South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyers

If you are unable to perform your job, and there are no other possible work opportunities for someone in your condition, the proven South Carolina Social Security disability attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you through the bureaucratic process of securing the benefits you deserve. Respect, compassion and care are what you can expect from our lawyers and staff. Since 1968 we have helped disabled people like you recover not just the money they are entitled to receive, but we have also helped them to get back the lives they deserve.Let us help you, too. Just Call Joye. You can reach us at (877) 537-1920 or fill out an online formfor a free case review.Joye Law Firm has offices in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, but our highly qualified Social Security disability attorneys are ready to take care of your case anywhere in South Carolina. We’ve successfully represented clients all over the state, including Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, Horry County (Conway and North Myrtle Beach), North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.

The proven disability attorneys at Joye Law Firm are committed to our clients. With more than 110 years of collective litigation experience, the South Carolina SSD attorneys at Joye Law Firm have received an AV rating from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell, and several have been recognized as Super Lawyers.While every case is different, and past results are in no way intended to imply that a similar result can be obtained in your case, past results obtained by a law firm are an indication of the firm’s experience when it comes to serious injury and wrongful death cases. For more details about the results obtained for previous Joye Law Firm clients, please click on the Results tab on our home page.

In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must be totally disabled. This means that you have a condition that prevents you from performing any substantial gainful work.The Social Security Administration sets these requirements for receiving SSD benefits:

• You cannot do work that you did before,
• The SSA decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s), and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

In addition to being disabled, you also must have paid into the Social Security system for a certain period of time. Generally, you will qualify if you have paid into the system for 40 quarters – 20 of which were in the last 10 years before you became disabled.

Qualified recipients of Social Security benefits are not limited to people with physical disabilities. A mental illness that prevents you from performing your job or adjusting to other work can also qualify you for SSD. Common forms of mental illnesses that serve as the basis of a Social Security disability claim are:

• Depression
• Panic attacks (anxiety)
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

However, claimants who apply for SSD benefits based on a mental illness should be prepared for closer scrutiny of their disability claim. They should be able to show solid medical evidence that their condition is disabling.

Regardless of whether your claim is based on a physical condition, mental illness or some combination of the two, it’s not enough to just have your doctor declare you disabled in order to receive SSD benefits. The Social Security Administration makes its own assessment of your condition and decides whether you are disabled based on its criteria.

Because the approval process is often slow, you should file for benefits as soon as possible. Most people are eligible to file an application on the day after they become disabled and stop working. There is no mandatory waiting period for filing for SSD benefits.You can apply for benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling the Social Security Administration or by going to you local Social Security office. The experienced SSD lawyers at Joye Law Firm can help you with your application.As with any bureaucratic process, applying for Social Security disability benefits requires patience. According to the Social Security Administration, it takes on average 3-5 months to process a new application.

If your initial application is denied, you will then need to seek a reconsideration of your claim and perhaps request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.Each of those steps involves more waiting, particularly if you need a hearing. The average wait time for a hearing is about 540 days, according to the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives. The good news is that once your claim is approved, you are entitled to collect back payment of benefits from the day your disability began.Although you are not required to have an attorney to pursue an SSD claim, it is highly advisable to have legal counsel – especially if your initial claim is denied. The appeals process can be tricky, and it’s riddled with deadlines. It’s also crucial to have a skilled advocate by your side to prepare your case both in terms of the medical evidence and your vocational abilities.

If you’re disabled and filing for Social Security disability benefits, you can count on the committed attorneys at the Joye Law Firm to help you receive the compensation you deserve while treating you with compassion and respect.Just call Joye at (877) 537-1920 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.