Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Attorneys
According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. Some disabilities can be managed fairly well with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. Unfortunately, other impairments can prevent a person from working altogether – and that’s where the Social Security Disability (SSD) program can help by providing financial assistance.
A common question that people ask is whether they have to be permanently disabled in order to qualify for SSD. The answer to that question is based entirely on how the Social Security Administration defines a total disability.
Benefits Questions? Contact our Manning Social Security Disability Attorneys
Confused about the Social Security Disability program? Contact the experienced attorneys at Land Parker Welch LLC today. Our dedicated Manning Social Security Disability lawyers are well versed in the Social Security Administration’s strict criteria for allocating benefits and can help you get approved for the payments you need.
Call (803) 435-8894 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
Our South Carolina permanent disability attorneys have more than 120 years of combined experience. Our Social Security disability attorney can also help eligible citizens with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another government benefits program.
Located in Manning, our South Carolina law firm prides itself on treating its clients like family. When you call Land Parker Welch LLC you won’t be talking to an automated service. You’ll get to speak directly with a Social Security Disability attorney. Our permanent disability lawyer is committed to your case from start to finish.
Permanent Disability or Total Disability?
In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must be declared totally disabled. The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of disability when evaluating claims. According to the SSA, someone may be considered disabled when:
- They cannot do the work they did before;
- They are unable to adjust to other employment situations because of their medical condition(s);
- The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Based on that definition, a person does not have to be permanently disabled in order to qualify for SSD. In fact, many people who are approved for Social Security Disability benefits may eventually show substantial medical improvements. Most claimants will be subject to periodic continuing disability reviews (CDR) so that examiners can evaluate their progress and determine whether they are receiving appropriate SSD benefits.
You may be surprised to learn that the Social Security Administration does not define “totally disabled” as the absolute inability to work. People receiving SSD payments may still work as long as they don’t earn more than the “substantial gainful activity” amount that is set by the SSA each year. For 2011, that amount is $1,000 for people who are not blind.
Automatically Disabled
The Social Security Administration is notorious for denying requests for disability benefits. However, the agency does maintain a listing of impairments that are so severe that a person is automatically considered disabled. There are actually two lists: one for adults, and one for minors. The lists delineate specific medical conditions that may qualify for automatic disability, but the illnesses fall into the following categories:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech impairments
- Respiratory system disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Digestive system conditions
- Genitourinary impairments
- Hematological disorders
- Skin conditions
- Endocrine disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Conditions affecting multiple body systems
- Mental disorders
- Malignant neoplastic diseases
- Immune system deficiencies
A disability lawyer can help you navigate the Social Security disability process, whether you are applying for benefits or appealing a denial.
Need Help? Our SSD Lawyers in Sumter Are Ready
If you are disabled and applying for Social Security Disability benefits in South Carolina, you can depend on the SSD / SSI attorneys of Land Parker Welch LLC in Sumter, SC to make the application and appeals process as simple as possible.
Call (803) 435-8894 or use our online contact form for a no-cost consultation today with our permanent disability lawyers.
