More than half of all applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied every year. Often, these denials are due to preventable issues that can be avoided by taking due care, or by getting professional assistance with your application. Here are five common reasons for SSDI or SSI denials that you should be wary of:
- Failure to submit complete and correct paperwork
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- By far the most common issue seen in SSDI and SSI denials is problems with the paperwork for the application. Either people fail to submit all required documents, or the paperwork they submit is incomplete or incorrect. Either way, their application will be denied, regardless of the merits of their claim.
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- Failure to submit required evidence
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- Many SSDI and SSI denials are also the product of failing to submit necessary financial and medical evidence. This includes any medical records necessary to demonstrate an applicant’s disability, as well as financial records showing they do not exceed SSDI/SSI income limits. In the case of SSDI, they also need to show they have an adequate number of work credits to qualify.
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- Failure to meet financial or medical qualifications
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- Of course, someone may have their application for SSDI or SSI denied due to failing to meet the necessary medical or financial qualifications. Their monthly income may exceed the limit on Substantial Gainful Activity, for example, or they may have more assets than SSI permits. They may also simply not have a medical condition considered severe enough for disability benefits.
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- Failure to return calls from the SSA
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- Many issues related to SSDI or SSI denials can be fixed by speaking to agents at the Social Security Administration (SSA), who will typically try to contact you if your application has any issues. However, you have a limited amount of time to call them back if they choose to contact you. Failing to return their calls in a timely fashion can mean your application will be thrown out.
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- Failure to attend DDS exam
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- If your application passes all other hurdles, you will still likely need to go to Disability Determination Services (DDS) for an exam. This allows them to perform an independent assessment of your medical condition to ensure you have a condition severe enough to warrant SSDI or SSI benefits. If you fail to attend your exam, your application may be denied.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
