Longs Social Security Disability Lawyer

Longs Social Security Disability Attorney

Most individuals rely on their income to support themselves and their families. If you are reliant on your income, it can be difficult to financially provide for your needs if you suffer a sudden accident, injury, or illness. There may be options for you through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and disability benefits. While these benefits will not match your income, they should provide you with sufficient financial security.

Applying for disability benefits can be complex, and many individuals who need and deserve benefits are denied. You can improve your chances of success by working with a qualified Social Security disability attorney in Longs, SC. Your attorney can help you avoid mistakes in your application and make the process of filing less stressful.

Axelrod & Associates: Disability Benefits Attorneys in Longs

You may qualify for disability benefits without knowing it, or you may be unaware of the different ways you could receive financial support. An attorney with Axelrod & Associates can help you determine what can benefit you the most and walk you through the process of filing an application.

The SSA rejects a majority of the applications it receives, and an attorney is a useful asset to ensure that your application carries all the necessary documentation and evidence while avoiding common errors. This improves the chances of your application being approved. If your application isn’t approved, there are still options. Our attorneys can help you with the appeals process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Our firm has more than 100 combined years of legal experience. Let us help you make the application process easier and support you through each step after filing.

Social Security Benefits

Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, also called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program through the SSA that provides financial benefits to those who can’t work due to a condition, illness, or injury. These payments can be temporary or permanent based on the individual’s needs.

SSDI is available to those who:

• Were able to work for a certain period of their lives
• Have the required number of work credits for their age
• Have paid into the SSA system

When an individual has been disabled for much or all of their life and is unable to qualify for SSDI, they can receive benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to Qualify for SSDI Benefits

Not all individuals who are injured and unable to work can receive SSDI. To get these benefits, you have to meet certain qualifications. These include:

1. You are under the retirement age of 65.
2. You are a resident of South Carolina.
3. You have paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
4. Your injury or condition is considered severely disabling according to the SSA definitions, or it is on the list of qualifying conditions.
5. The condition prevents you from completing basic job tasks, working at your job, or finding employment in a similar field.
6. The condition can be expected to last for 12 months, or it is likely that you will not survive the condition.

Most people pay Social Security taxes through paycheck withholdings. If you have never been able to work, you may be able to work with the SSA to waive the 10-year tax requirement.

Some common conditions that the SSA considers to be severe include:

• Asthma
• Chronic respiratory disorders
• Spinal disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic heart failure
• Cancer
• Severe mental illness
• Sickle cell disease
• Skin disorders
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Immune system disorders

This is far from an exhaustive list of severe conditions. Even if your condition is not listed as one of the SSA’s qualifying conditions, you could still be eligible for SSDI. An attorney can help you determine what options are available to you.

Social Security Disability Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Qualifies You for Disability in South Carolina?

A: There are several qualifications to receive Social Security disability benefits in South Carolina. This includes:

• You are a resident of South Carolina and are under the age of 65.
• You have paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years unless you have been severely disabled and have never been able to work.
• You have a condition that meets the requirements to be considered a disability by the SSA.
• This condition prevents you from working or performing typical work tasks.
• You are unable to work at your previous job or another job because of your condition.
• The condition is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Q: What Is the Most That a Disability Lawyer Can Charge?

A: A disability lawyer’s fees will depend on several factors, including their experience in the field, their own policies, and how complicated your case is expected to be. However, the SSA does place limits on how much a disability attorney can charge clients. Lawyer costs can only be collected after your application for benefits has been approved and you have received back pay. The attorney’s fees cannot exceed 25% of the backpay, or $7,200, whichever is less. Your attorney should always be upfront about their fee structure, and you should always discuss costs prior to hiring an attorney.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Disability in South Carolina?

A: Generally, you can expect to hear a decision on an application within 3 to 5 months. However, several factors can further lengthen the process, such as busy application processing personnel, administrative errors, or mistakes on your application. An attorney may be able to help make the process faster by ensuring that everything on the application is correct and in order before submitting it. An attorney could also check in on the progress of the application and expedite its processing in some situations.

Q: How Much Do You Get While on Disability in South Carolina?

A: The amount you receive from Social Security benefits depends on your income prior to needing financial support, how much you are able to continue working, and other factors. Your SSDI monthly payments could be anywhere from $800 to $1,400, depending on these factors. An attorney can give you a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your situation. If you are unable to support yourself or your family on SSDI monthly payments, your attorney can help you determine what other benefits may be available to you.

Contact Axelrod & Associates

When you work with an attorney from the beginning of your SSDI application, you may be able to avoid delays in your application processing. At Axelrod & Associates, we want to help you put together a strong SSDI application, and we can help you through each part of filing and proving your need for support. Contact us today.