South Carolina Disability Retirement Benefits Lawyer
Some people who are disabled and unable to work may be able to retire early and collect retirement benefits. The South Carolina Retirement Systems (SCRS) and the South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System (PORS) provides benefits to almost all state government employees, and to many municipal, public school system, and county employees as well. Some corporations and other private employers also offer disability retirement benefits for their employees.
As with other disability benefit programs, there are strict rules regarding eligibility, and many initial claims are denied. Generally, you must prove that your medical problems (physical and/or mental) keep you from doing your job on a regular and reliable basis. You must also prove that your condition is most likely permanent and not expected to improve very much in the foreseeable future. If you are unable to work and believe you may be entitled to disability retirement benefits, contact Callahan Law Firm, P.C.,
Important — You must file a claim for disability retirement with the SCRS or PORS while you are still "employed" by the government agency. If you do not apply until after your employment is terminated, your claim will not be processed. If you are nearing the end of your medical leave or FMLA leave, talk to us as soon as possible.
How We Can Help
In a free initial telephone consultation, our firm can inform you regarding your possible eligibility for disability retirement benefits and how to navigate the South Carolina Retirement Systems plan or a private employer's disability plan.
If your initial claim is denied and you choose our firm to represent you, we will handle all aspects of your retirement disability appeal. We will document the nature and extent of your disability and take all actions necessary to obtain benefits for you. In most cases, a special hearing will be held by a "Disability Hearing Officer," usually in Columbia. We will represent you at that hearing, making sure that the hearing officer has all the relevant medical records and other information required under the special requirements and standards of your disability program. Most importantly, we will prepare you for the hearing, and make sure that all the right questions are asked to give you the best opportunity for obtaining the benefits you deserve.
If your claim is denied again, you may still be able to appeal. If we feel that the decision denying your claim was contrary to the law or the weight of the evidence, we will work to have an appeal filed on your behalf for a hearing with the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. We may assemble a team of other attorneys, usually from Greenville, South Carolina, to work with us in these cases.
Experience You Can Depend On
For more than 10 years, attorney James D. Callahan has represented clients in claims involving South Carolina retirement disability, Social Security Disability and other disability benefit matters.
Callahan Law Firm, P.C., will be your guide and advocate, working hard to help you get the benefits you are entitled to. In most cases, you will not owe an attorney fee until and unless we obtain benefits for you.
Contact a Charleston Disability Retirement Attorney
For a free initial telephone consultation with Callahan Law Firm, P.C., contact our firm.
