If you’ve suffered a serious injury or illness that affects your ability to work, it can be a challenge to find the money you need to support yourself and those who depend on you. Social Security Disability benefits could be vital to your life. But obtaining them is often a time-consuming, frustrating process if you don’t have help from a knowledgeable North Myrtle Beach Social Security Disability attorney. Let Jebaily Law Firm take some of the pressure off you.
Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the complex Social Security Disability system. We can help your claim move forward as efficiently as possible and even help you appeal a denied claim. Get your free case review today by contacting our North Myrtle Beach Social Security Disability law firm.
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability benefits are federal aid designed to help people who experience a substantial, long-term mental or physical disability. While there are many kinds of federal aid programs, there are only two types of benefits that are administered and dispersed by the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
What Are the Different Types of SSD?
There are two types of Social Security Disability benefits available if you have a qualifying disability. They are:
- Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a program that pays disabled workers and certain members of their families as long as the applicant meets certain conditions. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough to have earned enough “credits” by paying Social Security taxes through your job. If you’ve earned enough credits by the time you’re disabled, you can apply for SSDI payments.
- Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is another benefit available to those with disabilities, but SSI is based on financial need. You do not need to have earned any credits to qualify for SSI benefits. Instead, your eligibility is determined by your income level. SSI benefits are aimed at adults and children with extremely limited financial resources.
Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits in North Myrtle Beach?
Both SSDI and SSI benefits are paid to people with long-term disabilities. In addition to meeting the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled, your disability must have already lasted for at least 12 months or be expected to last at least that long. If your disability is expected to be temporary, it’s unlikely you will be able to claim disability benefits. You can find the Social Security Administration’s list of qualifying disability conditions for adults here and its list of qualifying disabilities for children here.
How Much Can I Receive in Benefits?
The amount you can potentially receive in SSDI benefits depends on many factors, including:
- The extent of your injuries
- The expected duration of your disability
- Your lifetime Social Security earnings
- The size of your family
These factors and other calculations are made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) once it receives your application for benefits. The SSA does not list the maximum benefit you could receive through the SSDI program, but it does provide an online benefits calculator.
SSI benefits work a bit differently because federal guidelines set the maximum benefit you can receive. You can find the current maximum benefit amounts here.
What Happens After I Submit an SSD Application in North Myrtle Beach?
In North Myrtle Beach, you can submit your application for Social Security Disability benefits by applying online through the Social Security Administration website, calling the SSA directly, or by going to one of South Carolina’s local Social Security offices.
Once you’ve submitted your application for benefits, it will take weeks or longer for your application to be reviewed. If your application is approved, you could start receiving disability benefit checks. Unfortunately, most initial applications are denied. In fact, research from the SSA shows that around 70 percent of initial applications are denied.
If your claim was denied, you can initiate an appeals process to have your claim reviewed and possibly overturned so that you receive the benefits you deserve. Appealing your claim can be even more challenging than the initial filing. A knowledgeable North Myrtle Beach Social Security Disability attorney from Jebaily Law Firm can walk you through this process and take the pressure off you.
Common Reasons for SSD Claim Denials
The SSA denies a significant number of initial disability benefits claims, so it’s often a challenge to get these benefits even when you rightfully qualify for them. Some of the most common reasons for denied claims include:
- Not including enough medical information in the initial application
- Applications left incomplete or filled out incorrectly
- Applicants failing to meet the income requirements to obtain benefits
- Applicants failing to adhere to their prescribed medical treatment
- Not getting help from an attorney
How Can I Improve My Chances of SSD Approval?
Here are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of an approved claim for Social Security Disability benefits:
- Include all relevant medical records in your applications.
- Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.
- Make sure all the forms are completed correctly.
- Check to make sure your income level qualifies you for benefits before you apply.
- Get help from an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer in North Myrtle Beach.
How Our Experienced North Myrtle Beach SSD Lawyer Can Help You
If you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits, don’t try to fight through the process alone. At Jebaily Law Firm, our lawyers for Social Security Disability in North Myrtle Beach understand all the SSA’s rules and regulations. So we can help you maximize your chances of approval. If your claim was denied, we can represent you through the appeals process, build a strong case for the benefits you need.
Don’t wait to speak to a North Myrtle Beach SSD lawyer about your claim. Get a free initial consultation by calling our office or filling out our contact form online.
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.
