Greenville Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you live in Greenville and need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you are likely experiencing a tough time. Our disability attorneys want to assist you because we know how difficult life can be if you have medical issues preventing you from working.

As South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers, we can represent your interests whether you are just starting an application or received a denial of benefits. A Social Security disability lawyer in Greenville, SC, will be personally involved in your case.

Together, we’ll help you gather medical records and employment records and review your testimony. Call Pilzer Klein today for a free consultation. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience ready to put to us for your Social Security claim. 

How to Know if You Are Eligible to Apply for Social Security Insurance Benefits

Eligibility for a disability claim is based on four criteria. To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Greenville, SC, you must meet four requirements.

The four requirements include the following:

• Having enough work credits: AARP explains that work credits represent how long you’ve been in the workforce and how much money you have made. You can earn up to four credits per year, and you will need between six and 40 credits, depending on your age, to qualify for benefits.
• Demonstrating an inability to work: You must be unable to work at your previous job or adjust to new work. Being unable to work can mean that you aren’t able to do basic work-related activities such as bending, lifting, or participating in training.
• Having a qualifying medical condition: You must have a medical condition listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments. Your condition must be ongoing, meaning it is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, our experienced team of Social Security Disability attorneys in Greenville, SC, can answer them. We can also review your case during your free case consultation.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits 

You will need to fill out an application to apply for SSDI benefits. People with disabilities who have previously worked and paid Social Security taxes out of their paychecks typically receive these benefits.

Consequently, Social Security Disability is essentially an insurance arrangement you’ve paid for to assist you if you ever find yourself unable to work because of your health. Still, it’s important to submit a compelling application with ample medical evidence. It requires attention to detail since a simple clerical error can lead to a denied claim. 

If you have questions about your disability application or need help applying, our experienced Disability attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina, will be happy to help.

Getting Approved for SSDI Is Challenging

Applying for benefits is relatively straightforward; however, getting approved is more challenging. Unfortunately, most who apply for benefits are denied.

What to Do if Your Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied

Don’t lose hope! Our skilled Social Security Disability attorneys in Greenville, SC, can help leverage evidence to demonstrate that the Social Security Administration (SSA) unjustly denied your claim. The SSA is a vast government agency, and it may have denied your initial claim for numerous reasons.

You can go through the appeals process to contest the SSA’s decision, but you must act quickly. You only have 60 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file your appeal. Therefore, if you’ve been denied, it is crucial to begin the appeal process as soon as possible. If you have received a denial letter, contact us right away.

Our legal team is well-versed in the process and has years of experience. We can assist you in avoiding mistakes during your appeal. We stand ready to help you prepare your case and represent you in securing the benefits you rightfully deserve.

What to Do if You Have a Social Security Disability Hearing Scheduled in Greenville

If you’ve already filed for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), organizing your evidence is essential. We highly recommend seeking legal assistance at this stage.

Our Greenville, SC, Social Security Disability attorney will dedicate the necessary time to review your case thoroughly. We’ll achieve this by:

• Developing your defense strategy: Your attorney will create a plan to demonstrate your eligibility for disability benefits and counter any arguments against your claim.
• Collecting vital evidence: Your lawyer will gather essential medical records, reports, and other documentation that support your disability claim.
• Helping you prepare your testimony: Your attorney will assist you in understanding the questions you may face during the hearing and help you practice delivering clear and concise answers.
• Presenting crucial legal arguments: Your Greenville Social Security disability lawyers will argue the legal basis for your claim and address any legal issues that may arise during the hearing.
• Interrogating witnesses: Our attorneys will question witnesses, such as medical experts or vocational experts, to strengthen your case.
• Independently assessing any medical or vocational experts: Our experienced lawyers will evaluate the credibility and expertise of any medical or vocational professionals called to testify, ensuring their input supports your claim.

The Importance of Medical Evidence for Your Social Security Disability Hearing

If your initial application is denied, presenting strong medical evidence becomes crucial in your appeal. Our Greenville, SC, Social Security Disability attorneys can personally gather and analyze supplemental medical evidence, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your case. Valuable evidence of your medical history for your hearing can include the following:

• Test results: Diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies, lab work, or other evaluations, can help establish the extent of your medical condition.
• Copies of prescriptions: Providing a list of medications you take for your condition can demonstrate the severity of your symptoms and the ongoing need for medical treatment.
• Treatment notes or therapist notes: Documentation of your treatments, therapy sessions, or other interventions can show your efforts to manage your condition and your limitations.
• Your doctor’s medical opinion on your condition: A detailed statement from your treating physician explaining the nature of your condition, its impact on your ability to perform gainful activity, and any restrictions or limitations can significantly bolster your case.

Your hearing is likely the most critical stage in the appeals process. Our team is prepared to stand by your side and help you secure the benefits you deserve.

Our South Carolina Disability Attorneys Can Take Your Case to the Appeals Council 

If you’ve been denied Social Security disability benefits after a hearing with an administrative law judge, you still have one more level of appeal remaining: the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council represents the highest and final level of administrative review for denied claims.

When you request a review by the Appeals Council, they will go over the hearing transcript and the entire administrative file from your case. The Appeals Council looks for any mistakes of law or fact made by the administrative law judge who initially denied your disability claim.

The Appeals Council has the power to uphold, modify, or reverse the ALJ’s denial decision, or it can choose to remand (send back) your case for a brand new hearing in front of a different judge. However, the Council is highly selective in the cases it ultimately agrees to review in full.

Our Attorneys Will Stand by Your Side

Your Greenville Social Security Disability lawyer knows that submitting a compelling written brief highlighting the legal errors or evidentiary issues is crucial at this final stage. The standard of review applied by the Appeals Council puts significant weight on identifying any lapse in proper procedures or legal basis on the part of the administrative law judge.

Is It Expensive to Hire a Greenville Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Hiring an attorney for your disability case is not expensive due to the contingency fee arrangement our law firm offers. If you don’t win your disability benefits, you won’t have to pay attorney fees.

When the hearing date for your case approaches, the SSA will provide us with the final version of the documents they’ve gathered. We’ll work with you to identify any essential information they may have overlooked and take appropriate steps to address the situation.

If you win your case, our fee is legally limited to 25% of the back benefits awarded, with a maximum fee cap of $7,200 in cases where the amount of back benefits is extraordinarily high. All Social Security Disability attorneys follow this same fee structure to bill their clients, ensuring affordability and fairness.

Contact Us So Your Greenville Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Start Working on Your Case Today

At Pilzer Klein, we understand the intricacies of the Social Security benefits system and have the experience to guide you through the appeals and application processes. In addition, our team is well-versed in qualifying disabilities and is committed to helping you succeed in your Social Security Disability case.

If you’re ready to take the next step, a Greenville Social Security Disability attorney is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free case consultation and start working on your claim today.