Learn How to Minimize the Risk of a Denial With Your Social Security Disability Insurance Application
Most people who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) believe they are entitled to benefits. If your medical impairment stops you from working, you should receive Social Security payments, right? The reality is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies the majority of applications. Thankfully, there are effective steps you can take to reduce your chances of denial. Learn about what mistakes to avoid and how to overcome them with the experienced guidance of Keefe Disability Law. Our skilled SSDI lawyers are at your service.
SSDI Denials Are Extremely Common
The Social Security Administration pays out over $11 billion to around 10 million Americans every month. These benefit checks offer significant financial relief to people who need them. Even so, the vast majority of people who apply for SSDI are denied the first time around.
According to an Annual Statistical Report from the SSA, the agency denies up to 80 percent of applicants at the initial claims level. Even after the reconsideration and hearing levels, the SSA ultimately approves only about a third of applicants for disability benefits.
Denials are remarkably common, but this doesn’t mean you should lose hope. Instead, it underscores why it’s so important to diligently complete your application correctly.
Common Reasons Why the SSA Denies SSDI Applications
There are many possible reasons why the SSA may reject an SSDI claim. The reality is that some people simply do not qualify for benefits. At the same time, many legitimate claims are refused due to any number of mistakes or omissions. Avoid these common pitfalls to boost your chances of approval.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Paperwork
Some applicants may submit paperwork that hasn’t been completed correctly. You should never leave Social Security disability questions unanswered in your application. You may think the question doesn’t apply to you, or you don’t know how to answer it. In this case, it’s wise to consult with a disability lawyer for how to proceed. The SSA will deny incomplete applications without a second thought.
Technical Denial for Nonmedical Reasons
Similar to incomplete paperwork, technical denials are also very common. This is when the SSA denies your claim for failing to satisfy non-medical requirements for SSDI. For example, you may not have accrued enough work credits to qualify for benefits. Applicants with criminal records may also be denied disability benefits.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
By far one of the most common reasons for denial is a lack of medical evidence. Self-reported pain or a simple diagnosis from the family doctor isn’t enough. The Social Security Administration requires strong medical documentation to support your claim. This may include blood tests, hospital records, medical imaging results, prescription medication lists, and other evidence of a medically determinable impairment (MDI).
Refusal to Follow Recommended Treatment Plans
You may have a perfectly valid impairment. You may also have all the medical evidence needed to substantiate your claim. But, if you do not follow through with recommended treatments, the SSA will likely deny your claim. The examiner may argue that proper treatment could alleviate symptoms and allow you to work.
Even if medication and physical therapy don’t seem to be helping, seeking treatment can strengthen your claim for benefits. Refusing treatment or missing appointments undermines your case.
Current Earnings Exceed SGA Limits
You can work a little bit and still qualify for disability benefits. However, if your income exceeds the limits for substantial gainful activity, the SSA will deny your claim. For 2024, the monthly SGA limit for most people is $1,550. Statutorily blind individuals may earn up to $2,590 per month.
Applicant Is Capable of Doing Other Work
The SSA has a five-step process for evaluating SSDI applications. The fourth phase asks if the applicant can do their old job. If the answer is no, then the SSA asks if they can pivot to a different line of work. The SSA’s medical-vocational guidelines are based on age. A younger applicant can more easily transition to different work than someone in their 50s or 60s.
Filing a New Application Instead of an Appeal
It’s easy to get disheartened when you receive a denial letter in the mail. Some people believe it was just bad luck and simply reapply for SSDI using the same information. In truth, prior denials simply predict more denials in the future. It is much more prudent to appeal the decision with an administrative law judge (ALJ). The legal team at Keefe Disability Law can guide you through the appeals process.
Effective Ways to Increase Your Chances of SSDI Approval
Many strategies for improving your odds of SSDI approval counter the common mistakes discussed above.
Confirming Eligibility Before Applying
Not everyone with an impairment will qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The SSA has certain eligibility requirements that you must meet. These include both technical and medical criteria, such as having enough of an insured work history in the United States. Verify your eligibility with our Boston SSDI lawyers.
Providing Extensive Medical Evidence
Your claim may be denied for a lack of medical evidence. By contrast, an abundance of credible documentation from acceptable medical sources (AMS) is integral to a successful application. The evidence should support your claim that your disability prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months. Including a disability journal can further strengthen your claim.
Submitting a Complete, Error-Free Application
The SSA will not correct any mistakes you make in your application. The agency will immediately cast your forms aside for the smallest clerical error. Be sure to review your application thoroughly for mistakes before submitting it. Attaching an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Questionnaire is a good idea, too.
Responding to Information Requests Promptly
Sometimes, the reviewer at the SSA will request additional information from you. This may be a simple matter of clarification, or they may ask you to fill out a particular form. It is absolutely vital to respond to these requests in a timely manner. If you take too long to reply, they may discard your claim, and you’ll have to go through the appeals process.
When you receive any correspondence from the SSA, be sure to review it carefully with your lawyer. The SSDI denial letter may contain specific feedback about why your application was denied. You can then follow up accordingly, responding to these shortcomings. Do not miss any deadlines.
Working With an Experienced SSDI Lawyer
Applying for any government program can be confusing at the best of times. You have to submit a lot of detailed paperwork, and it may contain technical or medical jargon. Thankfully, you do not have to go through this challenging process alone.
Our SSDI lawyers can help increase your chances of approval. We will review your application for correctness and completeness. Our legal team can connect you with relevant medical experts to further legitimize your claim with credible evidence. The earlier in the process that we start working together, the better the odds that the SSA will approve your application.
Keefe Disability Law has a proven track record with many satisfied clients. “Your staff is outstanding, compassionate, and always professional. I would have never been awarded if it was not for your staff,” writes Matthew of Laconia, New Hampshire. “Your firm is incomparable in every sense.”
