Murrells Inlet Attorney Manages Appeals for Social Security Disability

Helping clients access the benefits they need and deserve

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) is a federal program that provides American workers with a safety net. If you have a work history and you develop a disabling condition, you are eligible for benefits that can prevent severe financial hardship. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies about 70 percent of first-time applications, so many disabled Americans face long, frustrating delays. If your SSDI claim has been denied, the Law Offices of David L. Hood is prepared to help. Drawing on more than 25 years of legal experience, we examine your claim for deficiencies and make the necessary corrections to overcome obstacles to acceptance. The SSA is very particular about the type of language and medical evidence required. Our knowledge of the law and the appeals process can be instrumental in getting you the benefits you’re entitled to.

How to qualify for Social Security disability

There are two major requirements for SSDI: a work history and a disabling condition. To be eligible based on your work history, you must have worked often enough and recently enough to have sufficient work credits. You can earn a maximum of four work credits in any given year. In 2017, a worker had to have earned $1,300 to get one credit and $5,200 to get the full four credits for the year. That income has to come from a work source for which you pay Social Security tax.

Generally, you must have earned 40 work credits in total, with 20 of those credits coming in the last 10 years before you became disabled. But younger workers who become disabled require fewer credits to qualify. For example, if you became disabled at age 30, you might only need 16 credits.

If you have sufficient work credits, the next hurdle is proving that you have a disabling condition. Social Security only pays for total disability. The SSA will consider you disabled under these circumstances:

• You cannot do the type of work you previously performed.
• Your medical condition prevents you from adjusting to another form of work.
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that are severe enough to trigger acceptance of a claim for disability. If your condition is not on the list, you may still qualify, but your application must present compelling evidence that you satisfy the three elements listed above. SSA workers who review claims are not medical professionals, so you cannot expect them to interpret information on your application and conclude that you must be disabled.

Representation throughout the SSD appeals process

The SSD attorneys at the firm have a thorough knowledge of disability law. We know what SSA examiners are looking for to approve an application. We review your medical records and consult with medical experts to thoroughly understand your condition and make sure your application presents a comprehensive and compelling explanation. We assist you at all levels, including:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing by an administrative law judge
• Review by the Appeals Council
• Federal Court review

If your appeal is denied at one level, the deadline to move forward comes very fast. Fortunately, we have the knowledge and experience to keep pace with the process and enhance your prospects of a successful outcome.

Contact an experienced SSD attorney in Murrells Inlet to manage your appeal

If your application for Social Security disability benefits has been denied, the Law Offices of David L. Hood can effectively manage your appeal through every stage of the process. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 843-485-0011 or contact our Murrells Inlet office online.