Most Social Security Disability claims are denied. When a claim is denied, you will have to file an appeal. When you receive notification of your claim being denied, you will need to follow the instructions that are included in your denial notice.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends very precise instructions as to how to file an appeal. The reasons your claim is denied are also specified in the denial letter, so you will know what is needed to verify your disability.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied?
While there are countless reasons for a disability claim to be denied in South Carolina, there are some reasons that are much more common than others. Here are a few of the main reasons for claims being denied:
- The leading cause of claim denials is the lack of hard medical evidence. To be approved for benefits, you will need to show the severity of your condition and that will require medical records that show your inability to work and how your health has interfered with your daily activities.
- If you have been denied before, it can lead to another denial. Don’t make the mistake of refiling a claim if your claim is denied. Some people fail to file an appeal and just refile. If the problems aren’t corrected, that claim will be denied as well. It is important to file an appeal and go through that process to get a claim approved.
- To be approved for disability benefits, you cannot work enough to exceed the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA) allowance. Continuing to work part-time while applying for disability benefits can damage your claim. If you are working, and your income exceeds the current SGA limit, which is $1,620 per month for a non-blind person and $2,700 per month for a blind individual.
- If you fail to continue with your medical care, there is no proof regarding the severity of your condition. The SSA doesn’t know if it has improved, stayed the same, or worsened. You need to get ongoing medical care, so continue with follow-up visits with your primary care provider as well as any specialists.
- When you apply for disability, you will need to be ready to cooperate. If Disability Determination Services asks for additional information, you will need to provide it within the specified timeline. Failure to provide the requested documentation will result in your claim being denied.
A Social Security Disability attorney in South Carolina can help you get your claim on the right track. Your lawyer will ensure documentation is in order and any appeals are filed in a timely manner.
Where are the South Carolina ODAR Offices?
If your disability claim is denied in South Carolina, you can file an appeal. Eventually, you will request a hearing before an administrative law judge. A Social Security Disability attorney in South Carolina will help you with the hearing.
Hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). Here are some ODARs in South Carolina.
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Columbia ODAR
1927 Thurmond Mall Boulevard Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201 -
Charleston ODAR
3875 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300
Charleston, SC 29405 -
Greenville ODAR
300 University Ridge, Suite 200
Greenville, SC 29601
Your hearing will be held in the ODAR that serves your district. It can take several months to have a hearing scheduled depending on caseload, backlog, and the number of administrative law judges that are working that ODAR.
How A Social Security Attorney in South Carolina Can Help Your Claim
Disability claims are complicated. Most applicants have their claims denied in South Carolina. With the help of an attorney in South Carolina, your odds of having your claim approved increase significantly. Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, so they are not paid until you are approved for benefits.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a Social Security attorney in South Carolina today. Complete the Free Case Review Form on this page, so you can be put into contact with an attorney who will help you pursue your disability benefits.
If you are unable to work, don’t postpone your claim any longer. Let a Social Security attorney help you get your claim on the right track.
