It can be difficult to obtain approval for a Social Security disability benefits claim in South Carolina. Many applications are rejected after the applications have been assessed by the SSA’s examiners. This is often avoidable if better advice had been given before the application was first made. A denied application for disability benefits in South Carolina typically means that an appeal must be made. There are good reasons why having a disability lawyer will help you with a disability benefits claim in South Carolina at any stage of the application, but especially if you have to file an appeal.
The disability lawyer will have a good working knowledge of the procedure used by the SSA in South Carolina and will be able to help with the submission of medical evidence, work history, and other critical information needed to support an application. In addition, a South Carolina Social Security disability lawyer will be familiar with state-based administrative law judges who may be called upon to hear your appeal case.
Step 1: Complete a Free Disability Evaluation
Personal Information
Provide your name, contact information (telephone number and email address), and residential address in South Carolina.
Details About Your Disability
Describe your medical condition, including specific diagnoses, and how your medical condition has had an impact on your ability to work. The SSA needs to see evidence that your medical condition is severe enough to stop you from working for at least the next 12 months and that symptoms match a Blue Book listing.
Current Status
Indicate whether you’re applying for disability benefits for the first time or whether you are appealing a denied claim.
Step 2: Connect with a South Carolina Lawyer
The DBH's Screening Process
The DBH reviews your submission and uses its network to find a lawyer experienced in disability cases in South Carolina.
This lawyer will be familiar with disability cases and the processes that are specific to South Carolina. Note that disability claims, whether they are through the SSDI or SSI pathways are made to a federal agency, the SSA. Disability benefits are available throughout the U.S. and the fact that you live in South Carolina doesn’t have an effect on your ability to obtain benefits.
Disability lawyers will have knowledge of local Social Security offices in South Carolina, individual administrative law judges (ALJs) who are called upon as part of the appeal process, and local medical providers who can contribute to strengthening your case.
Step 3: Initial Consultation with Your South Carolina Disability Lawyer
After you have been assigned to an individual disability lawyer, you’ll be contacted by your lawyer for an initial free consultation.
At your consultation, you’ll discuss your medical condition and how it developed, what medical treatment you have had, and how your disability affects your ability to work. Your lawyer will discuss the application process and what can be done to improve your chances of having an application approved without having to file an appeal. The lawyer will also go over what will happen if your application is rejected and shat is involved in the appeal process.
Having a South Carolina lawyer gives you the advantage of working with someone who understands the disability application and process in your state.
Step 4: Agreement
If all goes well, you’ll sign an agreement after your consultation.
You will need to remain in close contact with your lawyer throughout the application or appeal process to update the lawyer on any new information that emerges or communication you have received from the SSA.
If your application has been rejected, you will need your lawyer to help you with the appeal process. This is a step-by-step process and you may have your application for benefits approved at any stage in the process.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost in South Carolina?
It is usual for disability lawyers to work on a contingency fee basis. This means that there are no upfront legal costs and the lawyer will only bill you if you successfully get approval for benefits. Typically, legal fees are then deducted from benefits once they are paid.
The disability lawyer will discuss payment options after you have had your first consultation and the lawyer has assessed the details of your disability application. It is advisable to find out what the fees are likely to be and how they will be expected to be paid before signing an agreement.
Complete our free evaluation and get connected with a South Carolina disability lawyer today!
