denied SSD benefits claim involves several steps. First, you can request reconsideration of your claim by a new claims reviewer. You can submit additional information and documentation to address the issues that supported the initial denial of your claim. After reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), who will review the evidence in the case and consider arguments made at the hearing.
If the ALJ rules against you, you can appeal that decision to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council grants review, it will either issue a new decision or return the case to the judge for further action. Finally, you can appeal an adverse decision of the Appeals Council by filing a civil action in federal court.
Rights to Appeal and Seek Representation
Even though the Social Security Administration has denied your SSD benefits claim, you can appeal that decision by requesting reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or a review by the Appeals Council. However, you can give yourself the best chance of success in appealing a denied SSD benefits claim by obtaining experienced legal representation from Jebaily Law Firm. Our knowledgeable lawyers for Social Security disability can build a compelling case to support your appeal and advocate for your rights and interests.
How Our Law Firm Helps People with SSD Claims in Myrtle Beach
At Jebaily Law Firm, our Social Security disability lawyers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are ready to guide you through the SSD application process by:
- Reviewing your case to determine your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits and gathering evidence needed to support your application
- Helping you prepare and file a thorough application to give you the best chance of approval
- Communicating with claims reviewers to handle requests for additional information or documentation
- Helping you understand the reasons for a denial of your application and identifying paths forward for bolstering your application on appeal
- Advocating on your behalf during reconsideration, in hearings before an ALJ or the Appeals Council, or in court if necessary
If you’ve become disabled and are no longer able to work, Social Security disability benefits can provide the financial resources you need. Contact Jebaily Law Firm today to set up a free consultation with a Myrtle Beach Social Security Disability Benefits lawyer. We are ready to discuss your legal rights and options for pursuing the financial assistance you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Disability
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability is a part of the Social Security System and is available for workers who have paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 quarters. If you become disabled according to the Social Security guidelines, you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. If you have not paid Social Security taxes for the required length of time, but are disabled and meet the financial guidelines, you may be eligible for Supplementary Security Income (SSI). Contact our Social Security disability lawyer for more information.
What is considered disabled?
The Social Security Administration defines a “disabled” person as one who is disabled by a physical or mental disease, injury or condition (or combination of those three) for at least one year; and that disease, injury or condition must prevent you from performing any substantial work (not just your usual work). How pain affects your work also is considered. Meeting these requirements can be difficult because the Social Security regulations require medical documentation (such as X-Rays, tests, or other forms of medical documentation) not just a doctor’s opinion. The Social Security Administration may even require additional examinations (at their expense). If you refuse to cooperate in these extra evaluations, your claim likely will be denied.
What kinds of disabilities do I have to have in order to qualify for benefits?
Generally speaking, you must be completely disabled in order to get Social Security Disability benefits, which means that you have to be suffering from a condition that keeps you from being able to do any substantial gainful work. Additionally, your disability attorney will advise that you must have paid enough into the Social Security system for a certain length of time. Specifically, individuals will qualify if they have paid into the system for at least 40 quarters, 20 of which should have occurred within the last 10 years prior to you becoming disabled.
Disabilities include (but are not limited to) the following conditions:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Back, neck, and joint pain
- Breathing disorders
- Finger/Hand/Wrist pain
- Heart condition
- Memory loss
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Vision/Hearing loss
- Weakness/Fatigue
What benefits will I get?
According to your records, you will receive a monthly check from the date you applied or became eligible, and you also will be eligible for medical benefits. If you have a dependent spouse and/or children, they also could be eligible for additional benefits.
When should I apply?
If you are injured, you should apply as soon as your doctor determines your condition will prevent you from working for at least one year. If you meet the guidelines, you are entitled to these benefits as a contributor to the Social Security Trust Fund, and you should take advantage of them if you need them.
How do I apply?
You can apply online by clicking here and following the instructions. By applying online, you do not need to wait for an appointment, and you can apply from the convenience of any computer and save money by avoiding multiple trips to your local Social Security office. If you choose not to apply online, your local Social Security office will help you with the application process. You will need to call your local Social Security office and schedule an appointment to file your application for benefits. The Social Security office will take your application either in person, or by telephone, whichever is most convenient for you. If you have a dependent spouse or children, it will be necessary for you to fill out an application on their behalf as well. The Social Security office will then mail you forms to be completed prior to your appointment with them. These forms will require such information as the medications you are currently taking, the name of your doctor(s) and addresses as well those of your previous employers. If this material is provided to the Social Security office when your claim is made, it will help speed up the process.
Do I need the help of a lawyer?
A person can easily begin the application process without the help of an attorney. However, each year many people are needlessly denied Social Security and SSI benefits. If you are denied benefits but feel you meet the requirements, you may need an experienced attorney to review your case and/or develop and argue your case of appeal.
