Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits requires a great deal of paperwork, documentation, proof, and jumping through hoops. There are so many details an applicant must cover to get through the system – it’s very easy to overlook an element or think it might not be completely necessary and then have a claim denied. You want to give yourself every opportunity to receive benefits, but there are many reasons SSDI might not come through for you.
Disability Benefits Provided by the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides Social Security Disability Insurance for Americans who were able to work while paying into the Social Security program. When later disabled by age or other factors, they are eligible to apply for benefits. Unfortunately, the benefits received, if any, may be low and if someone wants to work even part-time to bolster their income they cannot because receipt of benefits prevents this option.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people who were born with a disability or developed one during childhood that has impacted their ability to earn a living. SSI also applies to retired people over 65 who match certain financial criteria. Not everyone qualifies for SSI benefits though because a determination is made about eligibility based on medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence.
The Fateful Outdated Index of Jobs
The criteria to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits spans a wide range, making it seem like your likelihood of receiving benefits is a sure thing. That’s not always the case, and many applicants are stunned to discover why their application is rejected.
One of the most common reasons for denial is an outdated index of jobs. There are many questions that the SSA considers when reviewing an application for disability benefits, including:
- Is the applicant currently employed and actually working?
- Does the applicant have a severe condition?
- Is the applicant’s condition severe?
- Does their condition prevent the applicant from doing the work they did before the disability?
- Can the applicant do any other type of work?
Question five is one of the most problematic for applicants because the SSA has been operating their approvals and denials based on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a book that was created by the Department of Labor in 1938 and last updated in 1977, hardly a reflection of the modern job market.
Though the SSA has taken steps to get updated jobs data, that effort is taking years to complete and has cost millions. The outdated index is the source on which they rely most – and that means there are too many denials occurring because of inaccurate job titles in an old resource.
Improve Your Chances of Getting SSDI
Denials for benefits from the Social Security Administration don’t always make sense, and they can absolutely interfere with your ability to pay your bills, get the care you need, and feel secure. Sometimes, though, the denial is clear – and unfair. The best thing you can do to improve your chances of getting SSDI from the start is to hire a Social Security Disability attorney. Contact Thurswell Law to get compensation. Schedule a consultation by calling (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.