why you need an attorney during a divorce

When Your SSDI Claim Is Denied

15 June 2020 by Diana Butler

No matter how much some people need Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), their claims often get denied. It's only natural to be frustrated when that happens, but applicants must realize that nearly all claims get denied on application only to be approved at an appeal. To help you get some perspective, take a look at some common reasons applicants end up with a denial letter in their hands instead of a check from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Applicants don't have enough work credits – Work credits are used by the SSA to count up how much money the applicant has earned within a certain period of time. Applicants, or anyone else interested in finding out, can access their "my Social Security" account and find out how much you can expect to earn if you should become disabled before you retire. The computation for work credits is a bit complicated, however. You can also speak to a caseworker at your local SSA office to find out more.

Applicants cannot prove their medical condition – Being able to show that you have a medical or mental condition preventing you from doing the duties of your job is the second-most-important part of an approval. Your condition should be recognized by the SSA, and you must meet the qualifications for it. To do so, you may need to provide the SSA with medical records, diagnostic results, doctor's notes, and more.

Applicants cannot connect their medical conditions to their jobs – This one frequently trips up applicants and that may be because the application does not specifically ask for this important information. To be approved, you have to prove you have a medical condition and that the condition directly affects your job. For example, if you have a painful condition in your lower extremities but work at a sedentary desk job, your condition may not affect your job.

Applicants make minor but critical mistakes on the application – Some applicants make the mistake of thinking that they can speak with an SSA employee about the application later but that is not usually the case. In most cases, whatever is written on the application is used to either deny or approve the application. Be as precise and detailed as possible when listing dates, names, medical conditions, addresses, and more.

If you do get denied, you must file for an appeal and speak to a Social Security lawyer about your claim right away. Bring your denial letter with you, and allow your lawyer to represent you at the appeal hearing. Don't give up on your quest to get the benefits you deserve, speak to a Social Security attorney to learn more.

Share