Top 5 Reasons Why Social Security Disability Insurance Benefit Applications are Rejected

During the process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”), people tend to think of all of the reasons why they should be awarded benefits.  Perhaps you cannot work as a result of your injuries, or you were diagnosed with an illness that has rendered you unable to enjoy life as you did before becoming ill.  However, it may be helpful to consider why you may end up being denied benefits, which could end up happening for a myriad of reasons.  Overall, anticipating the potential weaknesses in your case may actually help you avoid denial since you will be prepared ahead of time to address the situation should it arise.  Accordingly, the following are the top 5 scenarios that give rise to a denial of SSDI benefits:

  1. Your income exceeds the SSA’s limits.  For people who have worked for the requisite period of time necessary to apply for benefits, they could end up being denied based upon their income.  In other words, despite claiming to be disabled, you may currently be earning above the monetary amount that is considered by the Social Security Administration as a “substantial gainful activity”, or SGA.  This means that you make too much money to qualify as disabled for purposes of obtaining benefits.   For more information on SGA, it is advised that you visit the SSA’s substantial gainful activity page.
  2. Your disability will not last long enough to qualify for SSDI.  To qualify for SSDI, your disability must be severe enough, meaning that it must last for a year or more.  For example, if you broke your leg and cannot work for a certain period of time, the SSA will likely deny your application under the assumption that your injuries will heal within a year or less.
  3. The SSA cannot reach you.   Believe it or not, SSA benefits are regularly denied to people due to the fact that they cannot be located or reached.  If you decide to move and have an SSDI application on file with the SSA, be sure to apprise them of your new address.  Also, return the SSA’s phone calls should they leave you a message.  These simple steps will maximize your chances of obtaining the benefits you deserve.
  4. You are uncooperative.  If you fail to provide the SSA with medical records or other crucial information, your application will be denied.  Moreover, the SSA will require you to be examined by of its doctors, and even on more than one occasion.  If the SSA requests that you meet with one of its examining physicians, always be compliant.  If not, your SSDI application will likely be denied.
  5. You fail to follow your doctor’s treatment plan.  In the event that you regularly miss your doctor appointments or do not take your doctor’s advice seriously, you may be denied SSDI benefits.  While there are certain valid exceptions to this rule, it is always recommended that you follow your treatment plan accordingly to avoid facing a denial of SSDI.

If you require assistance in applying for SSDI benefits or appealing a denial decision by the SSA, contact the Sanger Law Office at 785-979-4353.  We will take the time necessary to evaluate your case and advise you of all of your legal options.  We look forward to providing you with excellent legal representation.

 

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