If you want to obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you will need to fill out an application and wait for an approval. If you receive a letter of denial, you might be surprised and frustrated. The letter will have information on why your request is being denied, which can be helpful when making an appeal.
There are many reasons why people are denied disability benefits. Some include:
- Earning too much money
- Suffering from a disability as a result of alcohol or drug abuse and being able to work normally when the drug or alcohol abuse abates
- You’ll be disabled for less than a year
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) is unable to get in touch with you
- You failed to follow through with the doctor’s orders for treatment
- Your disability was caused by committing a felony for which you were convicted
- You are imprisoned after a felony conviction, with the exception of those in court-approved vocational rehabilitation programs
- Your claim doesn’t have enough treatment records
The SSA does its best to identify legitimate and fraudulent claims. The SSA will deny claims that appear fraudulent.
What should you do if your application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied?
If your SSD application is denied, you have the option of filing an appeal. For example, if your claim was denied for not having enough supporting evidence, an appeal may include further support such as medical records or a doctor’s letter. Your attorney will help you file an appeal with the appropriate documents, so you have a better chance of getting benefits.