How do I apply for Social Security benefits in South Carolina?

Question 1

What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Accepted Answer

SSA explains that it runs two disability programs: SSDI is based on work. It pays monthly benefits to people who paid into Social Security through their jobs and have a disabling condition that prevents them from working. The benefit amount depends on your earnings history. SSI is based on need. It pays monthly benefits to adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and few resources. People 65 and older may also qualify without a disability if they meet the financial limits. For adults, the definition of disability SSA is the same under both programs. You must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and that prevents you from doing "substantial gainful activity," which is SSA's term for significant paid work. Some people apply for, and qualify for, both programs.

Question 2

Can I Apply for Disability Benefits Online?

Accepted Answer

For SSDI, SSA's online application is available if you: Are 18 or older and have a my Social Security account. Are not already receiving benefits on your own earnings record. Had any previous Social Security Disability application denied more than 60 days ago. For SSI, SSA now offers a simplified online application. According to SSA, adults can use it if they: Are between 18 and 64 years and 10 months old, and are applying for both SSI and SSDI. Have a my Social Security account. Have never been married. Have never applied for SSI for themselves or a child. Are U.S. citizens. Some noncitizens may also qualify to apply online. If you do not meet these requirements, you can still apply for SSI. You just need to start the process by contacting SSA.

Question 3

How Do I Apply by Phone or at a Social Security Office?

Accepted Answer

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to schedule a telephone or in-person appointment. Someone else can also call on your behalf. You can find your nearest South Carolina office with SSA's office locator at ssa.gov/locator. According to SSA's SSI application guidance, if you call to make an appointment and then keep it and file, SSA may use the date of your call as your filing date. If you miss the appointment and do not reschedule, you generally have 60 days from the date you contacted SSA to submit a signed application.

Question 4

What Information Should I Have Ready?

Accepted Answer

Gathering information in advance can help the application go more smoothly: Your Social Security number and birth certificate or other proof of age. Names, addresses, and dates for doctors, hospitals, and clinics that treated you. A list of your medications and medical tests. Your work history for recent years. Your earnings information, such as your most recent W-2 or tax return. For SSI: information about your income, bank accounts, and other resources, as well as your living arrangements. SSA will help you get the documents you need. If your medical records are not enough, SSA may schedule and pay for a medical exam.

Question 5

Why Should I Apply as Soon as Possible?

Accepted Answer

SSA advises applying as soon as possible so you do not lose benefits. For SSI, SSA cannot pay benefits for periods before the effective date of your application. Timing rules differ between SSDI and SSI, so a delay can affect how far back your benefits may go.

Question 6

What Happens After I Apply?

Accepted Answer

SSA first checks non-medical requirements, such as your SSDI work credits or your income and resources for SSI. Your medical information is then reviewed by a state Disability Determination Services agency, which may request more records or schedule an exam. SSA will send you a written decision, and every decision notice explains your appeal rights. Decisions often take months. While your claim is pending, keep going to your medical appointments, answer any SSA letters or forms by the deadlines given, keep copies of everything you submit, and tell SSA if your address, phone number, or medical providers change. Note: Missing an SSA request or a scheduled exam can delay your claim or lead to a denial. Therefore, contact a Social Security lawyer as soon as possible.

Question 7

What If My Application Is Denied?

Accepted Answer

A denial is not necessarily the final word. Social Security appeal process generally moves through these stages: Reconsideration. A hearing before an administrative law judge. Review by the Appeals Council. Federal court. Appeal deadlines are short, generally 60 days from when you receive the decision, so read your notice carefully. Filing a brand-new application instead of appealing can affect your claim, so consider getting advice before you decide.

Question 8

Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for Social Security Disability?

Accepted Answer

No. Anyone may apply, and SSA will help you complete the forms. You also have the right to appoint a representative, such as an attorney, to help with your application and appeals and to attend appointments with you. Social Security Disability lawyers South Carolina can: Help gather medical evidence. Help meet deadlines. Communicate with SSA. Represent you at a hearing. A lawyer cannot guarantee approval. SSA makes the decision under its own rules. Any representative's fee must be approved by SSA. Under SSA's fee agreement process, fees are generally paid from past-due benefits and are limited to 25% of those benefits or a dollar cap that SSA sets, whichever is less.