Working hard for the majority of your life and then encountering an unexpected medical condition that keeps you from working can feel frustrating, scary, and uncertain. Throughout your career, you paid into the Social Security system, meaning you may be eligible for financial relief through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
SSDI Qualifications
Applying for SSDI is a complex process the requires a lot of information and documents. To qualify for SSDI, there are some specific requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) first needs to determine whether or not your medical condition qualifies as a disability under its guidelines which include:
- Being unable to do the work you previously performed
- Being unable to adjust to doing other work
- Having a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death
The SSA will also ask questions such as:
- Are you currently working?
- Is your condition severe?
- Is your condition found on the list of disabling conditions?
What If I Was Denied SSDI?
Being in a situation where you need SSDI benefits can be challenging and stressful enough. Finding out that you have been denied social security disability might feel frightening, but do your best to remain hopeful. If you were denied SSDI you can appeal the decision for another chance to be approved. In fact, most disability benefits claims are denied on the first attempt, particularly those who apply themselves without the assistance of a disability attorney. By enlisting the help of an experienced disability attorney, you can begin the appeal process with assistance.
Why Was My SSDI Claim Denied?
There are many reasons why the Social Security Administration might deny an SSDI application. Some of them may include:
- Earning too much money
- Failure to show medical proof
- An error in medical evidence submission
- Not following your doctor’s suggested treatments
- The SSA is unable to reach you
- Filing the incorrect claim type
The good news is that some of these reasons for denial can be reevaluated in the appeals process. An experienced attorney will understand the reasons for your denial and increase your chances of being awarded SSDI when you appeal.
What Can I Do After My SSDI Claim Was Denied?
If your SSDI claim was denied, you can begin the appeal process. There are four levels of appeal:
- Request for Reconsideration
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge
- Appeals Council Request for Review
- Federal District Court review
It is not recommended to attempt an SSDI denial without the assistance of an experienced disability attorney. There is a considerable amount of paperwork, medical evidence, and communication that will be needed during the application or appeal process. No one should have to fight for the benefits they deserve alone. Having an attorney assist you with the disability process will increase your chances of being approved. Disability attorneys have a vast knowledge of the Social Security claims process as well as insights into the specific requirements to get an approval.
Get Help Appealing SSDI Benefits with The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill
At the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill in Columbia, MO, we have years of experience assisting people just like you in the SSDI appeals process. Having practiced disability law for more than 30 years, we are experienced lawyers for social security disability, ready to help you with every step of the application process. Right now, we understand that you may feel very confused or you might feel like giving up, but please know that denial isn’t the end of the road. We know that a lot is riding on whether or not you get approved, and that’s why we want to do everything we can to help you get a favorable outcome. If you were denied social security disability benefits, contact us today for a free evaluation.