Are you suffering from a severe illness or injury in South Carolina and need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Do you have an upcoming disability hearing? Do you think you are not entitled to Social Security benefits because the SSA denied your application?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, and even if you have already received a denial, you could still receive the benefits you need with help from a Charleston, South Carolina, Social Security Disability attorney.
Our Shelly Leeke Law Firm team can step in to assist with your initial claim or your SSD benefits appeal. Learn more by calling us or completing our online contact form.
How Much does SSDI Pay in South Carolina?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles benefit payments for both SSDI and SSI. According to the SSA, the average payment for SSDI was $1,224.53 in 2022. However, many factors can determine the number of benefits you receive.
For example, the SSA may increase or reduce your benefits based on the number of dependents you have and the severity of your disability. A South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer can review your situation to provide more information about your possible benefits.
What Kind of SSD Can You Get in South Carolina?
SSD benefits can include both SSDI and SSI. As a result, some individuals in South Carolina receive both of these benefits, while others only receive one form of financial assistance.
You can draw on SSDI benefits if you earned work credits through your career and then experience an injury that leaves you with a disability. Individuals receive a monthly benefit payment through SSDI.
Your South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney may also help you apply for SSI if you are over 65 or otherwise qualify for these benefits. Generally, you must fall below a certain threshold for income to draw SSI benefits.
What do You Need to Know About the SSD Claims Process?
Securing SSDI and SSI benefits is not as simple as you might think. Even if you are clearly disabled, obtaining benefits can be complex, intimidating, and discouraging.
You carry the burden of proving that you cannot work your most recent job or any other job in the future. Unfortunately, many claimants are unaware of all of their rights or how to file their claims correctly. As a result, according to the SSA, the majority of disability claims and appeals get denied.
However, claimants who use a lawyer are more likely to win their claims than those who do not. Therefore, consider working with South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers to help you file or appeal your disability claim.
How do Social Security Disability Lawyers in South Carolina Help You?
Most claims get denied the first time because most people who file on their own make mistakes on their application, which can result in an immediate denial of benefits. Fortunately, you can work with a disability lawyer from the start to avoid mistakes.
South Carolina Social Security Disability attorneys can:
- Answer all your questions and address your concerns
- Help you identify the benefits you qualify to receive
- Walk you through the claims process
- Assist you with correctly completing your paperwork
- Work to protect your rights
We have the resources to follow up on your claim. Your South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney can build a strong case by gathering necessary medical records, forms, and evaluations on your behalf and fight for you in court, should your case require it.
What Happens During Your Social Security Disability Hearing?
It is essential for you to know that if you have a disability hearing scheduled, you should expect the Social Security Administration will hire medical and vocational experts to testify against you.
Fortunately, a South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer can cross-examine these individuals and stand up for you. We have the training and experience to handle all aspects of your hearing.
What Can You Do if SSA Denies Your Benefits Claim in South Carolina?
If the SSA denies your benefits, you should always appeal within the timeframe provided by the SSA. Refrain from starting a new application or allowing time to expire because you will be forced to the back of the line again.
Your South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney can stand up for you during an appeal. We assist with the following:
- Reconsideration
- Your Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
- Any hearings before the Appeals Council
- A Federal Court review
You may have to wait a few weeks or several months to receive a decision regarding your application. However, we stand with you throughout the entire process.
Get Help Today – Call a Charleston, South Carolina Attorney
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we help people throughout South Carolina get SSDI and SSI to support themselves and their families and get the medical treatment they require. We understand the disability claims process and are committed to protecting your rights.
Contact a South Carolina Social Security Disability attorney today to schedule a no-cost consultation.
