South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer
Has your Social Security Disability claim been denied? Don't give up hope. Most initial claims are denied, usually because they lack critical information the Social Security Administration needs to approve the claim. With experienced legal help however, it may still be possible to get your claim approved.
At Callahan Law Firm, P.C., we have one overriding mission - to help people who are unable to work due to physical and/or mental disability get the disability benefits that can enable them to lead dignified lives. We guide people through the Social Security Disability process and work hard to get their claims approved as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Contact Callahan Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial telephone consultation about a Social Security claim.
The Social Security Disability Process
The process for getting approved for disability benefits is the same for both Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims:
- Initial application - The claimant makes an SSD and/or SSI claim with the Social Security Administration. A large portion of initial claims are denied, so do not be discouraged if this occurs.
- Request for Reconsideration - If your claim is denied, this is where you should seriously consider getting qualified legal representation. You must file an appeal called a "Request for Reconsideration" within 60 days of the denial. This document requests the Social Security Administration to reconsider the claim denial. Callahan Law Firm, P.C., can handle all aspects of your case from this point forward.
- Social Security Hearing - Almost all "Requests for Reconsideration" are also denied. The next step is to file an appeal called a "Request for a Hearing" This appeal must be filed within 60 days of the reconsideration denial. Your hearing with a Social Security judge represents the best opportunity to obtain a claim approval - if you are fully prepared and understand Social Security's unique requirements and policies, and its terms and phrases.
- At Callahan Law Firm, before the hearing, we will carefully review the information that Social Security has collected. First, this tells us what information is missing. For example, when a hearing is scheduled most of the medical information in the Social Security file is a year or more out of date. Even the earlier records are often very incomplete. We work extensively with you to learn about all of your medical sources, so we can get their records and make sure the judge has them.
- Especially important, we scrutinize the Social Security file to see what information may cause problems. We go over these issues with you in detail, so that we can fight them as effectively as possible. We work with you to get other documents and information that we have learned can often make a difference. Most importantly, we work directly with you - often for several hours - to prepare you for the hearing. This not only helps you understand what will happen, but helps us to know how to best present your case.
- At the hearing, we will make sure that the judge is given all the important information. You may be surprised at what is important in a disability claim, and what is not! We will understand how to address any problem areas and to keep you focused on what we know are the important facts of your case. We make sure that your case is presented based on the many different factors and definitions that Social Security uses to reach disability decisions. If the hearing will include a vocational expert or medical expert, we will take the lead in getting their testimony in a way as helpful to you as possible. Finally, we will follow-up with any issues that the judge may have.
- Your hearing with the Social Security judge is usually your best opportunity to win your claim. However, if the judge denies your claim there may be additional appeals that you can make.
How We Can Help
Callahan Law Firm, P.C. will work diligently to win your case. Attorney James D. Callahan will listen to your story to determine the effect your disability or illness has had on your life. In seeking results for you, our firm will be persistent at all stages of the legal process. You will have the comfort of knowing that an experienced legal team is doing everything we can to succeed for you.
Contact an Attorney
For a free initial telephone consultation with Callahan Law Firm, P.C. in Charleston, South Carolina, contact our firm.
