Individuals who believe that they qualify for Social Security Disability can get benefits by submitting an application on the internet, over the phone, or in person at a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
However, due to the large volume of applications received by the SSA, denial rates at this stage are above 60%.
As a result it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the entire application process, organize medical records and other paperwork. It is also important to contact an attorney or before submitting your initial application.
>If the application is filled out correctly and all documentation is in order, applicants should receive a letter containing the SSA’s decision to approve or deny the claim within three to five months.
Due to the enormous number of claims at the initial stage, it is not unusual for paperwork to be misplaced and the decision to be delayed several months.
If the Administration’s decision is favorable, the person filing the claim will be awarded a monthly benefit payment along with backpay.
Backpay refers to a payment awarded to the claimant equal to the monthly benefit they would have received during the process if the claim had been approved at the application date.
Backpay can also cover up to one year prior to the initial application date, as long as the person can prove that they were disabled during that time. Social Security Disability cases can easily take several years to reach a final decision. As a result, backpay can be a substantial sum.
If a claimant receives an unfavorable decision and feels that the SSA has chosen to deny disability benifits or her claim in error, there is an extensive appeals process through which the decision may be reviewed.
If this happens, contact one of our Social Security attorneys at the Strom Law Firm to help you with your appeal. 803.252.4800
When you suffer from a work-related disability, you may also qualify for additional benefits from Worker’s Compensation.
In order to protect your rights, it is essential that you contact us immediately so that we will have a sufficient amount of time to evaluate your case and determine how to proceed.
One of our attorneys worked for a United States Magistrate Judge reviewing social security cases and understands what kinds of errors that federal judges look for in reviewing these cases.
If you need legal advice, we recommend that you seek the advice of a licensed attorney. At Strom Law Firm, LLC, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys provide comprehensive legal services designed to protect your rights and your interests. Our lawyers are licensed in South Carolina, New York, and Georgia.
