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If you are considering filing a claim for disability benefits or you have already filed and need help with an appeal, a Woodruff Social Security Disability lawyer from our law firm is here for you. We do not charge any upfront fees for representation.
When someone is hurt, we have a Woodruff personal injury lawyer who can help them fight for the money they deserve. We also have an attorney available to help you secure the benefits you need based on your diagnosis and condition. At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we have a full team—six lawyers and four locations—to serve you. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Our Woodruff Lawyers Explain the Different Social Security Disability Programs
When you are out of work because of a physical, cognitive, or psychological condition, it can be difficult to know your options for disability income. Under Social Security Disability, there are two programs you might qualify for. Your attorney from our team can help you weigh your options and determine which program is best for you.
In general, the differences include the following:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program has work credit requirements. You earn work credits by working and paying taxes into Social Security. If you have worked full or part-time for several years, you likely meet the work credit requirements.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program has income and asset limits and is generally for those who have few options to make ends meet. There are no work credit requirements.
Once you apply, it can take several months before you know the outcome. While some people receive approval for their benefits based on their initial claim, many do not. Having to file an appeal will delay your benefits even further, so you want to complete the application paperwork and provide the necessary evidence the first time.
Working with our Social Security Disability lawyers can make it easier to ensure your paperwork is accurate and you have strong support for your claim when you file. It can also prevent you from having to travel to the nearest Social Security Administration office, the Spartanburg Social Security office.
Our Woodruff Attorneys Can Help You Understand the Criteria for Social Security Disability
The Social Security Disability programs are for those who have qualifying conditions that make it difficult or impossible for them to work and earn a living. The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes a list of impairments and the medical evidence necessary to receive approval for benefits based on them. This publication is known as the “Blue Book.” It includes a wide range of medical and psychological conditions, from spinal cord injuries to depression.
However, you could qualify for benefits even if your disability is not listed in the Blue Book or you do not meet the criteria listed for your condition. This approval is possible through a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. This could require you to attend a disability medical exam.
An RFC looks at your age, limitations, work history, education, and other factors to determine if you are likely to get a job you could do based on your condition and abilities. If this assessment shows you are unlikely to be able to work, you will receive approval for SSDI, SSI, or both programs.
What Can a Woodruff Attorney Do if You Receive a Social Security Disability Denial?
Having a lawyer on your side is extremely helpful if you receive a denial notice based on your initial Social Security Disability claim. You never want to start a new SSDI or SSI application. Instead, you need to navigate the appeals process to fight the denial. Our attorneys know how this process works and can represent your best interests at every step.
You only have a limited time to request reconsideration—the first step in the appeals process—after receiving your denial notice. This is generally 60 days. During reconsideration, someone from South Carolina Disability Determination Services will review your claim and supporting evidence again.
Only after you receive a second denial based on the reconsideration can we request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the second step of the appeals process. Because this Judge can request additional documents and evidence, we are often able to help our clients get approved at this point. It could take several weeks to months to learn about the Judge’s decision.
What if You Still Do Not Receive Approval?
There are additional options if the Administrative Law Judge does not approve your claim. If the Judge made a mistake, we can ask the Social Security Appeals Council to review your claim. If you are still denied benefits, we can file a federal lawsuit. However, we rarely need to ask a federal court to hear a case.
Choose Our Firm as Your Woodruff Social Security Disability Lawyers
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, has secured more than $100 million for injury and disability clients. Our team includes six attorneys with different areas of expertise and extensive experience. We provide a broad range of legal services, including helping individuals manage their Social Security Disability claims.
When you work with a lawyer from our firm, we will answer your questions and promptly address any concerns that arise. We even have a 24/7 helpline for our clients. This is just one reason why our former clients rate our team so highly. We are proud to have a Google Reviews rating of 4.9/5 based on over 415 reviews.
We work based on contingency, so you will never need to worry about how to pay for our services.
Talk to Our Social Security Disability Team About Your Woodruff, SC, Claim
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, provides free consultations for those who might need to hire a Woodruff Social Security Disability lawyer to help with their claim or appeal. We can assess your options and discuss your next steps and the role we will play.
Contact us today to get started.
