After applying and reapplying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits multiple times, you may find yourself asking, “Why do I keep getting denied disability benefits?”
The truth is that there are many reasons why a disability benefits claim may be denied. In fact, nearly 70 percent of initial applications are denied. While this may seem discouraging, you can improve your chances of approval by 75 percent when you enlist the services of a representative for your case.
If you are unsure why your claim continues to be denied, contact us today for assistance with your application. We have experience in helping people like you win their disability benefits! We also created the following list of possible reasons why your Social Security Disability benefits claim was denied to shed some light on the process.
Reasons Social Security Disability Claims are Denied
1. You Do Not Meet the Basic Non-Medical Requirements
– Social Security Disability income (SSDI): there is a limit to the amount of money you can receive through work when you receive benefits, because if you can earn a livable income, then you are not considered disabled. In 2021, you must earn less than $1,310 per month. SSDI does not include assets or unearned income.
– Supplemental Security Income (SSI) takes into account all income and assets when determining eligibility. The income limit for SSI is $735 per month.
2. Your Medical Condition is Not Considered Severe Enough
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your medical condition must prevent you from working for at least one year or longer — or result in death. If your condition is expected to improve significantly within a year, then the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deny your claim.
3. You Refuse to Follow Your Doctor’s Prescribed Treatment
If you fail to follow the treatment prescribed given to you by your doctor, the SSA will view this as noncompliance, which will result in a denial. In other words, you are unwilling to help yourself and improve your condition. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If there is a valid reason for not following treatment, you can present this information in the appeals process. But you will want an attorney representing you for this step.
4. Failure to Cooperate with the SSA
If you fail to provide the Social Security office with requested documentation, then your case will be denied. Even if you do not like the idea of sharing your personal information with the SSA team, it is best to cooperate. With this in mind, it is important to remain in contact with the person handling your case and provide any and all requested documentation as soon as possible.
5. The SSA Cannot Reach You Directly
If you change addresses or change your phone number, you must inform the SSA with your updated contact information. If you are unavailable to discuss your claim throughout multiple attempts, then your claim will be denied.
6. Your Disability is Due to Drug or Alcohol Abuse
If your disability is the result of consistent abuse of drugs or alcohol — or if your condition would improve if you obtained sobriety — then you will be denied benefits. Also, if your alcohol or drug addiction prevents you from working, you will not be eligible to receive disability. This is not to say you cannot receive benefits for conditions caused by drugs or alcohol, but it should not be the main contributing factor to your illness.
7. You Have Been Convicted of a Crime
You cannot earn disability benefits if you are currently incarcerated. You can be approved and start receiving benefits once you are released, but you cannot receive benefits while in prison.
8. You are Committing Fraud
If you are trying to receive Social Security disability benefits illegally, you will be denied. The SSA takes fraud and attempts at fraud very seriously. They will prosecute fraudulent cases to the fullest extent. Do not attempt to falsify any information on your application.
Consider a Representative For Your SSD Case
It is completely normal to be unsure why your application continues to be denied, which is why we are here to help!
We are trained experts in applying for Social Security disability benefits. We will guide you through the steps of the application process, stand with you during the appeals process, and represent you before the SSA to increase your chances of receiving benefits.
If you’re tired of being denied disability benefits, contact us today to get started.