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Social Security Disability (SSD) payments are often vital for paying bills and buying necessities. If you’ve applied for SSD help and been denied, then you may be worried about your financial future. However, a denial is not your final chance. Our Spartanburg SSD appeal lawyers can help.
The Spartanburg Social Security Disability lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, are dedicated and thorough in every case we take on. We’ve helped over 10,000 clients. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
How Can an SSD Appeal Lawyer in Spartanburg Help With Your Case?
The SSD application process can be complicated, requiring accurate information and thorough documentation. When details are missing or can’t be confirmed, it can result in a denial. Our legal team can step in to handle the appeals process to get you the benefits you need.
Our South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers can:
- Ensure you understand the reason for the denial and what is needed to appeal it.
- Help you gather any additional information that is needed.
- Consult with additional third-party medical providers if more documentation is needed to prove your disability and its impacts on your life.
- Represent you in hearings.
Our legal team works on contingency. That means you don’t have to worry about another financial pressure, as you will only pay our fees if we recover compensation for you. Read our testimonials to learn more about how we’ve helped other clients like you.
Why Do SSD Benefits Get Denied?
Many applicants for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied on their first application. There are many reasons why this may be the case. Some common reasons for getting denied are:
- Lack of proof: For example, perhaps you failed to provide medical records supporting your disability claim.
- Your disability is temporary: A doctor states that you are likely to recover in less than a year.
- You delayed or stopped medical treatment: Your doctor states that you didn’t follow their medical advice.
- Your income is too high: There are income-eligibility requirements.
- Missing or inaccurate information: You left off information or made a mistake when filling out a form.
- You applied for a benefit that you were not eligible for: While some people are eligible to receive concurrent benefits of SSI and SSDI, others may not be.
- You didn’t cooperate with requests: In some cases, you may need to see an agency doctor for your diagnosis. Failing to do so can result in your SSD request getting denied.
Depending on the reason for the denial, we will build your case through evidence and documentation.
Who Qualifies for SSD Benefits in Spartanburg?
SSDI and SSI benefits for people with disabilities are not automatic. You must still meet eligibility requirements and apply for benefits.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a total and permanent disability that stops you from doing your previous job or from obtaining other substantial gainful employment. SSDI is tied to your work history. With SSDI, you can have a limited amount of income coming in monthly.
To qualify for SSI, you must be 65 or older or have a qualifying disability and be living with a very limited income and assets. It is intended to help cover the basic costs of living. You do not have to have a work history to qualify for SSI.
What Do SSD Benefits Cover?
SSD benefits can include both monthly payments and medical coverage. Monthly payments are calculated using your work history. However, there is a maximum monthly payment amount (which is typically adjusted yearly).
Once you have received SSDI benefits for 24 months, you will receive Medicare. Any applicable Medicare premiums are deducted from your monthly benefit payments.
What Is the SSD Appeals Process Like in Spartanburg?
The SSD appeals process generally involves a few different steps, depending on the reason you were denied and whether you receive approval after the first step. The steps you may face include:
Request for Reconsideration
This request must be filed within 60 days of having received a rejection letter. Typically, a new examiner is assigned to your case to go over your file. They will consider both your original application as well as any new documentation you have provided.
If your request for reconsideration is approved, you will not need to do any of the following steps. Instead, your benefits will start within a reasonable amount of time.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
If your application is denied after a request for reconsideration, then you still have additional steps you can take to gain benefits. Next, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
At this hearing, your Spartanburg SSD appeal attorney will present your case. They may call on witnesses or experts to provide additional evidence of your disability and its impact on your ability to work.
Additional Steps
While many cases are resolved with a request for reconsideration or an ALJ hearing, in some cases we may need to request an appeals council review or file a federal district court action. We are prepared to take your case to court, but this is unlikely to be necessary.
Contact an SSD Appeal Lawyer in Spartanburg Today
You need benefits to pay for housing, food, and the costs of day-to-day life. A rejection of your benefits application can feel stressful, but it’s not the end of your case. Our Spartanburg SSD appeal attorneys are here to fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
Reach out to the team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today. We are here to help and can get started on your case with a free consultation.
