It isn’t easy to apply for Social Security disability insurance. Getting every line-item right, providing necessary documentation, and making sure you didn’t miss any steps or requirements is demanding, especially when you have a disability. Most SSDI applications, in fact, are rejected, either because of medical reasons or because the technical requirements were not met. Here are just some of the reasons you might get a denial letter and need to submit an appeal.
1. Lack of Medical Evidence
Medical records are one of the most important parts of any SSDI application. If you lack doctor’s notes, test results, and other paperwork or imaging that prove your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working, you will need to pursue further medical care and be able to provide essential medical documentation before you file an appeal.
2. Too Much Income
Applicants for SSDI are permitted to work a limited number of hours, but any work at all is a red flag for SSDI reviewers. If you can work for a small number of hours every week, Social Security will want to know why you can’t work 10 or 20 more hours than that. And if you make more than $1,550 a month no matter how many hours you work, a denial is likely. Ultimately, if you can work, do work – you will earn more being employed than being on disability.
3. Poor Response Time
The Social Security Administration (SSA) expects any SSDI applicant to respond promptly to any of their communications. If they reach out with a question, answer them as soon as possible. Your compliance with each step of the process will reflect positively on your SSDI application. Many people work with an SSDI attorney to ensure all queries are answered promptly and documents submitted in a timely manner.
4. Not Following Orders
If the SSA schedules a medical exam for you with one of their doctors to learn more about your condition, neglecting to show up could result in the denial of your application. If you have a prescribed treatment plan from a doctor and do not follow it, this could also lead to denial. Your job is to actively do everything you can to improve your disability.
5. Short-Term Disability
Before they are willing to provide SSDI to an applicant, the SSA needs to know if your disability is life-altering enough to last for more than 12 months or potentially result in death. Daily life must be severely tested and limited for someone to be eligible for SSDI. A short-term disability expected to resolve in under a year is likely to be denied for benefits.
6. Not Filing an Appeal Correctly
The appeals process for SSDI has multiple steps, and if your initial application is denied, it’s necessary to appeal it properly. This does not mean submitting a new application but filing an appeal for the denial of your application. An SSDI attorney can offer guidance to ensure that you have the best possible chance of receiving benefits on this second try. Get help applying for disability benefits to increase your likelihood of qualifying. Schedule a consultation with Thurswell Law by calling (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.