Generally, when people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), they assume that the application will be easily accepted and they will be granted with necessary benefits. However, the reports of the Social Security Administration (SSA) proclaim something else.
According to the SSA’s report, the average acceptance rate of initial SSDI or SSI applications is only 22%. Yes, you read it right. Nearly 64% of the applications are usually denied. While the remaining cases are reconsidered or have pending decisions. Shocking, isn’t it?
That’s why, before you apply for your SSDI or SSI, it would be wise to learn about the possible causes of claim denials.
Reasons For Claim Denial
Such claims are often denied because the applicant does not know enough about SSDI and SSI. The applications submitted might not have the proper information, leading to the rejection of an application. That’s why it is recommended to seek social security disability lawyer services to fill the application in the correct way, including proper documentation. The lawyers can also help prevent the application rejection due to the following reasons:
● Your Income Is Very High
One of the prime reasons for SSDI application rejection is that currently, you are working above the “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) limit. In simple terms, you are earning quite a lot of income to be considered disabled.
For nonblind people, the SGA limit for 2022 is $1,350 per month. For blind people, this limit is $2260 per month. These figures are updated annually, so before you apply for the claim, make sure to check whether you earn more than the said limit or not. It is noteworthy that income earned from investment does not account for a substantial gainful activity limit; rather, only work income is counted.
If you are applying for an SSI claim (generally for low-income people), your earned and unearned income must not exceed the SGA limit. As soon as you start earning more than the set limit, you will not be eligible for the claim.
● Your Disability Is Not Severe Enough
Understand that not every disability can make you eligible for the SSDI or SSI benefits. Your injury or impairment must be severe, i.e., last for at least 12 months, or a fatal condition. The only exception given is to blind applicants.
If you are making a claim for acute injury or trauma, let’s say a motorcycle accident, the chances of claim rejection are quite high. It is because the majority of bone fractures heal in less than a year. Nevertheless, each case of injury or accident is evaluated on an individual basis, so you may be able to get the claim. Consulting an attorney will come in handy here, as they can assess your condition to see if you can qualify for the benefits or not.
Similarly, if you are getting your treatment but fail to adhere to the prescribed therapy for your disability, your claim might get rejected. It is noteworthy that there are certain exceptions to this scenario. So, you must talk to your attorney to learn about the acceptable medical and nonmedical excuses.
● SSA And DDS Are Not Able To Reach You
Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) are two agencies that help determine your medical eligibility. It is crucial that these agencies are able to communicate or get in touch with you to schedule examinations or communicate regarding your application. If they are unable to do so, the chances of application rejection will be high.
However, if you have a representative, such as your SSDI lawyer, to handle all the documentation, you need not stay in touch with the SSA or DDS. It will be the responsibility of your lawyer. But, you do have to stay connected with your lawyer to get updates and necessary information about the claim.
If you are moving somewhere else while your application is under consideration, make sure to inform the SSA or DDS. It will allow them to contact you at the right place. It will help reduce the chances of claim rejection to a severe extent.
