You Apply for Social Security Disability. Then What Happens?
If you can’t work due to a serious medical condition, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can help you avoid financial disaster and regain much-needed stability.
But getting financial relief can take time.
Most people are denied when they first apply for benefits.
In South Carolina, only 37.6 percent of initial SSDI applications in 2020 were approved, according to Social Security Administration (SSA) data.
When you’re denied, you’re looking at an involved appeals process that can drag on.
Each SSDI application is different because each applicant’s medical situation and job history is different. You can’t know exactly how long your Social Security Disability claim will take until you get into your specific case.
Waiting and not knowing, though, adds more worry to an already worrisome time.
The experienced South Carolina Social Security Disability attorneys at Pilzer/Klein can give you a realistic picture of what your case might take, and what you can expect during each step of the process.
It’s complicated, but a disability lawyer can be your guide. No matter where you are in applying for disability benefits or appealing a disability denial, we strongly encourage you to get legal help.
At Pilzer/Klein we’ve helped thousands of people in Greenville, Asheville, Spartanburg, Anderson and all across South Carolina.
For a free legal consultation, call 864-235-0234
Wait Times for Disability Benefits in South Carolina
Here are some timelines for Social Security Disability applications:
Initial Applications:
- 6 months: If you’re approved or benefits, you’ll get a lump sum payment starting from six months after Social Security deems your disability officially started to the present day. After that, you’ll start receiving a monthly check.
- 60 days: If your initial application is denied, you’ll have 60 days to file for an appeal. Then you’ll again need to wait for an answer.
Levels of Appeal:
If rejected at any point, you can choose to take your case to the next level. Each step takes time, but it may be impossible to predict exactly how long the process will take for you.
- Reconsideration: You start your disability appeal by asking for a reconsideration. But approval rates are low at the reconsideration stage.
- Disability Hearing: The next step in appealing is going to a disability hearing. There is a wait for that, but a larger percentage of people are approved at his level than on reconsideration.
- Appeals Council: If you are denied again by the disability judge, next you go to Social Security’s Appeals Council.
- Federal Court: When you’ve reached the end of all your avenues to appeal within Social Security, you can file a civil suit in federal district.
An experienced disability attorney knows the complexities at every level. You can start by having Pilzer/Klein provide an initial consultation on your situation, at no charge.
South Carolina Disability Attorneys Can Save You Time and Help You Win
When you’re preparing your disability application or appeal, disability attorneys can take on much of the legwork for you, making the process less stressful and time consuming.
And then, government studies have shown that your chance of getting approved for benefits can be better with a lawyer. Approval rates are up to three times greater, for example, when you have a representative in your hearing instead of going it alone.
Pilzer/Klein’s knowledge of the system is deep. We’ve been helping people in the Carolinas win disability benefits for more than 35 years.
We know the local health care services and people in the local Social Security offices, so you can get the best chance at a smooth process.
There’s never an attorney fee until you win benefits.
Social Security Disability Is All We Do.
Call or text 864-235-0234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form