SSD FAQs

How soon can I apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits?

You may apply for SSD benefits as soon as you have become ill or injured and believe you are eligible to receive them. The application process is very detailed and will require you to collect a lot of paperwork to prove that you are qualified to receive benefits. We recommend that you gather the information quickly because the Social Security Administration is overloaded and understaffed, so it can take a long time for them to inform you of their decision.

Am I eligible for benefits for partial disability or short-term disability?

No. The Social Security Administration defines “disability” as the complete inability to work, or inability to resume work, as a result of a medical condition. It also includes conditions that are expected to last for longer than 12 months or result in death. With short-term disability, it is assumed that you or your family has resources (such as workers’ compensation, insurance or savings) that can support you during your time off work.

Could I lose my benefits?

Your case will undergo periodic reviews to evaluate whether your eligibility has changed due to a medical improvement. If the Social Security Administration determines that you no longer meet the definition for having a disability, they can terminate your benefits. You are still able to appeal the decision and will continue receiving benefits for the duration of the appeals process, but if you lose, you will have to reimburse the Social Security Administration. It is worthwhile to contact an experienced Social Security Disability Claims lawyer like the ones at the Louthian Law Firm. Having legal representation through the appeals process increases your likelihood of success.

I have several medical conditions. Together they make me disabled, but no one medical problem is disabling if examined separately. Is that going to be a problem for me in terms of getting SSD?

It all depends on your situation. The Social Security Administration is supposed to take all of your medical issues into account in determining your eligibility. It’s a good idea to talk with an attorney like the ones at the Louthian Law Firm to help you understand the application and appeals process.

How does the Social Security Administration define ‘disability’?

Disability is defined as your inability to work. That could include if you unable to resume your previous work, cannot adapt to another job due to the severity of your medical condition and have a condition that is expected to last for at least one year or cause death. Even though you believe you meet those criteria, you will need to present detailed medical records to the Social Security Administration to prove the severity of your disability.

How can a South Carolina attorney help me obtain my Social Security benefits?

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) is a multi-step process that involves a heavy amount of paperwork. To get the process started, you must furnish the Social Security Administration with an application and an Adult Disability Report, which will require information like medical and employment records. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for the most people to have their SSD claims denied on the first try.

Although you are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for SSD, Social Security claimants are generally more successful with legal representation. If your claim has already been denied, a Social Security Disability Claims attorney at the Louthian Law Firm can assist with collecting other evidence that you might not have thought to collect on your own.

How much will you charge if I hire you?

The Social Security Administration sets our fee after we file a fee agreement or fee petition with the agency. We cannot charge you more than what the Social Security Administration authorizes. Our experienced South Carolina attorneys can explain more about the fee process when we meet with you to discuss your case.

How long will it take before I know if my claim is approved?

It can take 3-5 months to process a disability claim. However, if you are denied, the reconsideration and appeals process can take as long as three years. Hiring a South Carolina Social Security Disability claims attorney at the Louthian Law Firm can increase your chance of success significantly.

Need Help With Social Security? Contact our S.C. Claims Lawyers Today

The Louthian Law Firm has successfully helped disabled clients pursue Social Security Disability claims in South Carolina since 1959, and our knowledgeable attorneys will aggressively work to ensure that you receive the federal benefits you have earned.