South Carolina Attorney Manages Appeals for Social Security Disability
Denied Social Security disability benefits?
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 hardship. However, the Social Security Adm (SSA) denies about 70 percent of first-time filers. Therefore, 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 30 years of legal expertise, we focus on the obstacles to getting accepted. The SSA is very picky about the type of language and evidence required. Our knowledge of the law and the appeals process can be very helpful in getting you the benefits you’re entitled to.
My experience with this firm has been nothing short of unbelievable. Mr. Hood and Tracey, his paralegal are very professional and dependable. I would definitely use them again.
Valdena lawrence, 2022/07/10
Our experience with The Law Offices of David Hood was extremely pleasant. Mr. Hood is very knowledgeable and helpful. Tracey Weiland was very helpful and patient with our special needs. They were there during a difficult process for us. Went out of their way to explain things and walk us through the legal process. Thanks so much. Highly recommend their practice.
brenda deamer, 2022/09/06
David Hood and his paralegal Tracey Weiland were both professional and highly knowledgeable in the area of SSDI Law. They took on my case and were unrelenting in the pursuit of my claim. I would highly recommend them to anyone that needs their expertise in this area of law. 5 out of 5 stars! Thank you both for your understanding and patience as we pursued this endeavor together. As a veteran of the U.S. Army with 37+ years of distinguished service to our country, I appreciate their diligence in support of military veterans in our community.
anonymous, 2022/01/26
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 enough work credits. You can earn a max 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 couldn’t work. 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 enough work credits, the next hurdle is proving that you have a disabling condition. Social Security only pays for total disability. The SSA may consider you disabled if:
- You cannot do the type of work you previously performed.
- Your medical status prevents you from doing 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 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 evidence that you satisfy the three elements listed above. SSA workers who review claims are not medical pros. Therefore, don’t expect them to interpret info on your application and conclude that you must be disabled.
Frequently Asked Questions:
SSI versus SSDI
The difference between SSI and SSDI is that with SSI you don’t have enough work credits in, so you have to prove disability and financial need. With SSDI you’ve worked enough (5 of the last 10 years or 20 quarters). So, if you prove you’re disabled for over 12 months (typically permanent), you should get a monthly check and possibly back pay.
What are my chances of getting social security disability?
The most recent stats show that after the first application, 24% are approved. After filing the first appeal, only 12% are approved. Finally, after filing and having a hearing, 55% are approved. So, the key is not to give up!
Rep throughout the SSD appeals process
SSD attorney David Hood has a thorough knowledge of SSD law. He focuses on what SSA examiners are looking for to approve an app. He and his team review your records and diagnosis and then write a compelling appeal for you. We and co-counsel assist you and your loved one 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. However, we have what it takes to keep pace with the process and enhance your prospects of a good outcome.
Contact SSD attorney David Hood to manage your appeal
Has your app for SSD benefits been denied? Let The Law Offices of David L. Hood manage your appeal through every stage of the process. To schedule a free consult, call us today at 843-491-6025. We’d be happy to meet you at our Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach or Georgetown offices. You can also contact us 24/7 by email, text or chat. Remember, there are strict deadlines, so take action to protect yourself today!
