Many first-time Social Security Disability Insurance claims are turned down. According to a Social Security Administration (SSA) report, only 25% of initial applications are approved in some years. Learn what to do if your claim is rejected.
Around 68 million US citizens will receive Social Security benefits this year. But only some are fortunate. Millions of people face hindrances after applying for the federal program. They face many challenges, from initial rejection to lack of support and a long waiting period.
I remember a horrific client story. She was a young, single mother trying to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for a long time. Every time she applied, she faced rejection. And she had no idea what mistakes she made. In between all this mess, her kid was taken away from her because she wasn’t capable of supporting him.
So, she hired us as her social security lawyer. We worked on the case and found that she was living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We collected evidence to make a strong case and helped her get approval.
She was rejected many times, but she finally knew what to do. However, not everyone is aware of the steps to take after an application is rejected.
You’ve The Right To Question the Decision
SSA can reject your application. It’s their right, although they must have sent you a letter explaining the reason behind the decision.
However, you also have the right to appeal.
- If Rejected for Medical Reasons
If your application has been rejected for medical reasons, you can request an appeal – online or by filling out Form SSA-561 and sending it to your local Social Security office. In this case, you’ll also need to submit your medical report.
- If Rejected for Other Reasons
You can also appeal a non-medical decision. For example, you can raise a complaint if your disability claim has been canceled because you didn’t go to work for a long time.
Why is Your SSDI Claim Rejected?
Just because your application hasn’t been approved, it doesn’t mean the department did this deliberately or randomly.
There’s a disability criteria that you need to meet. For example, you must provide evidence to prove that you haven’t been able to work for at least one year. Also, the benefits aren’t for people with short-term injuries or medical issues.
There are many other reasons why your application is rejected:
✔ You lack medical records to prove your disability
✔ You are earning over $1,470 per month
✔ Your medical condition doesn’t fall in the category by the department
Recently, I came across a case where a man had submitted multiple applications. After a denied claim, the man sent another application instead of appealing the denial.
You need to understand that the SSA can know about your previously denied claim. When they find out, they will deny your application once again.
Here, the best approach is to appeal the denial.
What Happens After You Appeal the Rejected Application?
First things first, you can appeal a denial within 60 days. What happens after you ask for reconsideration?
✔ The federal agency reviews the claim
✔ An SSA judge proceeds to hearings
✔ The Appeals Council makes a decision
If you aren’t satisfied with the decision, you can file a civil suit. In the federal district court, you can proceed with the case to prove that you deserve benefits or SSI.
Important: Filing a federal district court case is a complex process. It is advisable to work with Social Security attorneys to take the right steps and increase your chances of getting a favorable decision. |
Can You Win an Appeal After a Rejected Claim?
I have heard plenty of times that once a claim is rejected, it cannot be approved, no matter how many times you appeal. This isn’t true at all.
A 2019 SSA report shows that over 15% of the submitted applications were reconsidered, while around 61% went for a hearing that year. Although the agency didn’t provide data on the rejected appeal, it’s clear that appeals are reviewed seriously.
So, the chances of success depend on how to proceed with the appeal. You must figure out where you lacked initially and provide enough proof to show that you deserve the benefits or SSI.
How Many Times Can You Appeal a Claim?
There is no limit to appealing a denied claim. However, the number of appeals doesn’t improve your chances of getting your application approved. The wise decision is to consider different factors before deciding whether or not to appeal a denied claim.
Consult a Social Security lawyer to understand your rights and learn how to proceed with a denied claim. An experienced lawyer can help you find gaps in your application, collect evidence to strengthen your case, and represent you before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
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Hi, I’m Dave Smith, a law blogger. I share easy-to-understand legal tips, updates on recent cases, and practical advice to help you navigate the legal world. Follow me for clear and helpful content about the law.