Why Do Disability Claims Get Denied?

Jennifer Foster • March 6, 2025

The application procedure for SSDI benefits proves difficult for people who face claim rejection. Numerous genuine benefit-seekers have difficulty understanding the basis for their application denial. The Social Security Administration imposes strict rules for applications, which result in rejections if any mistakes occur.



Knowledge about typical reasons that cause denial and expertise in appeal procedures enhance your chances of winning SSDI benefits. Having your SSDI benefits claim denied means you should connect with an SSDI attorney to refine your case submission and demand the benefits properly.

What Is SSDI?

SSDI is a government benefits program that offers monetary support to citizens unable to maintain employment because of medically disabling conditions. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to employees who pay Social Security taxes, whereas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only functions as a needs-based program.



The Social Security Administration requires applicants to present a medical condition that satisfies their disability definition through either permanent work disability, a case duration of at least twelve months, or a fatal course. Many claimants fulfill the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits, yet a significant number of them are denied their claims for different reasons.

SDI is a state-run welfare system that operates alongside SSDI as a separate benefits package managed by California through the Employment Development Department. It delivers short-term disability benefits and Paid Family Leave for qualified workers affected by medical conditions or childbirth. SDI differs from SSDI in that it concentrates on brief disabilities and provides wage compensation for up to 52 weeks.

Common Reasons for Denial

The Social Security Administration will decline SSDI claims for several reasons, including insufficient medical documentation and administrative errors. Here are typical reasons for denial in disability claims and their influence on disability benefit applications.

Insufficient Medical Evidence

The absence of enough medical evidence stands as one of the main factors behind denial decisions. To support your claim with the SSA, you need to provide detailed medical evidence consisting of examination reports, test results, and statements from treating physicians. Insufficient proof linking your condition with your work limitations may cause a rejection of your benefits claim.



Some SSDI applicants lose their claims because they either stop observing medical treatment instructions or miss their required medical appointments. SSA staff members can reject your claim when they find evidence showing you have not followed medical guidance.

Incomplete Application or Missing Information

Your SSDI application needs proper completion for successful acceptance. Errors in either missing or incorrect information on your application will lead to claim denial. Common mistakes include:


● The omission of any medical condition from the application will lead to an application denial.

● Omitting relevant work history

● Failure to supply complete medical practitioner contact details and complete hospital contact information to the system

● Blanking out any sections of the application form


According to the SSA, submitting a complete and accurate application is mandatory. However, single omissions can cause delays or rejection, so you must verify all information before submission.


Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone qualifies for SSDI. The SSA rejects some applications when candidates lack the strict qualifications established by the agency. Reasons for ineligibility may include:


Not having enough work credits: SSDI needs applicants to show specific work credits that match their age and work experience record. People cannot obtain SSDI benefits unless they earn sufficient work credits while making enough payments to the Social Security program.

Earning too much income: The SSA might prove you are not disabled based on your current earnings level, which surpasses the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold.

Having a short-term or partial disability: SSDI benefits are available only for complete disabilities, which doctors expect to persist for at least one year. SSDI does not cover disabilities that cause only temporary or partial health issues.

Tips for Filing Your Appeal When Social Security Disability Is Denied the First Time

You should not lose hope when SSDI denies your claim. Although Social Security denies many initial applications, new appeals are available to you. The assistance provided by social security attorneys for disability significantly raises your opportunity to obtain approval for your case. Several recommendations exist to achieve a stronger appeal process during this period:


  1. Review Your Denial Letter Carefully: The Social Security Administration will send you a letter showing the reasons for denying your application. Successfully building an appeal requires understanding the reasons behind the claim denial.
  2. Gather Additional Medical Evidence: You need to collect additional detailed medical documents from your doctors since they were the reason behind your denial. You should ask specialists for written statements and get additional tests performed that will reinforce your appeal strategy.
  3. Correct Any Application Errors: Please check all information in your application to ensure it is correct before you submit your appeal after a denial.
  4. File Your Appeal on Time: The legal period for submitting your appeal starts from the day your insurance company issues your denial letter and extends for sixty days. The late submission of your appeal prevents you from continuing your application and requires a fresh start.
  5. Hire a Social Security Attorney: Most applicants fail to win their appeals process through self-defense because handling the appeals process proves complex. You will enhance your disability claim success rate by working with a lawyer exclusively handles Social Security benefit cases. These specialists collect evidence to submit before handling your hearings and verifying your paperwork's accuracy.


If your SDI claim is denied:


● You need to submit an appeal using the DE 1000A form, which comes with your denial letter, and explain your reasons for eligibility.

● Supply all supplementary medical evidence that demonstrates your eligibility along with your claim.

● To receive consideration, you must mail your appeal to EDD within 30 days of reading your denial notice.


Your capability to effectively handle disability benefits in California improves by recognizing SSDI along with SDI programs.



 Also Read: The Role of Medical Evidence in SSDI Applications

Conclusion

The negative impact of receiving a disability claim rejection does not signify a complete elimination of possibilities. Application denials usually stem from problems that can be corrected by completing missing data, submitting medical evidence, and meeting all eligibility requirements. The correct appeal approach, along with knowledge about typical denial motives, can help you obtain essential benefits.



Getting denied your SSDI claim means you should avoid pursuing the appeals process yourself. The disability law firm Eric R. Hunt Attorney assists clients with their disability benefit claims to achieve legal success. When you have specialist social security attorneys for disability handling your case, you increase your chances of obtaining a favorable decision. Contact Eric R. Hunt, Attorney, right now to access professional support for your SSDI appeal.

Reference Links:


 https://edd.ca.gov/disability/

 https://drbilllatouratty.com/reasons-you-may-be-denied-ssdi/

 https://www.ssa.gov/


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