Charleston Social Security Disability Attorney

Helping You Through the Process of Applying for Disability in Charleston

When you have a disability, it can be difficult to know how you will provide for yourself and your family. Fortunately, the federal government provides disability benefits for people who cannot work due to a disability, but it can be difficult to get the benefits you need, even when you are sure that you should qualify. Our Charleston Social Security Disability lawyers at CR Legal Team can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denial of benefits, as well as act as your legal guides throughout either process.

Contact us online or call (866) 691-0607 for a free consultation with a Social Security Disability attorney in Charleston.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is a federal program that provides benefits to people who cannot work due to a disability. In addition to being unable to work, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability to qualify for benefits.

The SSA considers the following when determining if you are disabled:

• Are you working? If you are working and your earnings average more than a certain amount each month, you will not be considered disabled.
• Is your condition severe? Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered.
• Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions? The SSA has a list of conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits. If your condition is not on the list, the SSA will decide if it is severe enough to qualify you for benefits, but you won’t automatically qualify.
• Can you do the work you did previously? If your condition is not severe, the SSA will consider if you can do the work that you did previously.
• Can you do any other type of work? The SSA will consider if you can adjust to other work due to your age, education, and work experience. If you can, you will not be considered disabled.

Even if you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled, you still need to apply for benefits and go through the claims process. Our Charleston Social Security Disability attorneys can help you present a strong claim to the SSA and fight for the benefits you need.

Types of Social Security Disability Benefits

There are two types of disability benefits available through the SSA. The type of benefits you qualify for depends on your work history and your income.

The two types of benefits are:

• SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to people who have paid Social Security taxes and have earned enough work credits. The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age and when you became disabled. You can earn up to four work credits each year.
• SSI: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to people with limited income and resources. You do not need to have a work history to qualify for SSI.

Both types of benefits provide monthly cash payments to qualifying disabled individuals. The number of benefits you receive and the value of the monthly cash payments depends on your work history and your income. We can help you determine if you qualify for SSDI or SSI, and walk you through the application process if you do.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process, and many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. Depending on the reason for the denial, you may need to appeal the decision. Our Charleston Social Security Disability attorneys can help you with your initial application or appeal a denial of benefits.

When you apply for benefits, you need to provide the following information:

• Proof of your age.
• Proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
• Proof of your Social Security number.
• Names and contact information for doctors, hospitals, and clinics that treated you and the dates you were treated.
• Names and contact information for medications you are taking.
• Names of the jobs you had in the 15 years before you became disabled and the dates you worked.
• Information about any disability benefits you are applying for, such as workers’ compensation, private insurance, or VA benefits.
• Information about your spouse and minor children.

You also need to provide medical evidence of your disability, including medical records, test results, and any other evidence that proves your disability. You should also include a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that explains how your disability prevents you from working.

Once you have completed your application, you need to submit it to the SSA and wait for a decision. If your claim is approved, you will receive a Notice of Award and information about your benefits. If your claim is denied, you will receive a Notice of Disapproved Claim. You have 60 days to request an appeal, so you need to act quickly.

Get Help With Any Social Security Disability Case

Our Charleston Social Security Disability lawyers can help you file an appeal and fight for the benefits you need. If you have not yet filed, we can also walk you through the whole process, so you are never left feeling lost or confused. Our goal is to secure the most SSDI or SSI benefits available in your case, so you can try to live as comfortably as possible after a disabling injury stopped you from working.

Discover how Social Security Disability might help you stay financially stable. Contact us today at (866) 691-0607 to discuss your claim with our team.