After you file for Social Security Disability benefits, your claim goes through several stages. The SSA reviews your work history, medical conditions, records, and ability to work. You may be approved, denied, or asked for more information. If your claim is denied, you usually have the right to appeal, but strict deadlines apply.
An SSDI lawyer in South Carolina can help you understand where your claim stands, what the SSA may be looking for, and what steps to take next.
What Happens During the Initial Review?
After you submit your SSDI application, the Social Security Administration first checks basic eligibility. For SSDI, that includes whether you worked long enough and recently enough to qualify based on your work credits.
Your claim is then reviewed for medical eligibility. The SSA may request medical records from your doctors, hospitals, specialists, therapists, or other providers. They may also ask you to complete additional forms about your work history, daily activities, symptoms, and limitations.
In some cases, the SSA may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor. This does not mean your claim will be approved or denied. It usually means the SSA wants more medical information before making a decision.
How Long Does the SSDI Decision Take?
There is no exact timeline for every case. Some people receive a decision in a few months, while many others wait longer, even a few years. Delays can happen when medical records are missing, forms are incomplete, doctors are slow to respond, or the SSA needs more information. Also the SSA tends to remain back logged. Even if everything in your application is perfect, SSA may still take a very long time to process it.
While you wait, it is important to keep getting medical care. Ongoing treatment records can help show how your condition affects your ability to work. You should also respond quickly to any SSA letters or requests.
What If Your SSDI Claim Is Approved?
If your claim is approved, you should receive a notice explaining your benefits, including your monthly payment amount, the date your benefits begin, and whether you are owed back pay.
It is still important to read the notice carefully. If something looks wrong, such as the onset date or payment calculation, you may need to ask questions or seek legal guidance.
What If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied?
A denial can feel discouraging, but it does not always mean the case is over. Most disability claims are denied at the initial stage.
Your denial letter should explain the reason for the decision and your deadline to appeal. In most cases, you have 60 days to appeal after receiving the denial notice. Missing that deadline can make the process harder and will most likely require you to start over.
What Happens During an SSDI Appeal?
The first appeal is usually called reconsideration. At this stage, the SSA takes another look at your claim. You may be able to submit updated medical records, new diagnoses, additional treatment notes, or other information that supports your case.
If your claim is denied again, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often one of the most important stages of the process. At the hearing, you will answer questions about your medical conditions, work history, limitations, treatment, and daily life.
An SSDI lawyer can help prepare you for the hearing, organize the evidence, and explain the issues that may matter most in your claim.
How Can McChesney & Ours Help After You File?
You do not have to wait until everything goes wrong to ask for help. McChesney & Ours, P.C. helps people who are applying for disability benefits, waiting for a decision, or dealing with a denial.
Our South Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers can review your case, explain what stage you are in, help gather medical evidence, respond to SSA requests, and prepare appeals when needed.
Get Clear Answers From a South Carolina SSDI Lawyer
Waiting on a disability decision can be stressful when your health, income, and family are all affected. McChesney & Ours, P.C. is here to help you understand what comes next and what you can do to protect your claim.
If you filed for disability benefits or recently received a denial, contact McChesney & Ours, P.C. to talk with an SSDI lawyer in South Carolina about your next step.
