Getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a difficult process even at the best of times. In 2023, over 3.1 million people applied for SSDI, but only 561,585 were approved, about 0.18%. If you’ve applied for SSDI before and were denied, you’re not alone.
There are a variety of reasons why you experienced an SSD claim denial. The letter you receive will explain why your claim was denied. Here, we discuss many of the most common denial reasons.
Not Enough Medical Evidence
You’ll need strong evidence to show your condition and how it impacts your daily life. Without enough evidence, Social Security will deny your claim.
Income Too High
If you are still working and earn more than $1,470 monthly doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), you will likely have an SSD claim denial.
Your Condition Isn’t On The List Of Qualifying Medical Conditions
The SSA has a compiled list of body impairments that would preclude someone from engaging in employment or continuing in their current occupation. Most of these impairments have a duration, are permanent, or would end in death.
However, not all disabling conditions are listed in SSA’s listing. If the SSA decides your condition isn’t comparable, and you can engage in SGA, your claim will likely be denied. In this case, you should file an appeal to have the opportunity to discuss your case further.
You Don’t Have A Long-Term Condition
Social Security defines a “disability” as a condition that will affect you for 12 months or longer or will end in death. A condition with an expected recovery of less than 12 months, such as a broken leg or pregnancy, would not apply.
Failing To Seek Or Continue Treatment
If you have not sought treatment for your condition, or have inconsistent treatment, you won’t be able to show you have a disabling medical condition. That’s why it’s vital to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible and discuss how the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work.
Re-applying Instead of Filing An Appeal
If you resubmit your application, you have an even greater chance of being denied again. Your chances of approval are higher when you file an appeal, and have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.
Employment History Isn’t Long Enough For Social Security Disability Claims
Social Security requires you to work for a specific time and during the last ten years in order to have sufficient “work credits” to qualify for SSDI. These credits come from wage earnings or self-employment income from where you paid income taxes. Credits are earned for each quarter of the year as long as the income is over a certain amount.
Successful Social Security disability claims require 40 credits, and 20 of those credits must be earned in the last 10 years. Younger applicants may not need as many.
Note that SSDI is different than Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, which is a separate needs-based program for individuals below a low-income threshold. Both have specific eligibility criteria that you must establish to receive benefits.
Houston’s Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney
Do you need help with Social Security Disability Claims? We’ve helped over 4,000 Houstonians get SSDI and other disability benefits. The Herren Law Firm in Houston, TX can assist with your application, appeals, and records gathering to prove your case and win your claim. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no up-front fees, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
