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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 North Carolina Social Security disability 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.
Why 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 assistance with 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 regarding Social Security law. Our law office even has a 24/7 helpline for our clients.
Former clients rate our team highly. We are proud to have a Google Reviews rating of 4.9/5 based on hundreds of reviews. We work based on contingency, so you will never need to worry about how to pay for our services.
Our Lawyers Explain the Different 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.
There are two programs you might qualify for from the Social Security Administration (SSA). 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 file your initial application, it can take several months before you know the outcome. While some people receive approval for their disability 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 a Social Security disability attorney in Woodruff can help ensure your paperwork is accurate and that you have strong support for your claim when you file. It can also prevent you from having to travel to the nearest SSA office, the Spartanburg Social Security office.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Understand the Criteria for a Disability Claim
The Social Security Disability programs are for those with qualifying conditions that make it difficult or impossible to work and earn a living.
The SSA publishes a list of impairments and the medical evidence required to receive approval for benefits based on those impairments. This publication is known as the “Blue Book.” It includes a wide range of medical and psychological conditions, from spinal cord injuries to depression.
What if Your Condition Isn’t in the Blue Book?
You could qualify for benefits even if your disability is not listed in the Blue Book or if you do not meet the criteria listed for your condition. This approval is possible through a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. 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 an Attorney Do if You Receive a Social Security Disability Denial?
A lawyer can help you appeal the SSA’s initial decision after a denial. Your lawyer may use your medical records or other supporting evidence to build an appeal. You can count on our team to help throughout the reconsideration process.
Having a lawyer on your side is extremely helpful if you receive a denial notice based on your initial Social Security Disability claim. In most situations, it is better to pursue the appeals process rather than begin a completely new 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.
How Long Do You Have to File an Appeal?
You only have a limited time to request reconsideration—the first step in the appeal process—after receiving your denial notice. Generally, you get 60 days. During reconsideration, someone from South Carolina Disability Determination Services will review your claim and supporting evidence again.
Can You Request a Hearing After a Denial?
Only after you receive a second denial following reconsideration can we request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing 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 or months to learn about the judge’s decision.
We can help you navigate the red tape associated with an appeal. Reach out now to learn more about how we can help.
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.
You can discuss the eligibility requirements for this kind of appeal with our team.
Talk to Our Team About Your Woodruff, SC, Claim
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, provides free consultations for those who might need to hire an attorney to help with their claim or appeal. We can assess your options, discuss your next steps, and outline the role we will play.
Contact us today to get started. You can rely on a Woodruff Social Security disability attorney to put you first.
