Why Was My SSDI Claim Denied?
If you have recently been denied Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you may be asking yourself why. There are many reasons why SSDI applications are denied which include financial resources, work history, and medical condition or disability.
Working Credits
For SSDI benefits (as opposed to the SSI) you must have at least 40 work credits if you are above the age of 31, and 20 of those credits must have been earned in the last 5 years. Anyone over the age of 31 will be required to have fewer working credits but the main point is that the money you earned has paid into the Social Security system. For a general point of reference, the average person working full-time earns 4 working credits per year.
Availability to Work
Another factor that you must consider is that your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be terminal. If you are expected to be out of work less than 12 months, then your application for benefits will most likely be denied. If your disability meets this requirement, you may also be eligible for a separate and expedited program, called Compassionate Allowances. This program is different from the SSDI and SSI and may be able to be approved in as little as a few weeks, provided that you have medical evidence to show the severity of your case.
Options After an Application Denial
If your application has been denied because of any of the above and you feel like you still qualify for benefits, you can follow the Appeals Process. While the process of appealing is challenging and at times stressful, your chances of receiving benefits after a rejection are better during the hearing phase. The results of your hearing can take up to sixty, so it’s important to stay positive and be patient with the process.
A Social Security Attorney Can Help with the Appeals Process
It’s important to know that more than 60 percent of SSDI claims are denied in the first round of the application process – and in the second round, you’re more likely to be denied if you don’t have additional evidence that supports your claim. It may be in your best interest to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer. Working with an attorney can help build a solid claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you have a claim that was denied, the SSA will provide you with a reason for denial and your lawyer can work with you on the appeals process or even attend the hearing on your behalf.
SocialSecurityDisabilty.com Can Help
SocialSecurityDisability.com is your legal resource center for learning more about Social Security Disability, the application process, and helping to answer any questions you may have about benefits. If you still have questions or would like to further discuss your claim, fill out our form and you will be contacted by a local SSD attorney to go over the specifics of your claim and your options.