What Happens When You Get Denied for SSDI but Can’t Work?

If you’ve suffered from a catastrophic injury that has permanently impacted your ability to earn a living, you are entitled to receive benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many whose livelihoods have been affected by a sudden disability can find themselves in dire financial straits. Because they no longer have reliable income to cover their everyday living expenses and out-of-pocket medical costs, securing SSDI benefits can be essential to staying afloat.

SSDI is the inherent right of any U.S. citizen who has 40 Social Security credits, at least 20 of which were earned in the past 10 years, based on when you are applying for SSDI. For context, you can earn no more than four credits per year, but you earn one credit per $1,640 of earnings. This means the vast majority of workers who have worked full or even part-time and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years should be eligible for SSDI. 

At the Buckeye Law Group, we understand the direness of your situation. Our Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys will use their knowledge and experience to strengthen your application or appeal so you can have peace of mind while adjusting to your new situation.

Reasons Why SSDI Applications Are Denied

Insufficient Medical Evidence

Gathering evidence of your injuries or illness immediately after you’re injured or an ailment has been diagnosed is critical to proving your eligibility for SSDI. Hold onto any and all medical records, test results, treatment histories and physician statements related to your life-altering injury or illness to clearly demonstrate the severity and impact of your condition to the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

If necessary, your healthcare professional can also provide assessments and testimony regarding your disability's impact on your ability to work to bolster your application’s validity.

Failure to Meet the SSA's Definition of Disability

The attorneys at the Buckeye Law Group will show the Social Security Administration that your current situation falls under their definition of disability. For example, the SSA may deny your application if they believe your disability won’t last longer than a year. They might also need to assess your residual functional capacity (RFC) to evaluate your ability to perform work-related tasks despite your impairment.

We’ll help prove that your condition – whether it’s mental or physical – prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and will last for at least a year or is fatal, defending your right to receive SSDI benefits.

Earning Too Much Income

To qualify for SSDI, you need to be earning less than $1,470 a month (or less than $2,460 if you’re blind). Our team will also demonstrate that your income is in the appropriate range for SSDI so you can receive the financial aid you deserve.

Not Following Prescribed Treatment

If you are not following the prescribed treatment for your disability without a valid reason, the SSA may deny your claim. They expect applicants to make a reasonable effort to improve their condition through medical treatment, and they will want to see documentation of the applicant’s cooperation with their doctors.

Failure to Appeal a Previous Denial

Some applicants can make the mistake of submitting a new application instead of appealing their denied application, which can often lead to another denial while running out the clock on their designated appeal timeframe.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Application

An incomplete or inaccurate application or even a simple technical error like missing the deadline can lead to a denial. The attorneys at the Buckeye Law Group are well-versed in the legal intricacies of SSDI court and will help you file your application and appeals correctly and on time.

Substance Abuse-Related Disabilities

Disabilities caused or worsened by drug or alcohol abuse may result in denial unless you can demonstrate that you would still be disabled even if you didn’t use these substances.

Get in Contact with Expert Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Lawyers Today

If your SSDI application has been denied, don’t lose hope. Our reputable and experienced attorney will thoroughly review your application and aggressively pursue the benefits you deserve.

You can trust us to provide you with grounded and honest advice while fiercely defending your right to financial assistance. If your debilitating injury was caused by another party, we can help you file a claim against them – whether it’s an auto accident claim, workers’ compensation claim or a premises liability claim – to maximize your compensation.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation with one of our SSDI attorneys today by calling (216) 343-5710 or by completing our contact form.