Generous Disability

Why Social Security Disability Claims Get Denied

According to the Social Security Administration website, on average less than 30% of disabled-worker applications for SSDI get approved. The social security administration will only approve social security disability claims for people who are unable to work due to a disability. 

If you are thinking of applying for SSDI benefits and are still working, you might qualify. A person may earn up to $1,310 per month from working and still qualify for benefits. The amount of monthly earnings considered a substantial gainful activity depends on the nature of a person’s disability. Blind individuals can earn up to $2,190 per month and still qualify. 

An applicant can be denied benefits if he or she:

  • has an impairment that is not expected to last 12 months
  • has an impairment that is not considered severe
  • is able to perform his or her usual type of work
  • Is able to perform another type of work 
  • has an impairment resulting from drug addiction or alcoholism 
  • provides insufficient medical evidence 
  • fails to cooperate with the Social Security Administration
  • fails to follow prescribed treatment
  • has earnings over $1,310/ month from substantial gainful activity 
  • returns to substantial work before disability can be established

Before you apply for social security benefits it’s important to find out whether or not you may qualify. Most people apply for SSDI benefits without having all the necessary information thinking that if it gets denied they can just apply again; when in reality you will have to go through an appeals process. The number of approved appeals is even smaller than the percentage of approved SSDI claims. 

Below are 4 simple questions that might help you find out if your claim would be denied. 

  • Are you unable to work due to a disabling medical condition?
  • Do you have medical records stating your disability is affecting your ability to work?
  • Have you worked 5 out of the last 10 years?
  • Do you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months? 

If you answered NO to any of these questions, your claim may be denied. Familiarizing yourself with the Social Security Administration system will help you navigate through the process easier.