Suffering a physical or mental disability can make earning a living, and life in general, extremely difficult. Luckily, those who suffer from a long-term or permanent disability that renders them unable to work can take steps to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits by filing a disability claim with the Social Security Administration. However, it is not uncommon to have a claim denied. Here are some reasons why an SSDI claim may be denied.
Lack of medical evidence
One of the most common reasons an applicant’s claim may be rejected is lack of medical proof. The applicant must provide evidence that the disability is severe enough to keep the individual from working. To avoid this, the applicant should research at the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book listing for the condition diagnosed. Make sure to have all the required documents, treatments, etc. indicated in the listing.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The Substantial Gainful Activity amount acceptable by the SSA changes yearly. Applicants who make more than the given amount will not be eligible for benefits. Even if the Blue Book listing is met, the applicant will not be eligible for benefits if his or her income exceeds the SGA limits.
Being denied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is relatively common. In fact, over 65% of all first-time applicants are denied. Understanding why a claim was rejected will help a person understand what was lacking in his or her claim and often helps increase the odds of a successful appeal. Those who have been denied SSDI benefits have every right to contact a legal representative. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can provide much-needed guidance and help to file an appeal when appropriate.
