5 Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Rejected

17 February 2016 by Jonathan Phillips

Many people want to know if their disability claim will be approved before they go to the trouble of gathering the necessary documentation and filing with the Social Security Administration (SSA). While an understandable concern, the truth is, nobody can tell you if your claim will be approved until you complete the application process and receive a decision from the SSA.

However, you can increase your chances of approval by avoiding some of the most common pitfalls that plague first-time filers. While far from exhaustive, the following five criteria are some of the most common reasons that disability claims result in rejection letters.

1.    You Suffer from a Non-Covered Condition

A wide variety of ailments can lead to disability, but the SSA only recognizes a finite list of conditions for which disability claims can approved. This is not to suggest that those suffering from ailments that are not on the list of recognized conditions are categorically denied, those suffering from these conditions must often provide additional documentation of their disability. For instance, some mental conditions may be harder to prove, but that doesn't mean you cannot file for them.

2.    You Fail to File the Correct Documents

Simply put, you must follow all of the directions from the SSA with regard to submitting your claim. Pay special attention to which documents can be photocopied and which ones must be submitted as originals, and be sure to include everything they require. Talk with a lawyer, like Bruce K Billman, since he or she will have experience filling out and filing the proper documentation

3.    You Can Still Work in Another Capacity 

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to provide financial assistance to those who cannot otherwise find gainful employment – it does not, however, guarantee that you can work in your chosen field. If, in the eyes of the SSA, your disability does not preclude you from finding employment in another field, they may deny your claim.

4.    Your Need is Deemed Insufficient

Regardless of the nature of your disability, the SSA may deny your claim if you do not meet well-defined income guidelines. If you receive payments from an annuity, trust, or private insurance plan, they are likely to reject your claim, unless you can demonstrate that these payments are insufficient to cover your basic needs.

5.    Your Work History is Insufficient

To be approved for a disability claim from the SSA, you must have established enough work credits, based on your time in the workforce. This is rarely a problem for middle-aged adults or seniors, but it is one of the most common reasons that the claims of young workers are rejected. 

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