530+ Google Reviews
Navigating the Social Security Disability claims process can be difficult, especially when you have a medical condition that makes it hard to just get through the day. If you need to file a claim, a South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, has served over 10,000 clients. If you intend to apply for disability, a Blacksburg Social Security Disability lawyer can help you put together a strong claim and obtain the benefits you deserve.
Why Hire a Blacksburg Social Security Disability Attorney?
Working with an attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and file your disability claim with confidence.
Here are some ways a Social Security Disability lawyer in Blacksburg can help:
- Preparing your application: We can help make sure your forms are complete, accurate, and consistent with your medical records.
- Gathering evidence: We can help collect medical records, doctor statements, and other documentation to strengthen your claim.
- Communicating with the Social Security Administration: We can handle correspondence with the SSA, respond to requests for information, and help keep your case on track.
- Representing you during appeals: If your claim is denied, we can help you file an appeal and represent you at a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Who Qualifies for Benefits?
To qualify for disability benefits, your condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. In other words, your ability to work must be significantly limited. The condition must also be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
In addition, your medical condition must either meet or equal one of the impairments listed by the Social Security Administration, or it must be severe enough that you cannot perform your past work or adjust to other types of work.
Each disability program has additional criteria for applicants, which are laid out in the Social Security Administration Blue Book. Our team can go over this information with you.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply?
While you aren’t required to have a lawyer to get disability in South Carolina, hiring a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of approval.
If you have questions or concerns about your case, our team can determine:
- If you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both
- If there are other programs that might suit your needs
- If you have enough evidence to support your claim
- Your next steps after a denial
When you contact an attorney at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, be prepared to discuss your medical condition, diagnostic tests, symptoms that prevent you from working, and your current financial status.
What Documentation Is Needed to Prove My Claim?
When you file your claim, you will need to submit information about your medical care providers, income, and more. The disability examiners who handle your claim will use this information to gather relevant medical records and other paperwork.
Important types of evidence include:
- Medical records from doctors, hospitals, and specialists documenting your diagnosis and treatment
- Statements from your physicians explaining your limitations and inability to work
- A detailed work history outlining the physical and mental demands of your past jobs
- Personal statements describing how your condition affects your daily life
- Documentation of medications, side effects, and ongoing treatment plans
Our team can review your claim before submission to ensure you include all the pertinent information and provide the level of detail necessary for the Social Security Administration to approve your benefits.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The disability application process typically involves these steps:
- Submitting your application: You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
- Cooperating with requests for information: You may be asked to submit more documentation or clarify details about your claim as it is being reviewed.
- Attending a consultative exam: Depending on the strength of your claim, you may be scheduled for a medical exam with a doctor chosen by the Social Security Administration to evaluate your condition.
- Waiting for a decision: After reviewing your application and supporting evidence, the SSA will determine whether you meet the requirements for disability benefits.
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with long-term, impairing conditions that prevent them from engaging in “substantial gainful activity (SGA).”
The purpose of the program is to provide a steady source of income for people who cannot support themselves through employment. If your health keeps you from working and earning a living for a year or more, you may qualify.
Types of Benefits
There are two primary types of Social Security Disability benefits, each of which serves a different group of people:
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the most common program for workers whose health prevents them from working until retirement age. If you have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a sufficient number of years, you may qualify for SSDI. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record.
While there are no caps on unearned or household income for SSDI, you cannot earn more than the current SGA limit and qualify.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. Unlike SSDI, this program has strict income limits, and you can only qualify if you have limited assets.
Some applicants who have a history of working but own few assets could qualify for both SSDI and SSI.
What Is the Hardest Disability to Get Approved for?
Conditions that rely heavily on subjective symptoms, such as chronic pain disorders, fibromyalgia, migraines, and certain mental health conditions, tend to face more scrutiny from the SSA. Since they don’t always show up clearly on medical tests, the SSA may require more detailed documentation.
Mental health conditions can also be challenging to prove. While they are recognized as legitimate disabilities, proving the severity of your limitations often requires extensive records, consistent treatment, and professional evaluations.
Lastly, it can be difficult to obtain benefits for conditions that fluctuate. If your symptoms come and go, it may be harder to demonstrate that you are unable to work consistently. To secure benefits, you must gather sufficient evidence to prove that your condition limits your ability to function.
How Do I Appeal a Denial?
Unfortunately, many people receive denials the first time they apply for disability. Once you receive a determination letter, you usually have 60 days to request an appeal, according to the Social Security Administration.
The appeals process has four levels:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ)
- An Appeals Council review
- A review by the Federal Court
Our team of lawyers will review your determination letter with you and discuss next steps. You will not need to pay us anything up front. We can guide you through the appeals process and give you the best possible chance of securing approval.
Speak to Our Team About How We Can Help You Today
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand how stressful and frustrating it can be when you are hurt or sick and unable to work. A Blacksburg Social Security Disability attorney from our team can take on your case, strengthen your claim, and help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to.
Schedule a free case evaluation to get help with your claim.
