Can You Get Approved for Disability on Your First Try?

While you can get approved for disability on your first try, the odds are not on your side since most first-time applications for disability get denied.

Hiring a Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer can help increase the likelihood of your application being approved, whether you haven’t submitted your application yet or if the Social Security Administration (SSA) already denied your application.

Since the process of getting approved for disability can take several years, you’ll want a dedicated lawyer on your side to help increase your likelihood of being approved.

How to Get Approved for Disability the First Time

While it is hard to get Social Security disability in South Carolina, your chances of getting approved the first time you apply improve significantly if you take all the following steps.

Avoid Working at All

While you may technically qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you only make a very small amount of money, you’re allowed to make much less money than you might think.

Additionally, even if you only work part-time, your application is much more likely to be denied with the argument that you can work and don’t actually need disability money.

We recommend you stop working entirely for the best chance of getting approved for disability on your first try.

Work With a Social Security Disability Lawyer

Most disability applications are first denied due to small mistakes or a lack of detail on the application. A South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer from Pilzer Klein can help ensure that your application is filled out correctly, completely, and with every last detail you need to include to prove your case.

File Your Application As Soon as Possible

Just getting approved (or denied) can take a very long time, and you don’t start getting money until five months after you’re approved.

You may already be financially struggling if you’ve been unable to work, and there’s no way to speed up the process. File your application as soon as you’re sure you have filled it out correctly and included all the required information and evidence to prove your disability.

Seek Proper Medical Care

Part of the application process involves proving that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). You’ll need plenty of documentation from your doctor to prove that you are unable to work.

Make sure you take every test your doctor recommends and participate in every treatment they prescribe. Don’t forget to get copies of all your medical records.

What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

There are two different programs commonly referred to as “disability.” While some people may qualify for both programs, most will only qualify for one.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who have a very limited income and no resources and are 65 or older, are blind, or have a disability.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for disabled people who also have a qualifying work history and have paid into the Social Security system.

Top Disabilities That Qualify for SSDI

While it may be possible to qualify for SSDI with any disability, the top disabilities that qualify for SSDI include:

• Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
• Speech and special senses (such as blindness or hearing loss)
• Respiratory disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Cardiovascular system issues
• Genitourinary disorders (like nephropathy)
• Hematological (blood) disorders
• Endocrine disorders
• Skin disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
• Mental disorders
• Cancer

How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision After Applying for Disability?

You need money now, so you’re wondering: How long does it take to get a decision after applying for disability benefits? An initial decision for disability benefits can take as long as several years and varies based on a variety of factors, such as:

• How quickly the SSA can get medical evidence to prove your disability
• Whether the SSA reviews your application for quality purposes
• The nature of your disability
• Whether the SSA decides they need to send you for a medical examination

Remember that you won’t start receiving payments until five months after your application is approved.

ALS Exception

Due to the speed with which the disease progresses, applicants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may get their money faster than people with other conditions.

Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney

Whether you haven’t applied for disability yet or you’ve received your first rejection, Pilzer Klein can help you get approved. When you contact us, you’ll speak with an attorney rather than a non-attorney representative.

Our South Carolina lawyers will gather all the medical evidence you need and take steps to help you reduce the costs of getting the medical evidence required for your case.

We work on contingency fees, so if we don’t get you disability benefits, you don’t owe us anything. Schedule a free consultation today to see if we can help you get approved for Disability on your first try.