If you are already suffering from a serious injury, illness or mental condition that prevents you from working, the last thing you want to worry about is having your Social Security Disability claim denied. But, the reality is that a majority of claims are in fact denied. Many are denied simply because the conditions of the disability do not meet with the criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration. But, other times, your disability may in fact follow the necessary guidelines, but the application itself was not enough to prove your case.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must prove that your condition prevents you from maintaining gainful employment and that the condition is expected to end in death or last at least a year. When you fill out your form, it is wise to include as much information as possible, including a note from your doctors and medical professionals who have worked with you, as well as documentation on your medical history, the condition’s prognosis and even a list of all the medical treatments and prescriptions related to the condition.
If your application has been denied, there is an appeals process you may consider to have your application approved. The first step in appeal process is to have your case reconsidered by the SSA. If that is also denied, you may then bring your case to a hearing with a Social Security administrative law judge. If that fails, you may then have your case reviewed by the Social Security Administration Appeals Council. If you are still not having success, you may file a claim in federal court.
The appeals process may seem overwhelming, especially since you are already dealing with a disability. It is important to get more information about Social Security Disability before and during the process. It may be the difference between having your application rejected or approved, and may help you gain the financial relief you may be entitled to.
Source: findlaw.com, “Disability Reconsideration: Appealing a Denied Claim,” May 1, 2017