Denied at a Disability Hearing: What Next?  

Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.

Social security disability benefits have been a reprieve source to millions of families across the country who have been on the receiving end of unfortunate life events. Statistics indicate that more than 10 million residents are enjoying these benefits in the United States today.  

These benefits are given to people who have a disability and can easily prove that their condition has denied them an opportunity to earn a sustainable income. Some of the recognized disabilities that are covered include: 

Despite social security benefits being a lifeline for millions of people with various disability disorders, many people have not been getting the necessary benefits. After many years of trying to get such benefits by proving that they are too incapacitated to find or maintain a job, some people’s claims are still denied.  

Reasons for Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits  

If you have been denied these benefits after applying for several years, you need to understand the possible reasons.  

Insufficient Medical Evidence  

Millions of Americans are denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits every year because they do not have sufficient medical evidence to prove their incapacitation. There is a tendency for people to apply for such benefits when their medical condition does not prevent them from handling their regular duties. But SSDI only covers workers that can no longer work at all. So, if you can still work and can get some income, you’ll not qualify.  

Your medical doctor needs to justify that you have a disability affecting your day to day activities. The disability must be affecting you and preventing you from working at any capacity.  

Previous SSDI Claim Denial  

Most people fail in the first attempt to get SSDI because they do not understand the necessary process and therefore miss some of their most important documents. In scenarios where one misses the benefits in the first application procedure, there is a high chance they will appeal the decision and try to apply for the second time.  

In case you missed it during the first application process, it will always be a challenge to get such benefits on the second try.  

Failing to Follow Treatment  

In case of disability, your treating doctor will always recommend a treatment that you will need to follow to achieve full recovery. If you don’t follow the approved medical treatment, it will be an uphill task to qualify for disability benefits.  

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), the body responsible for such benefits, will assume that, by the failure to follow the treatment, you don’t want your condition to improve so that you can return to work. However, if you have a justifiable reason for not following the treatment, you can always present it for consideration.  

You Already Have an Income  

Another reason you did not qualify for social security benefits is that you already have an income. An income of $910 per month is considered enough to sustain your life, and therefore, you will not get the disability benefits.  

The fact that you can work in a specific capacity to earn this amount of money is a hint that you cannot be eligible for these benefits.  

What Next?  

Having your social security disability denied is not the end of the road. Don’t feel defeated as you have a chance to appeal the decision and get a favorable outcome. However, for you to successfully overturn the decision, you may need to contact an experienced disability attorney to help you power through the process. 

Your chances of qualifying for disability benefits are much higher if you work with a disability expert. With a disability attorney on your side, you can finally receive compensation if you are not able to work due to your disability.