Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a detailed and time-consuming process. Many people in South Carolina aren’t sure where to start or what to expect once they file. At McChesney & Ours, P.C., we help individuals understand the process, prepare their cases, and move forward with confidence, whether it’s your first time applying or you’re appealing a denial.
How the Disability Evaluation Process Works
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in South Carolina, your claim goes through several stages of review. Each stage helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine whether your condition meets the federal definition of disability.
The Initial Application
Your claim begins with an application to the SSA. You’ll need to provide:
- Information about your medical conditions and treatments
- Your work and income history
- How your condition limits your daily activities
In South Carolina, these claims are reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Columbia, which gathers medical records and sometimes schedules additional exams.
The Five-Step Evaluation
Every SSDI claim in South Carolina is reviewed using a five-step process:
- Current Work Activity: The SSA looks at whether you’re working and earning above the set monthly limit.
- Medical Severity: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform work-related activities.
- Listed Impairments: The SSA compares your medical records to its list of recognized disabling conditions.
- Past Work: If your condition prevents you from returning to any work you’ve done before, your claim moves forward.
- Other Work: The SSA considers whether you could adjust to other work based on your age, education, and experience.
If your condition doesn’t meet a specific listing, you may still qualify based on how your limitations affect your ability to work overall.
Reconsiderations and Appeals
If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Many applicants are denied initially. You have the right to ask for reconsideration, which is a new review by someone who wasn’t involved in the first decision.
If that review also results in a denial, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your opportunity to explain your situation in more detail and submit additional evidence. A South Carolina SSDI lawyer can help you prepare, gather documentation, and represent you at the hearing.
How a South Carolina SSDI Lawyer Can Help
Working with a local attorney can make the process more manageable and help you stay organized from start to finish. An SSDI lawyer can:
- Clarify what information and medical documentation you’ll need
- Help you complete forms accurately and on time
- Communicate with Social Security on your behalf
- Represent you at hearings or appeals
- Explain how South Carolina-specific factors—like local job availability—may affect your evaluation
While no lawyer can guarantee approval or faster results, having knowledgeable guidance can make the process smoother and help you avoid common setbacks.
Why Most Disability Claims Are Denied
If your first SSDI application is denied, you’re not alone. According to the Social Security Administration, about two-thirds of initial disability claims are denied. In most cases, the decision isn’t because the applicant doesn’t qualify—it’s often due to Social Security’s reluctance to pay claims.
With guidance from an experienced South Carolina SSDI lawyer, you can ensure your application is as thorough and accurate as possible before it reaches the review stage to give you the best chance possible.
Talk with an SSDI Lawyer in South Carolina
The disability evaluation process can feel complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. At McChesney & Ours, P.C., we’re here to help you understand what to expect, prepare your application carefully, and guide you through the next steps if you’ve been denied.
Contact our office today for a free consultation with a South Carolina SSDI lawyer. We’ll help you take informed, confident steps toward the benefits and stability you’ve worked for.
