The Social Security Disability benefits you qualify to receive in South Carolina depend on your disability, income, and assets. You may receive approval for:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if you cannot participate in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and earn a living wage because of your condition or symptoms
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if you have a disability and your monthly income and assets don’t reach a certain threshold
- Both SSDI and SSI, known as concurrent benefits
A disability lawyer with our firm can review your claim information, medical records, and financial paperwork to determine what Social Security Disability benefits you qualify for in South Carolina. In addition, most provide complimentary case consultations.
Monthly Benefit Payments Through SSDI
If you have a qualifying medical condition and cannot work, you might receive monthly payments through the SSDI program. The Social Security Administration approved a 5.9 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all Social Security recipients in 2022. This COLA brings the average monthly SSDI benefit to $1,358 per month. Families may receive an average of $2,383, including family benefits.
Recipients receive 12 deposits per year. You may also receive backpay if you had to appeal your initial decision and get approval based on reconsideration later in the appeals process.
Calculating Your SSDI Monthly Payment
How much you receive each month depends on the facts of your case – primarily your average lifetime earnings as tracked by Social Security. You can work with an attorney from our firm to learn more about your potential benefit amount or create an online account to view your Social Security statement.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income Qualifications
SSI qualifications are more stringent than SSDI, but you might qualify if you have a low household income and few assets. Other qualifications include:
- Having a qualifying medical condition or disability
- Being over age 65
You do not need the work history required for SSDI to be eligible for SSI, making it possible to receive SSI even if you have not earned enough work credits or any recent work credits. However, you will need to prove that your income and assets do not meet the current standards. A lawyer from our firm can review your qualifications with you.
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Additional Benefits and Programs Available to Disability Recipients
You might also qualify for other benefits if you meet the standards for SSI or SSDI. For example, SSI recipients will likely be eligible for medical care coverage under Healthy Connections, the South Carolina Medicaid program.
After two years, Medicare automatically enrolls SSDI recipients, providing them with healthcare coverage, including Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
In addition, SSDI and SSI recipients may qualify for help with buying food, heating and cooling expenses, tax relief, and other benefits. Your attorney can help you identify additional programs that could help you and your family.
Get Help With an SSDI or SSI Claim or Appeal
A South Carolina disability attorney from our firm can quickly address any questions and concerns about Social Security Disability you have. They can help you weigh your options, file for benefits, gather evidence to support your claim, or appeal a denial.
Unfortunately, most initial Social Security Disability benefits applications – SSDI and SSI – do not get approved. Instead, claimants must request reconsideration, go in front of an administrative law judge in an appeal hearing, or begin the process again after their condition worsens or circumstances change.
Working with an attorney from our firm might help you get approved the first time. They can review your claim and help you avoid simple mistakes before you file. If you do receive a denial, you have up to 60 days to request reconsideration or take other action to appeal the decision.
Speak to a Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you believe you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, our South Carolina firm can help you better understand your options. You can speak with a Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, team member today for free. We would review your qualifications, look over your initial claim, or discuss filing an appeal if the Social Security Administration denied your claim.
Call (828) 286-3866 to get started with your free consultation right away.