Most Applications For SSDI Benefits Are Denied On The First Try

The Social Security Administration estimates that only about 22% of initial applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are accepted. In other words, if your application for SSDI benefits has been rejected, you are not alone. The vast majority of applications are denied on the first try.

The good news is that you have a much better chance of getting the benefits you need if you have help from an experienced disability law attorney. A denial of benefits is not the end of the road. With the help of attorney J. Michael Matthews in Longwood, you can appeal the denial.

For a free consultation regarding your options, please call 407-278-8418 or complete our contact form. J. Michael Matthews, P.A., has more than 40 years of experience and serves clients throughout Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties and the surrounding areas.

Common Reasons For Rejected Claims

One important thing to understand is that just because your claim was denied does not necessarily mean that you don’t qualify for benefits. You may have a legitimate claim that the SSA will eventually approve, but you need help from an attorney who knows the system and the process.

While every application for SSDI is different, there are some common reasons for denial of benefits, including:

• Insufficient medical documentation: You will need medical evidence of the disability and how it prevents you from working. In many cases, gathering sufficient medical evidence is possible, but doing so requires help from an experienced attorney.
• The SSA does not believe your disability is severe enough or will last long enough to qualify. To qualify for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), generally your disability must be expected to last 12 months or longer. Again, proving the severity of your disability and its expected duration is often a matter of providing sufficient medical evidence.
• The SSA says your income is too high to qualify. You can work a small amount while you apply for and receive SSDI benefits, but you cannot work more than the “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) limit set annually by the SSA. Talk to us if have questions about income eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
• The SSA says you don’t have sufficient work history. In this case, you may be eligible for SSI instead of SSDI. To learn more about the SSI program, please see our SSI Frequently Asked Questions.
• Not following medical advice from your doctor: This can result in gaps in medical treatment and insufficient medical evidence, and the SSA examiner may recommend a denial of benefits on the basis of lack of medical documentation.
• Prior denials can factor into the SSA’s decision. In far too many cases, people simply file a new application after the first one is rejected, rather than filing an appeal, and this can result in a quick rejection. At J. Michael Matthews, P.A., we have extensive experience in filing initial applications and SSDI appeals. We can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on the best path forward.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Our office is in Longwood, and we serve clients throughout Central Florida. Please call J. Michael Matthews, P.A., at 407-278-8418 or complete our contact form to arrange a free consultation.