Get Your Social Security Disability Claim Approved!
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide essential financial support for those who cannot work due to a disability. Unfortunately, many individuals who apply for these benefits are denied. If you’re wondering, “Why did my disability claim get denied?” you’re not alone. There are several common reasons why social security disability claims are denied, and it can be frustrating and overwhelming to navigate the appeals process alone.
That’s where E. Orum Young Law comes in. As a Monroe social security disability attorney, we have helped countless clients successfully appeal their denied claims. We understand the complexities of the social security system and can guide you through every step of the appeals process.
Don’t give up on your claim just because it was initially denied. Contact E. Orum Young Law today for a free case review and get the help you need to appeal your SSDI or SSI claim.
What is a Disability?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a person is considered disabled if they have a medical condition or impairment that prevents them from performing a substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine whether an individual is disabled or not. The five steps are:
- Are you working? If you are working and your earnings exceed the SGA limit, the SSA will generally consider you not disabled.
- Is your condition severe? Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering, for the SSA to consider you disabled.
- Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment? The SSA has a list of medical conditions and impairments that automatically qualify as disabilities. If your condition meets or equals one of the listed impairments, you will be considered disabled.
- Can you perform your past work? If your condition does not meet or equal a listed impairment, the SSA will determine if you can perform your past work.
- Can you perform any other work? If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will consider whether you can adjust to other work. The SSA will look at your age, education, work experience, and medical condition to determine whether you can perform other work.
If you are found disabled under this process, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability refers to two programs in the United States that provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a disability: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
SSDI is a program for people who have worked and paid social security taxes for a certain amount of time before becoming disabled. To be eligible for SSDI, individuals must have a disability that prevents them from working and earning a substantial income. The amount of the monthly benefit is based on the individual’s work history.
SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who are also disabled. Eligibility is based on income and assets, and the monthly benefit amount is determined by federal and state regulations.
Both programs are administered by the SSA and require applicants to meet specific medical and non-medical criteria to qualify for benefits. The process of applying for social security disability can be complex and time-consuming, and many applications are initially denied. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, individuals can appeal a denied claim and potentially receive the financial support they need.
Why Did My Disability Claim Get Denied?
There could be various reasons why your disability claim was denied. Some of the most common reasons for denial include:
Lack of medical evidence
The SSA requires medical evidence to support your claim of a disability. If you did not provide enough medical evidence or your medical records do not indicate that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working, your claim may be denied.
Not meeting the disability criteria
To be considered disabled by the SSA, your medical condition must meet specific criteria outlined in the Listing of Impairments. If your condition does not meet these criteria, your claim may be denied.
Earning too much income
To qualify for disability benefits, you must be incapable of performing a substantial gainful activity. Persons who earn more than a specified monthly amount (net of impairment-related work expenses) are typically considered to be performing SGA. The monthly earnings that qualify as SGA depend on the nature of the individual’s disability.
Failure to cooperate
If you fail to provide the requested information or fail to attend medical appointments or disability exams, your claim may be denied.
Lack of recent work history
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have worked and paid social security taxes for a certain period. If you have not worked long enough or recently enough to meet the SSA’s requirements, your claim may be denied.
It is important to read your denial letter carefully and understand the reason for the denial. This will help you determine the appropriate steps to take for an appeal. Our experienced social security disability attorney can also help you understand why your claim was denied and help you prepare a strong appeal.
What Should I Do if My Social Security Application Has Been Denied?
If your social security disability application has been denied, there are several steps you can take:
Read your denial letter
The Social Security Administration will send you a letter explaining why your application was denied. As mentioned in the previous section, read the letter carefully to understand the reasons for the denial.
Request an appeal
If you believe that the SSA made an error in denying your application, you can request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial letter. You can file an appeal online or by visiting your local Social Security office.
Get help from our Social Security Disability attorney
Our experienced attorney at E. Orum Young Law can help you prepare your appeal and represent you in front of the administrative law judge.
Submit additional evidence
If you have additional evidence that was not submitted with your initial application, you can submit it as part of your appeal. This evidence may help support your case.
Attend your hearing
If your appeal is granted, you will have a hearing with an administrative law judge. It is important to attend this hearing and be prepared to answer questions about your medical condition and work history.
Remember, it is not uncommon for Social Security disability applications to be initially denied. Many successful disability claims are approved at the appeal stage. Don’t give up hope and consider seeking help from our experienced legal team to increase your chances of success.
Monroe Social Security Disability Attorney
If your Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income claim has been denied, don’t lose hope. There are several reasons why a claim may be denied, but it’s important to remember that you have options. At E. Orum Young Law, we specialize in helping individuals in Monroe and throughout Louisiana appeal denied claims and obtain the benefits they deserve.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why did my disability claim get denied?” or need assistance with any of the following steps, we’re here to help:
- Applying for benefits
- Filing an appeal
- Hearing representation
- Free case review
We understand the frustration and stress that comes with a denied claim, but we also know how to navigate the appeals process to help you obtain the benefits you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free case review and learn more about how we can assist you.