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Last Modified on Sep 04, 2025
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a valuable financial safety net to anyone who is unable to work due to an illness or injury. If you are in such a situation, it is important to know how to file an SSD claim in South Carolina and why it is important to hire an SSD lawyer to help you. The process may seem simple at first, but many Americans encounter all types of issues with their SSD claims.
How to File an SSD Claim in South Carolina
Filing a claim for SSD benefits in South Carolina will be easier if you hire an SSD lawyer to help you. The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has extensive experience handling SSD claims for our clients throughout South Carolina, and we know how to help you with this situation. Our team can verify your eligibility, assist you with gathering the paperwork you will need to submit to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and help you resolve any issues that arise.
The two main criteria for SSD benefits in South Carolina are work history and medical condition. When it comes to work history, you must have paid into the Social Security system during the time you were able to work, and you must have accumulated enough work credits to qualify for these benefits. You must have worked for at least five of the past 10 years to qualify for SSD benefits.
Your medical eligibility is determined by the severity of the illness or injury that has left you disabled. Your condition must have prevented you from working for at least one year or longer, and you must also meet eligibility based on your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). This is a measure of how much income you are able to earn with your medical condition, and the current cap for 2025 is $1,620 per month.
If you hire an SSD lawyer to help you, they can gather all of the supporting documentation you will need to send to the SSA for consideration of your claim for benefits. You will likely need to produce work and medical records, and you will also need to provide financial information to prove that you meet the SGA requirement for SSD benefits. The SSA uses Disability Determination Services in each state to conduct individual assessments for eligibility.
Resolving Issues With Your SSD Claim in South Carolina
It is important to acknowledge the fact that you could encounter various problems with your SSD claim, even if you think you meet all eligibility criteria and file your claim correctly with an attorney’s help. The SSA denies nearly 70% of all applications for benefits received each year, mostly due to filing errors, clerical errors, or missing documentation.
It’s possible to reapply after such errors have led to a denial, and it is also possible to request a reconsideration of a denied claim. Your SSD lawyer in South Carolina can help you understand your options, and you can also rely on your attorney if you need to file an appeal after your claim is denied. The appeal process can be extremely difficult without an attorney representing you.
You could also run into problems with your SSD benefits application if you already receive other forms of benefits, such as workers’ compensation disability benefits. It’s possible to still receive SSD benefits when you are receiving workers’ compensation and/or other public benefits, but the amount you receive will influence whether you can receive SSD and, if so, how much you can receive per month.
Ultimately, it is important to know how to file an SSD claim in South Carolina and the value of having an attorney’s help with this process. The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can provide compassionate and responsive legal counsel for this difficult situation, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how we can help.
FAQs
What Conditions Qualify You for SSD in South Carolina?
There are many conditions that qualify you for SSD in South Carolina. The SSA maintains a list of all conditions it considers to be disabilities, and your SSD attorney can help you verify that you meet these criteria. This condition must have made you unable to work for at least 12 months to qualify for SSD, and you must have met the work criteria and accumulated enough work credits to receive SSD benefits.
How Much Can I Earn and Still Receive SSD Benefits?
The amount you can earn from SGA and still receive SSD benefits is $1,620 per month. If you make more than this, you could be disqualified from benefits. Additionally, if your income changes over time and you are already receiving SSD benefits, the change to your income could push you over this SGA threshold, and you will be disqualified from receiving further benefits.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Disability and SSD at the Same Time?
Yes, it is possible for you to receive workers’ compensation disability and SSD at the same time. However, the amount you receive in workers’ compensation benefits is calculated to determine your level of financial need. SSD benefits will be reduced to account for workers’ compensation and other public benefits you receive each month.
Why Should I Hire an SSD Lawyer?
You should hire an SSD lawyer because navigating this claim-filing process can be tedious and frustrating without an attorney’s help. You’re likely to run into various complications, and you will need an attorney’s help to resolve these issues and secure your benefits. Your attorney can help with reapplication, requesting reconsideration, or appealing a denial if necessary.
The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has years of experience helping our clients throughout South Carolina with their SSD claims. These benefits can be invaluable to a disabled person and their family, but the process of obtaining them is more difficult than many people realize. If you are unsure whether you qualify or simply need help navigating the claim-filing process, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team.
