In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must first demonstrate that you have a disability. Ultimately, the question of whether you qualify as disabled falls to the Social Security Administration, also known as the SSA. But how exactly does the SSA decide if you are disabled, and what happens if they determine that you do not fit their criteria?
What Does it Mean to Be Disabled According to the SSA?
Put simply, you are considered to be disabled under the SSA if you have some kind of medical condition that prevents you from working, or which otherwise substantially impacts your ability to function in daily life. This can include both physical injuries and illnesses, as well as psychological issues that substantially impair your ability to handle daily tasks. Notably, if you have a medical condition that is manageable with treatment, it will not typically be considered a disability.
Why Might They Decide You Are Not Disabled?
There are a few reasons you might not be considered disabled, despite having a severe medical or psychological condition. For example, you may be denied if you have not seen a doctor about your condition, or if there is a lack of medical records showing the existence of your condition. You may also fail to meet the SSA’s standards for a disability if you failed to maintain your doctor’s prescribed mode of treatment.
What Happens if They Determine You Are Not Disabled?
If you fail to meet the SSA’s definition for having a disability, or fail one of the other necessary criteria, you may have your disability claim denied. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to cure your application if it is missing critical information or has some kind of serious error that led to the decision. However, if that fails, you may need to appeal your claim, or in the worst case scenario, you may need to reapply and start over from the beginning.
What Should You Do?
In order to maximize your chances of having your application accepted, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability claims like yours. They can help review your application to make sure it is complete and accurate, and avoid potential issues that may arise due to avoidable errors. They can also argue on your behalf if you need to appeal your application for any reason.
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.
