Social Security Disability benefits were created to help hard-working people who have suffered a medical condition that prevents them from performing the work they once did. But the government has made the process so complicated, that it’s sometimes nearly impossible to understand. The qualification guidelines are long and dense, the paperwork tedious, and the whole process secretive and confusing. Some people become so frustrated with the process that they finally give up without ever getting the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Don’t let governmental red tape tangle up your claim. At the Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have over 40 years of experience helping our fellow South Carolinians get the Social Security benefits they have a legal right to receive. We not only represent you in any and all hearings, but we also take care of the mountain of paperwork your claim requires, allowing you to focus on dealing with the demands of your medical condition.
If your Social Security claim has been denied, don’t hesitate to contact us. You may still appeal that ruling, but time is short, and it’s vitally important that you have an experienced attorney at your side as you move forward through the process. If you are considering filing a claim because you think you might qualify for benefits, ask yourself three important questions:
Can I no longer do the work that I did before my medical condition?
Does my condition prevent me from doing other types of work?
Has or will my condition keep me out of work for a year?
If the answer to all three of these questions is yes, call the Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys today. You have enough on your plate without having to deal with government bureaucracy. Let the experienced attorneys at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys handle your Social Security claim, and make sure you get the benefits that you deserve.
Do You Qualify for Disability?
The Social Security Administration requires you meet the following criteria to be eligible for disability benefits:
- You cannot do the work you did before
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical conditions
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or result in death
How to Apply
You must file your initial application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) either at your local Social Security office or online at http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/. Within a few weeks, you will be notified if your application has been approved or denied. You will need to file an appeal of your application.
If You’ve Been Denied Benefits
You must have been denied twice for SSD/SSI benefits before consulting with an attorney. After your second denial, your attorney will assist you by filing for a hearing of your claim with an Administrative Law Judge. The application process is complex and lengthy with several crucial deadlines to meet in order to avoid the risk of starting over again. Your Elrod Pope attorney will help handle the appeal process while you focus on dealing with your disability.