Your SSDI Application Is Denied. What Now?

Bryan Greenberg Social Security Disability

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program that is established to support individuals with disabilities that may prevent them from working. Unfortunately, the SSDI is very strict about their applications, which results in the majority of disability benefits applications getting rejected. If your application was rejected, don’t give up yet. Find out what your next steps should be after your SSDI application is denied.

Why Was Your SSDI Application Denied?

Just because your application was denied doesn’t mean that your claim was not legitimate. There are many reasons the SSDI rejects applications. Here are some of the most common reasons for the SSA’s denials:

Lack Of Medical Evidence. You may have not provided sufficient, strong evidence proving your medical disability and how this prevents you from working. You may need better or additional evidence.

Failure To Follow Treatment Advice. If you were unable to follow your treatment properly or your doctor’s advice, your application will most likely be denied. Not getting treatment is understood as you not needing medical treatment, leading the department to question the legitimacy of your disability.

Too Much Earning. To be eligible, you should either be unable to work or have limited earnings. If you make too much money, your application will likely be denied.
Failure To Cooperate. If the SSA asks for additional information or asks you to do something you failed to do, your application will be denied on this ground.

Prior Denials. If your application has been denied in the past and you simply reapplied without appealing, this may increase the chances of your application getting denied again. The choice between appealing and reapplying should be consulted with a social security lawyer.

The reason for your denial will likely be detailed in the decision. Understanding the reason for the denial will help you make an informed decision regarding your next step.

What To Do Next?

When your SSDI application is denied, you have two options: appeal or reapply. Social Security lawyers will almost always recommend appealing a denied application because the application date will affect the amount of back pay you will get. This choice is the preferred option as well if your application was denied during the initial stage as this will allow you (and your lawyer) to gather further evidence to strengthen your proof of disability. However, there are some instances when re-applying makes better sense, such as if your disability has changed or worsened. Talk to your Sarasota lawyer before making any decision regarding your SSDI application because once you’ve appealed or re-applied you cannot retract and do the other.

How To Increase Chances Of Winning An SSDI Appeal

Every application is unique, and may have been rejected for various reasons. However, should you decide to appeal your application, you can make these changes to increase your chances of winning your disability benefits on appeal.

File The Appeal On Time

After the release of the decision on your application, you have 60 days to submit your appeal in writing. During this time, you should immediately consult with a lawyer to review the decision and help you decide on the appropriate course of action.

Write An Appeals Letter

Although you are required to submit your appeal by filling in specific forms, you will be given a small space to write an appeals letter. However, you may attach an extra page with your application so you can write a more detailed letter. In this letter, you should outline the problems with the decision, such as if there are errors or missing details. You may also lay out additional details to support your appeal.

Get Your Doctor’s Opinion

Ask your doctor for a statement explaining what you can and cannot do due to your disability and how it prevents you from working. Ask them to back up their statements with medical evidence from your records with them. These details will make a major impact on disability hearing.

Be Honest

Some applicants withhold information they are embarrassed about, but doing so will not help your case. While it is inadvisable to exaggerate your condition, be sure to be honest with your true condition and how it truly affects your life. Be honest with your lawyer as well so that they may present your case accurately. They, both your lawyer and the people in the Social Security Administration are there to help you, not judge you.

Consider Getting Representation

The appeals process is a lot more complex than the application, as it usually involves hearings. For this reason, you may want to consider being represented by a social security lawyer who can guide you throughout the process. Contact a social security lawyer in Sarasota now.