If you are a Spartanburg County resident who wants to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, our lawyer can help. We may even be able to assist if you have already been denied benefits.
A Social personal injury lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can guide you through the process of seeking benefits. Our firm is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide advice to our clients about how to handle their cases and deal with unexpected challenges.
What Kind of Social Security Disability Benefits Do You Qualify For?
There are two distinct types of benefits included under the label “Social Security Disability.” The basic requirements for each are discussed below.
When applying for benefits, it is vital that you select the one that best fits your situation, although it is possible to qualify for both. Any mistake in this regard could lead to a denial, and you would face unnecessary delays in receiving your first check. A disability attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help prevent such missteps.
Social Security Disability Insurance Qualifications
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is only available to workers who have spent a required number of years paying into Social Security and who have a medical condition that meets Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines. If you meet the work requirement, you must then prove that you:
- You are blind or have a qualifying disability
- Your disability will persist for at least 12 months
- Your disability keeps you from earning more than a given amount per year
Supplemental Security Income Qualifications
Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not require you to have any sort of work history. It is available to those who:
- Are retirement age and/or have a qualifying disability
- Do not make more than a given amount per year
- Have limited or no access to other forms of income, such as real estate, stocks, or other government benefits
Can You Apply for Both SSDI and SSI?
Some applicants meet the qualifications for both types of benefits. After reviewing your work and medical history, an attorney from our law firm can tell you what you qualify for. Then, in some cases, we can help you file your application and tell you what evidence you need to prove your eligibility.
How We Help Spartanburg County Clients Apply for Disability Benefits
As the Social Security Administration (SSA) explains, the benefits application process requires a lot from you, including:
- Submitting the right applications: Our firm can tell you which forms you need to use based on what type of benefit you are asking for.
- Submitting enough evidence: The SSA wants extensive information about your family, employment history, medical diagnosis, medical records, and citizenship status, depending on the program. We can help you compile a detailed case file that covers all the bases.
- Waiting patiently, but not for too long: Disability benefit applications can take a long time to process. It is important to recognize this fact while also allowing us to keep in touch with the SSA to make sure nothing has gone wrong with your paperwork (e.g., it got lost in the mail).
- Filing an appeal after a denial: If the SSA denies your application, we can help you through the appeals process. This would force the SSA to assign a new Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to review your case with fresh eyes.
- Attending appeal hearings: There are several levels of appeal. If yours gets far enough, you would agree to a disability hearing with the ALJ or the Appeals Council. We can attend these hearings on your behalf and argue passionately for your right to benefits.
Our Disability Attorneys Are Here for Our South Carolina Clients
For us, delivering excellence in legal representation is the top priority. No matter who you are, what your goals are, or how complex your situation is, our Spartanburg County Social Security Disability lawyer can provide the right kind of support at the right time. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can:
- Offer you a free case review over the phone
- Defer attorney’s fees until we win benefits for you
- Make ourselves available to address your concerns all day, every day
Social Security Disability Benefits for Family Members
In many cases, we help clients seek benefits on their own behalf. However, Disability benefits can also be paid out to the spouses or children of qualifying applicants, as discussed below.
Social Security Disability for Spouses
If your spouse qualifies for benefits, its possible that you can receive payments as well. You would first have to prove you meet the age requirements and/or are caring for a disabled child.
If you are divorced from someone receiving Disability benefits, you may still be eligible for benefits. Widows and widowers can apply for survivor benefits. The requirements in each situation are different, so it is a good idea to consult with us before you begin.
Social Security Disability for Children
There are several different circumstances under which your child can receive Disability benefits. According to the SSA, these include if:
- You qualify for benefits and the child is an unmarried minor
- You qualify for benefits and the child is a full-time, 18- to 19-year-old student
- You qualify for benefits and the adult child was diagnosed with a disability before the age of 22
- Your child qualifies for benefits in their own right
Making Sure Your Family Gets the Disability Benefits They Need
Applying for Disability in South Carolina can be very confusing and strenuous. This is especially true if you plan on applying for both yourself and for a family member.
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, does not want a single resident of Spartanburg County to go without the benefits they deserve. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can start figuring out what monthly benefits you are entitled to and how to get them.
Let Our Spartanburg County Social Security Disability Lawyers Represent You
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, wants you to know that you do not have to apply for benefits on your own. We can assign a Spartanburg County Social Security Disability lawyer to investigate your case and help you prove your need for benefits. Call us to get a free consultation today.