South Carolina SSD Appeals Lawyers
If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, you are not alone. More than half of people who apply for SSD benefits are denied on their first request ─ and not because they are undeserving. Although an SSD claim denial may seem discouraging, you are not out of options. Our experienced South Carolina SSD lawyers can help you appeal the denial by providing the proper documentation and evidence needed to show you deserve these benefits.
Although you are not required to have an attorney to help you with Social Security Disability applications or appeals, it is strongly recommended. Particularly when you need to appeal an SSD claim denial, a knowledgeable disability attorney can make a huge difference in how successfully you navigate this complex system.
At Land Parker Welch LLC our dedicated attorneys have more than 120 years of combined experience helping disabled South Carolina residents successfully obtain SSD benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Our firm prides itself on treating clients like family. When you call, you will speak directly with a disability benefits attorney who will answer your questions and start to get your claim back on track.
Schedule a free consultation now by calling (803) 435-8894 or filling out our online form.
Common Reasons SSD Benefits Claims Are Denied
When the Social Security Administration denies your claim for benefits, it will send you a letter called a “Notice of Disapproved Claim.” This letter will explain why your claim was denied, as well as the date of denial. You should show this letter to your lawyer immediately to start working on your appeal.
There are several reasons the SSA may cite for denying your claim. These include:
- There was a technical mistake on your application.
- You had not worked enough to qualify for benefits.
- You had too much income or assets.
- There was not enough medical evidence to support your claim.
- Your condition is not severe enough to qualify as a “disability” under the SSA definition.
- Your medical condition is not expected to last 12 consecutive months or end in death.
- You can still perform your work duties.
- You are capable of doing other kinds of work.
- You did not work sufficiently with the claims examiner.
Whether your claim was denied on a technicality or due to a medical reason, it is important that you take the necessary steps to begin your appeal right away. You have a limited amount of time to file an appeal, and your attorney may need time to gather the evidence needed to strengthen your claim for benefits.
How to Appeal a Denial of SSD Benefits
Unfortunately, appealing a denied SSD claim is not a simple process. However, our attorneys have extensive experience handling disability appeals, and we will take as much of the burden off you as possible.
In general, there are four levels of appeal:
Reconsideration: When our attorneys ask for reconsideration, your application will be reviewed and we will have the opportunity to present new evidence to the examiners at the SSA. In preparation for the request for reconsideration, we will review with you what additional proof may be needed to back up your claim. It is important that you pay attention to deadlines. You have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration. Otherwise, you risk having to start the entire application over again.
Hearing: If your request for benefits is still denied after reconsideration, our attorneys can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Although there are never any guarantees, many people receive approval for SSD benefits at the administrative level. You can expect the hearing to be very much like a trial. You will be questioned by the judge, and our lawyers may bring in medical and vocational experts and witnesses to provide testimony on your behalf.
Appeals Council: If you are still not approved or disagree with the decision regarding your Social Security Disability benefits, you can escalate your claim further to the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council. The Appeals Council can deny your request for a hearing, make its own decision, or send your request back for further review by an administrative law judge.
Federal Court: Once you have exhausted all other options, you may file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court. If you reach this stage and want to pursue an SSD lawsuit, our experienced South Carolina disability lawyers will evaluate the strength of your claim and give you an honest opinion about whether we think your case could prevail in court. Preparing for a federal court case requires substantial legal work. So it is important that you understand the process and what to expect in order to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
If you are suffering from a severe disability but have been denied SSD benefits, you need to take action now. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable South Carolina Social Security Disability attorneys today. Call or fill out our online form to get started.
Contact Our SSD Appeals Attorneys in South Carolina Today
When it comes to something as important as disability benefits, you should not take on more than you can handle and risk missing out on the payments you deserve. Let the dedicated disability lawyers at Land Parker Welch LLC get started on your SSD appeal today.
For more than three decades, disabled people throughout South Carolina have trusted our family-run law firm to handle their claims with care and concern. We treat our clients like we treat our family and friends ─ with the utmost respect and compassion.
Whether you live in Manning, Sumter, Bishopville, Mayesville, Summerton, Turbeville, or the surrounding area, our attorneys are available to meet with you in your home or anywhere else that is convenient for you. Contact us now to schedule a free evaluation of your SSD claim, and let us put our knowledge and skills to work for you.
