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.
