Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. While many people apply for SSDI and are approved, some may be denied. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common reasons why people get denied SSDI and how to increase your chances of getting approved.

Lack of medical evidence

One of the main reasons why people get denied SSDI is because they do not have sufficient medical evidence to support their claim. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. To prove that you have a qualifying disability, you must provide medical records and other documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If your medical records do not adequately demonstrate the severity of your condition or the impact it has on your ability to work, your application may be denied. It is important to provide as much medical documentation as possible, including test results, treatment records, and statements from your doctors.

Incomplete or inaccurate application

Another common reason for SSDI denial is an incomplete or inaccurate application. It is important to be thorough and accurate when completing your application and providing supporting documentation. Any discrepancies or incomplete information may delay the processing of your application or result in a denial.

To avoid this, make sure to carefully review your application before submitting it and double-check all of the information you provide. It is also a good idea to ask someone you trust to review your application to ensure that everything is accurate and complete.

Lack of work credits

To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. This is known as having "insured status." The number of work credits you need depends on your age and the date you became disabled.

If you do not have enough work credits, your SSDI application may be denied. If you are close to the required number of work credits, you may still be able to get SSDI through the "disability freeze" provision, which allows you to count the time you were unable to work due to your disability as work credits.

Denied at the initial review stage

When you apply for SSDI, your application will be reviewed by a disability examiner to determine if you meet the basic eligibility requirements for SSDI. If your application is approved at this stage, you will begin receiving benefits. If it is denied, you can appeal the decision.

If your application is denied at the initial review stage, it is important to act quickly. You only have 60 days to request a reconsideration, during which time your application will be reviewed by a different disability examiner. If your application is still denied at the reconsideration stage, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Lack of representation

It can be challenging to navigate the SSDI process on your own, and having legal representation can increase your chances of getting approved. An experienced disability lawyer can help you prepare your application, gather and organize your medical records, and represent you at hearings.

If you are denied SSDI, a lawyer can also help you appeal the decision and represent you at reconsideration and administrative law judge hearings.

What can you do to increase your chances of getting approved for SSDI?

If you are planning to apply for SSDI, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting approved, for example:

Seek medical treatment: It is important to seek medical treatment for your disability and follow your treatment plan as prescribed. This will help to document the severity of your condition and the impact it has on your ability to work.

In conclusion, SSDI is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. While many people are approved for SSDI, some may be denied due to a lack of medical evidence, an incomplete or inaccurate application, a lack of work credits, a denial at the initial review stage, or a lack of representation.

To increase your chances of getting approved for SSDI, it is important to provide as much medical evidence as possible, carefully review and accurately complete your application, make sure you have enough work credits or consider the "disability freeze" provision, act quickly to appeal a denial, and consider seeking legal representation. If you are denied SSDI, you can request a reconsideration and a hearing before an administrative law judge to appeal the decision.