Model Law: A Blog About Legal Issues

3 Reasons You Might Be Denied For Disability Benefits

18 January 2016 by Susanna Phillips

If you have a disability that keeps you from being able to work a full-time job, you might be eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, not all claims that are sent in will be approved. If you were denied benefits, it might be due to one of these reasons.

Your Disability Isn't Severe

In order to quality for disability benefits, you not only need to prove that you have a medical condition or injury keeping you from work, but prove that it isn't temporary. If you will be recovered and back to work in a few months, you can get temporarily disability, but not the standard disability benefits. Make sure your doctor is noting the severity of the condition to increase your chances of being eligible for disability benefits. Gather proper medical proof of the injury or medical condition, such as from your physician surgeon, or the medical facility that treated you.

Your Income is Too High

The SSA is also going to look at your income to determine if you are eligible for disability benefits. You can earn a small amount of money when getting disability benefits, but there is a threshold set by the Social Secuity Administration. Make sure you do not exceed that amount each month though a job or other source of income. You need to count all types of income, whether it is unemployment, pension benefits, employment, or money coming to you from other sources. If the SSA finds out that you earn too much, your benefits will be denied.

The SSA Has Difficulty Communicating With You

For disability benefits, the SSA needs to be able to contact you, so if you're hard to reach, don't expect much as far as benefits are concerned. Something as simple as adding your newest phone number can make you more eligible. If the SSA attempts to contact you about a question with your claim, and can't get through, there is nothing more they can do but deny the claim. You also need to cooperate with the SSA by providing files and documents as requested. If you fail to do as requested, they can deny your claim for benefits.

If your disability claim was denied and you believe you have a right to benefits, contact legal services that specialize in such matters. They can help you file an appeal with the SSA and hopefully get your deserved benefits.

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