South Carolina Social Security Disability Applications Attorney

Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer helps clients seek long-term benefits

An illness or injury that keeps you out of work for 12 months or more is hard enough. You do not want the extra hassle associated with an unfair denial of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. At the Dennison Law Firm, P.C. in Greenville, I provide effective legal counsel to South Carolina residents looking to file their SSDI applications. My firm can help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to the denials of many initial claims due to problems with procedure and documentation.

Understanding SSDI eligibility is the first step

Before you seek benefits, it is important to understand that SSDI is not an entitlement, but a benefit that is only available to those who qualify based on their employment history. Eligibility is determined in part by tabulating the work credits accumulated by the applicant. Generally, a work credit is received for each quarterly period in which someone is employed and contributing to the Social Security system through their paycheck. For someone 31 years or older, they usually need 20 work credits over the prior 10 years to collect SSDI payments. This translates to being employed for roughly half the time over the previous decade. If are younger than 31 or are unsure as to whether you’ve accumulated sufficient work credits, I can examine the facts in your case and advise regarding the potential success of an SSDI claim.

How does someone file for Social Security Disability benefits?

If you are suffering from a severe injury or illness that will cause a long-term absence from work, you can complete the application online, or my law firm may assist you in filing the initial application. Filing for SSDI is prohibited if you have been denied benefits in the previous 60 days. You will be asked to provide information about your family status, medical condition and the bank account you intend to use for your direct deposit if benefits are awarded.

Medical evidence and other information required in an SSDI claim

SSDI benefits are only available to claimants whose condition is fatal or expected to keep them from performing substantial gainful activity for a period of at least 12 months. Proving this to the Social Security Administration reviewers requires substantial medical evidence. As part of your application, you will need to provide the names of the doctors and medical facilities that treated you. Moreover, you must submit a list of tests that you received in association with your condition and the medications you have been prescribed. Determining whether you are fit to do specific jobs also requires an understanding of your employment history, so you have to say where you’ve worked over the past 15 years and how your physical or mental problem has affected your ability to perform your job duties.

You can appeal if your application is denied

You should not be discouraged if your SSDI application is rejected. In fact, a clear majority of South Carolina claimants are denied at the initial stage. Fortunately, many of these decisions are overturned on appeal, and my firm focuses on achieving justice for disabled clients who haven’t received the benefits they deserve. I can explain how a request for reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge or some other measure might bring you the relief you need.

Contact a South Carolina lawyer to discuss applying for Social Security Disability benefits

The Dennison Law Firm, P.C. in Greenville assists South Carolina residents with Social Security Disability applications and related matters. Please call 864-214-2463 or contact me online to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.