Social Security Disability And How An Experienced Attorney Can Help
The federal government outlines specific criteria that must be met before someone is declared eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. An experienced disability attorney who understands the nuances of SSD claims can help you understand what’s required for benefits and ensure you get the full and fair benefits you deserve.
With law offices in Greenville and Fountain Inn, Venus Poe, Attorney at Law, handles SSD claims and appeals for clients throughout western South Carolina. Attorney Venus Poe will work with you personally to help you understand the process and to give you the best possible chance of qualifying for the benefits you need.
Do You Qualify?
First, you must be totally disabled in order to qualify, meaning you have a condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful work.
The Social Security Administration requires evidence that:
- You cannot do work that you did before.
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- You cannot adjust to any other type of employment because of your medical condition(s).
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you also must have a history of employment. Generally, you can qualify if you have paid into the Social Security system for 40 quarters, 20 of which occurred in the last 10 years before you became disabled.
If you have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI benefits, you could be entitled to disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, provided you have little income and few assets.
Making A Social Security Disability Claim
When making an SSDI claim, your records must be accurate and complete. As an experienced law firm specializing in Social Security Disability cases, we help ensure you get to a doctor as soon as possible. We want an accurate evaluation of your ability and capabilities. We also consider your employment history. We request printouts of all prescription medication, especially those that address physical pain. Most importantly, we make sure that the Social Security hearing officer receives the results of our diligent investigation to help make your case. We give the Social Security Administration every opportunity to accurately evaluate your claim for SSDI benefits.
If you have been denied benefits, we can also help assist with your SSDI appeal. Time is of the essence in these cases. Once Social Security Administration denies your disability claim, you have 60 days from the date of denial to file an appeal. The longer you wait, the more benefits you may sacrifice. Venus Poe has assisted many people in these circumstances, and it costs you nothing to find out whether our experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help.
How To Help Us Help You
When you first meet an attorney to discuss your Social Security Disability case, you should make sure you are prepared to help your new attorney help you. Bring the following to your meeting to ensure the process go as quickly and smoothly as possible:
- Any and all paperwork you have received or sent to the Social Security Administration
- A list of any and all ailments, illnesses or conditions that cause you to be disabled from work
- The names and addresses of all your doctors
- A list of all your current medications and any side effects
- A list of your former employers, including the date of your last day of work
Unlike some firms, at Venus Poe, Attorney at Law, you will meet with an experienced lawyer on your first visit. We will go over your case with you in detail to make sure we understand all aspects of your claim for benefits. We will then file your appeals and make sure that we have your medical records to help prove your case. We will meet with you at different times during the life of your case.
Once your hearing is scheduled in front of the administrative law judge, we will meet with you a few more times to make sure that you are ready and comfortable for your hearing.
When I am waiting on a Social Security hearing to start, I sometimes see other claimants meeting with their attorney for the first time immediately before the hearing. That is not the way our law firm works. If we decide to take your case, we are personally invested in you and do everything we can to make sure you have a successful outcome. We know that our clients have been waiting for their hearing for a long time. We understand the time spent waiting for the hearing is usually one of the most stressful periods in someone’s life. Even if you do not choose our firm, we hope that you have a personal relationship with your lawyer who is there for you for the long journey through the Social Security Disability process.
Contact Us For A Free Initial Consultation
If you have questions about your Social Security Disability or any other concerns, please contact Venus Poe, Attorney at Law, today at 864-963-0310 or use our online contact form. We have offices in Greenville and Fountain Inn, South Carolina, to better serve you. There is no obligation or charge for our initial consultation to see if we can help you with your claim.
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