You are used to working hard and taking care of your family. Now that you are living with a disability, it seems as if you have to jump through hoops to get the benefits you deserve.
After months of waiting, discovering that your SSDI claim was denied leaves you feeling frustrated, angry and depressed. Where can you turn for help?
Don’t give up hope
Receiving a denial letter seems like a huge setback. However, you can appeal the decision, and understanding the reason for the denial can help you with your appeal.
You may need to submit more medical evidence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs detailed documentation showing the extent of your injury and how it impacts your ability to work, including:
- Medical tests
- Diagnosis
- Treatments
In addition, you will want a statement from your healthcare provider that explicitly outlines your limitations.
Another reason that your claim may be denied is that your income is too high. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you are earning more than this amount, the SSA might state you’re not eligible for benefits.
SSDI applications require a lot of detailed information and copious amounts of paperwork. An error in your application, even a small one, could result in a denial. It’s crucial that you double-check everything to make sure all of your forms are complete and that you provide the required documentation.
It’s also imperative that you follow all of your doctor’s orders, including medications and therapy sessions. Failure to do so may lead the SSA to believe that your condition isn’t that bad since you are making no effort to improve it. There may be valid reasons you are unable to adhere to the prescribed treatment, such as lack of transportation or the high cost of medication. If so, this needs to be communicated to the SSA.
After your claim is denied, it may be challenging to determine what your next step should be. Working with someone who can assist you with your appeal provides the best chance of receiving your SSDI benefits.