Do you or a close loved one have a serious disability that prevents you from working in South Carolina? Social Security disability benefits may be available. These financial benefits can provide a much needed form of financial relief. With Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims—which are only available for those with limited income/financial resources—benefits may be available on an expedited basis for certain “presumptive” disabilities. Here, our SSI disability attorneys in South Carolina provide an in-depth overview of the key points that you should understand about presumptive disability claims.
A Presumptive Disability Could Justify Expedited SSI Payments
As explained by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a “presumptive disability” is one of four different circumstances that could justify expedited disability payments. Here is the challenge: When someone applies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability, the typical review process can take several months.
However, if an individual has a condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for a presumptive disability, they may qualify for SSI payments on a far faster basis. Presumptive disability payments can be a lifeline for individuals in dire need, as they allow applicants to receive financial assistance while a full review is still ongoing.
Know the Conditions that May Qualify as a “Presumptive Disability” for SSI
The SSA has a set list of conditions that can qualify an individual for presumptive disability payments. These conditions are usually severe and deemed presumptively likely to meet the SSA’s medical definition of disability. Some of the most notable examples of conditions that could qualify as a presumptive disability for the purposes of SSI include:
- Total blindness;
- Total deafness;
- Down syndrome;
- Severe intellectual disorder
- Amputation of a leg at the hip;
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS);
- End-stage renal disease requiring chronic dialysis;
- Cerebral palsy;
- Severe muscular dystrophy or severe muscular atrophy;
- A catastrophic spinal cord injury; or
- A terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.
You Cannot Claim a Presumptive Disability for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in South Carolina
To be clear, while presumptive disability status expedites the SSI payment process, the provision does not extend to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. Remember, SSDI is another, wholly distinct, program administered by the SSA. It is designed to provide benefits based on an individual’s work history rather than financial need. Unlike SSI, SSDI does not have a presumptive disability category, and all applicants must go through the standard disability determination process, regardless of the severity of their condition.
Get Help From Our South Carolina Social Security Disability Attorney for Immediate Legal Help
At Social Security Law Group, our Social Security disability lawyers in South Carolina have extensive experience taking on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases, including initial claims and appeals. If you have any questions about a presumptive disability claim through SSI, we are here to help. Call us right away or contact us online to arrange your no cost, no commitment case review. Our firm provides legal guidance and support in Social Security disability claims for residents throughout South Carolina.