When you have been hurt and cannot work for a period of time, you may worry about how you will pay your bills. You can often rely on workers’ compensation to help out, but many people are unaware of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits available to them. Applying to this program can be complicated, but our team can help.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers assist Lowcountry citizens who need guidance. We specialize in managing these claims from application to completion. If you have already applied and been denied, we can review your case for free to discuss your options.
Contact us to schedule your case evaluation today.
Why Choose Shelly Leeke for Your Social Security Disability Claim
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews each application for benefits very closely. It is easy to make a mistake that delays your payments. A substantial number of claims are denied for various reasons. With the help of a Social Security disability lawyer in Goose Creek from our firm, you can reduce your chances of facing this situation.
Our attorneys help your case by:
- Applying our years of experience and skill to your case
- Gathering and organizing your medical records, reports, and other materials
- Ensuring your information is entered correctly and all forms are filled in completely
- Reviewing any denial letters to determine how to appeal your claim
- Assisting you in appealing a denial
- Answering your questions every step of the way
We offer a contingency fee pay structure, meaning you do not pay us until and unless we secure a settlement for you. We are committed to helping you get the benefits you need so you can recover and return to your life.
Social Security Disability Insurance Helps if You Are Injured or Become Sick
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is meant to help workers secure benefits for any reason that causes them to be unable to do their jobs. If you become ill or are hurt, whether on the job or not, you can apply for benefits. The amount you receive will depend on your work history, average salary over your career, and the current maximum amount of benefits.
The maximum amount of SSDI awarded in 2023 is $3627 monthly. Most people receive between $700 and $1700 a month, and the average payment is $1438. The maximum amount is calculated each year based on changes in the cost of living, healthcare expenses, and other factors.
Since it can take months for your payments to start, your Goose Creek Social Security disability attorney can help you apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program can get payments to you faster until your SSDI claim is approved.
Social Security for Disability vs. Social Security for Retirement
The SSA provides a wide range of programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, survivor benefits, and Social Security for both disability and retirement. Most people are familiar with the payments they can receive when they retire from their working lives, but disability benefits are there to help you if you are hurt and cannot work.
The application process for both programs is similar and can be done online, by telephone, or in person. Much like retirement payments, qualifying for SSDI benefits require that you have worked long enough and accumulated enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability. For example, the conditions are:
- If you are younger than 24: You must earn six credits in the three years prior to your disability.
- If you are between the ages of 24 and 31: You are eligible if you worked half of the time from age 21 until the age you were disabled. For example, disability at age 29 requires at least three years of work between age 21 and 29.
- If you are 31 or older: You must earn at least 20 credits in the ten years before you were disabled.
You can earn up to four work credits each calendar year. Your total work credits are used to calculate both your disability benefits and your retirement benefits when the time comes. There are additional criteria to qualify for SSDI assistance, and your Social Security disability attorney in Goose Creek, SC, at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can explain these requirements to you.
Certain Conditions Will Automatically Qualify You for Benefits
The process for receiving benefits can take months, but there are special medical conditions that can allow you to receive payments more quickly. If any of the following situations applies to you, you may automatically be qualified to obtain benefits.
These circumstances include:
- You have a disease or injury that is on the SSA’s list of “disabling conditions.”
- You have been diagnosed with a terminal disease, such as pancreatic cancer, and are eligible for a compassionate allowance.
- You have low vision or are a widow or widower, parent or legal guardian of a disabled child, or a Wounded Warrior.
We Can Help if Your Social Security Disability Benefits Are Denied
If you have already applied for SSDI benefits and been denied, it can be devastating. You may feel you have to start all over. However, our team can review your application and denial letter to determine how to proceed for success. We can strengthen your claim with additional documentation and represent you at your appeal hearing.
After a denial, you have 60 days to file an appeal. There are four levels to appealing a claim and relying on an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can manage the burden of preparing and presenting your case.
Speak with a Goose Creek Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
When you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you need to focus on recovering so you can get back to your job. You do not need the added stress and worry of filing and managing a Social Security Disability Insurance claim. If you are denied, you likely will be afraid of being unable to pay your expenses unless you find trustworthy legal help.
With a Goose Creek Social Security Disability lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm at your side, you can avoid common mistakes that delay your payments. We offer a dedicated and compassionate team of attorneys who will not rest until your SSDI benefits case is settled and you receive your benefits. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how to secure the payments you deserve.
