5 reasons you might be denied disability benefits and how to avoid them

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5 reasons you might be denied disability benefits and how to avoid them

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) may deny an applicant's application for a number of reasons. Sometimes, these reasons are beyond the claimant's control, and other times, the claimant may be able to avoid doing something that would cause the claimant to be denied disability benefits.

The process of applying for Social Security Disability can be long and complicated, so it's easy for claimants to become confused and make mistakes that result in their disability benefits being denied. To avoid being denied disability benefits, learn about the main reasons why you may have been denied disability benefits and learn about common mistakes made by applicants who have been denied disability benefits.

In this guide we'll cover The 5 Most Common Reasons SSDI Claims Are Deniedmistakes to avoid, and what steps to take if you have received a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Top Reasons Claimants Are Denied Disability Benefits

#1 – Making too much money

this The most common reason claimants are denied disability benefits is because they earn too much. Although a claimant may work a small amount while applying for and receiving disability benefits, the income earned cannot exceed the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. Income shows a claimant's ability to work, so if a claimant's income is above the SGA limit, the SSA considers that the claimant's disability is not severe enough to prevent him or her from working.

✅ Avoid this mistake:
Stop working or reduce your hours below SGA before applying. Also, do not collect unemployment benefits while pursuing disability.

#2 – The disability is not severe or will not last long enough

Social Security disability benefits cover long-term and permanent disabilities. In order to qualify for disability benefits, The SSA must believe that the claimant's impairment was severe enough to last for at least 12 months or to result in the claimant's death. As a result, claimants seeking disability due to short-term conditions are often denied. For example, claims based on broken bones are often denied because these injuries typically heal in less than a year. However, each case is evaluated on an individual basis, so it is still possible for disability benefits to be approved for severe fractures.

✅ Avoid this mistake:
If applicable, include mental health conditions or co-occurring impairments in your claim. These will often strengthen your application.

#3 – Failure to follow doctor’s treatment plan

SSA may Denying disability benefits to a claimant who is being treated by a physician but refuses to follow the physician's prescribed treatment plan. A treatment plan may include taking medication, making appointments for therapy, or undergoing surgery. However, the SSA does recognize certain legitimate medical and non-medical excuses for not complying with a physician's orders.

✅ Avoid this mistake:
Follow your treatment plan or document valid reasons for not doing so (such as side effects or religious beliefs).

#4 – Failure to cooperate with SSA process

Medical records and information about the claimant's disability are key parts of any Social Security Disability application. therefore, If a claimant refuses to release their medical records to the SSA or refuses to participate in a required physician consultation evaluation, the claimant may be denied disability benefits. If you refuse to cooperate with an investigation in these ways, SSA may choose to deny the claimant's application due to insufficient medical information.

✅ Avoid this mistake:
Respond promptly to SSA requests and attend all scheduled assessments.

#5 – SSA cannot contact you

SSA must be able to communicate with claimants regarding their applications. If SSA is unable to locate the claimant to schedule a medical examination or discuss important matters, the claimant may be denied disability benefits. It is important that claimants update their contact information with the SSA if the information changes.

✅ Avoid this mistake:
Update your phone number, address, and email with the SSA and check the status of your application regularly.

What to do if you are denied disability benefits

If you are denied disability benefits, first find out why your application was denied. You should consider hiring an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to help appeal your denial of benefits. Your attorney can file an appeal with your local SSA office.

Avoid the common mistake of filing a new application instead of appealing a negative decision. Claimants have the best chance of winning their claims and receiving disability benefits during the appeals process, but filing a new application will waste a lot of time.

✅ Steps after rejection:

Review your rejection letter to find out why
File a request for reconsideration within the time limit
If denied again, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
Consider hiring a Social Security Disability attorney to improve your chances

🔍Pro Tips: Submitting a new application instead of appealing will waste time and reset your process. Always appeal.

If you have been denied Social Security Disability benefits, there are many details to pay attention to during the initial Social Security Disability application and appeals process. When you surround yourself with experienced representatives, your chances of a successful case and receiving benefits increase.

Let good legal groups help

Our experienced disability attorneys can help you avoid mistakes that delay or derail your claim. We know what evidence is important, how to present it clearly, and how to win at every stage, especially at appeals and hearings.

📞 Call (847) 577-4476 today for a free consultation.