The process of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can feel daunting, but you should never get discouraged if you need to apply again for disability benefits. If you find yourself wondering, “how many times can you refile for disability?” you might be surprised to find that it is quite common for applicants to apply more than once!
Need immediate appealing your disability case? Complete this FREE evaluation form. There are no upfront costs to work with us. We only receive a fee directly from the Social Security Administration if you win your disability case – no out-of-pocket expense for you!
How Do I Know When To Refile?
Being approved for disability benefits is never guaranteed. In fact, more than half of all disability cases are denied initially.
But, it can help to know that you have options available if your initial disability application is denied. There can be multiple reasons why a claim is denied, and if you were denied for medical reasons, you can try to apply again in the future.
We’re here to help you understand what appropriate action to take next depending on why your claim was rejected.
Changes in Medical Diagnosis
If your diagnosis has not lasted or is not expected to last the minimum requirement of 12 months, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to deny your claim.
If your medical condition has worsened or it has been at least a year since you have been able to work, then you can choose to refile for Social Security Disability benefits. You may be in a position to be approved the second time.
A denial based on medical condition is often the easiest to get approved the second time around, even if you went through the appeals process. This is especially true if your limitations have increased or your condition has worsened.
Changes in Work Credits
The Social Security Administration follows strict guidelines when determining eligibility for SSD benefits. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you are required to have adequate work history to obtain benefits.
Generally, an individual needs 40 work credits, with 20 of those being earned in the last 10 years. You can earn between 1 and up to 4 credits per year of work.
- In 2019, the minimum to earn 1 credit is equivalent to roughly $1,360 earned income in one calendar year.
In order to refile a disability claim after initially being denied due to a lack of work credits, you would have to accumulate more work credits since you first applied. We understand that could be difficult if your condition has prevented you from working.
Should You Appeal Your Disability Decision?
After receiving a denial, you can choose to begin the appeals process. This consists of various levels of review by different groups that originally did not view your claim.
If you recently received a denial, you have 60 days from your notice date to appeal and try to win the claim. We highly suggested that you try to appeal if you are in this initial window.
If you have already gone through an appeal process and hearing, moving to the next level of appeal is possible but does not necessarily help your case. Often, further appeals rarely result in an approval and take an immense amount of time and effort.
Contact Us for Support
It can be difficult to determine the best route to take when it comes to refiling your disability benefits claim. That’s why we have qualified professionals ready to answer your questions and help you refile for disability to increase your chances of receiving benefits.
Contact us today so that our team can advise you on requesting an appeal, resubmitting a denied claim, or restarting the entire application process based on new medical evidence or other supporting evidence.