Are SSDI Qualifying Criteria Different in South Carolina Than In Other States?

The qualifying criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance is the same from state to state because it’s a federal program funded with your federal payroll tax dollars.

The same money used to pay Social Security retirement benefits can be awarded early to disabled workers through this insurance program if you meet the criteria.

Some state differences

While the qualifying criteria is the same no matter where you go, each state has its own Disability Determination Services office, which employs claims evaluators who judge whether or not you qualify for benefits.

Since evaluators are working from the same rules, determinations should be relatively uniform from one state to the next. However, it is possible that the culture in some state offices might be slightly different and result in different process times and experiences for applicants.

Applying for SSDI with the South Carolina office

The South Carolina Disability Determination Services center allows applicants to submit their applications through the mail, online or in-person at their offices in Greenville.

Getting local help

While Social Security Disability is a federally-funded and managed program, most disabled people should find a local South Carolina SSDI attorney to help them through the process. You don’t want to have to travel long distances to work with your lawyer or spend all your time on the phone or internet trying to communicate with someone about the intricacies of your claim. A lot can be lost in translation if you never have the option to meet in person.

Qualifying

The criteria for getting disability benefits are the same in South Carolina as they are anywhere.

• You must suffer a medical condition – injury or illness – that keeps you from doing the work you have always done.
• Your condition must be among the Listing of Impairments and be severe enough to keep you from working.
• Your condition must make it difficult for you to transition into any other type of work you could reasonably secure.
• You must have worked enough to have earned sufficient work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.
• You must not currently have substantial gainful employment.

If you would like to know more about applying for S ocial Security Disability Insurance in South Carolina, contact the experienced South Carolina SSDI attorneys at George Sink P.A. Injury Lawyers. We have offices throughout the state and offer a free case evaluation that will help you better understand your options and how to proceed.