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You do not need to hire a lawyer to get disability in South Carolina. However, choosing to hire one may greatly benefit your case, especially if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your initial application for benefits. The claims process with the SSA can be confusing, so it’s easy to miss something when filing.
A South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm can deal with all aspects of your case, acting on your behalf. Whether you’re filing a claim for the first time or need assistance with appealing a denial, you can depend on your attorney to fight for your rights throughout your case.
Your Attorney Can Manage Your Disability Claim While You Take Care of Yourself
Spare yourself the time of going back and forth with the SSA. Retaining a Social Security Disability (SSD) attorney takes the headache out of recovering the benefits you deserve. Some of the tasks a lawyer can assume for you include:
- Determining which SSD program you qualify for
- Gathering relevant evidence, such as medical records
- Speaking to your doctors about your medical conditions
- Assisting you with filling out forms
- Complying with deadlines
- Filing your disability application and ensuring all information is correct
- Appealing the SSA’s decision if it denied your initial claim
- Handling all verbal, written, and electronic communication
A Lawyer Can Determine Which of the Two SSD Benefit Programs You Qualify For
SSD includes two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Depending on your needs, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both. You must file a separate application for each.
Depending on the type of benefits you’re requesting, the SSA may require you to submit evidence such as:
- Your birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Medical history
- Relevant test results
- List of medications you’re taking for your disability
- Social Security number
- Employment summary
- Relevant tax information
Our team can help you determine what you need to get your claim approved.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
According to the SSA, those filing for SSDI benefits must generally meet these criteria:
- Have an eligible disability
- Documented work history
- Paid Social Security taxes while working
- Unable to work because of their disability for at least 12 months
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Who can get SSI? Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on work history. Instead, this program is geared toward individuals with limited income and personal assets. Eligible individuals must have a qualifying disability or be of retirement age.
An individual eligible for SSI can receive monthly payments of up to $967 in 2025.
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Common Reasons for a Social Security Disability Claim Denial
The Social Security Administration states that it denies 53% of initial disability claims, on average. The reasons this organization may reject a claim include:
- Insufficient medical documentation
- Missing evidence or paperwork
- Disability doesn’t meet the criteria
- The applicant can still perform gainful work tasks
- Inaccurate salary or personal information
However, receiving a denial doesn’t mean you are out of options. Our South Carolina disability attorneys can help you file an appeal. The stages of the appeals process could be as follows:
- Reconsideration: An individual who didn’t play a role in the initial decision will review your claim.
- Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If you disagree with the decision from Reconsideration, you have up to 60 days to request a disability hearing with ALJ. You may submit additional evidence in this stage.
- Appeals Council: If the ALJ rejects your claim, your attorney can file an appeal with the Appeals Council within 60 days. The Appeals Council may send your case to another ALJ to review or deny the case.
- Federal Court: If you disagree with the Appeals Council’s decision, you may file a civil lawsuit with the U.S. District Court no later than 60 days later.
The SSA can accept your case at any stage, so you may not need to go through the entire appeals process to receive a positive result.
How an Attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC May Help You Claim Social Security Benefits
When you hire a disability lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, they will stay in contact with you from start to finish and keep you posted on any updates. Should you have questions, we will answer them promptly. Our legal team even offers a 24/7 helpline so you can get the information you need anytime.
Price should also not be of concern to you. Our law firm serves SSD clients on a contingency-fee basis. On top of being able to start working on your case immediately, this payment arrangement doesn’t require you to pay us anything upfront. We will collect payment only if we secure benefits for you.
One of our disability lawyers, Andrea Farmer, serves those seeking disability benefits. Take a look at one of our client testimonials about working with her:
- “I have no doubt the reason for the quick approval was the professionalism of Farmer’s expertise and of the handling of the appeal by Whitbeck. I am forever grateful to them and would recommend this firm to anyone facing a disability appeal.” – Tammi K.
Our team will listen attentively to your story and fight for the disability benefits you need.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Fight for Disability Benefits in South Carolina
Although there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer to get disability in South Carolina, doing so can enable you to focus on your health and well-being while a legal professional fights for your rights.
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC has served over 10,000 clients and achieved a Google Reviews rating of 4.9/5 stars from over 400 reviews.
We have recovered over $100 million for personal injury and disability clients. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
