Following a work-related injury or illness, many workers turn to disability benefits to help them on their path to recovery. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is often the main source of this crucial support. However, it’s not always smooth sailing, and there are instances where the SSA may deny a claim outright.
It’s important to note that this initial denial is not the end of the road. As a worker, you can challenge this decision and appeal for reconsideration.
Denial due to medical reasons
When the SSA denies your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim for medical reasons, they don’t consider your condition disabling by their standards. They might believe your disability isn’t severe or long-lasting enough or that there isn’t enough medical evidence to support your claim. But a denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options – you can still file an appeal.
Before you appeal, though, providing the SSA with any new, relevant information about your medical condition is crucial. This could include information about any recent medical treatments, diagnostic tests or doctor consultations that have occurred since your initial application.
Denial for nonmedical reasons
The SSA may also deny your SSDI claim for nonmedical reasons. Generally, this occurs if the administration determines you are not insured, such as not having accrued enough work credits over your years of working. If such a denial occurs, you can seek a review from your local Social Security office. This review allows you to clarify any possible misunderstandings about your employment record, earnings, or any other nonmedical factors that could have led to the rejection of your claim.
Filing an appeal
Once you decide to appeal, it’s essential to act quickly. Ideally, you should file your appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial letter. After filing, be prepared to wait several months for a resolution. Even if the SSA initially denied your claim, that ‘no’ isn’t the final word. Workers can contest this decision and ask the SSA to reconsider. This process can be challenging to navigate on your own. So, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of a legal professional experienced in social security benefits to help get your SSDI coverage back on track.
