Nearly two-thirds of all applicants for Social Security Disability (SSD) get turned down every year. And it’s no wonder. Social Security has stringent requirements for eligibility. The application is complicated, and its rules are not always easily understandable or navigable. When you can’t work, disability benefits are a critical financial lifeline, allowing you to pay your bills and take care of your family. A denial? It can mean months or even years of continuing financial struggle. If you are considering applying for disability benefits, let the Cherry Hill Social Security lawyers at Silver & Silver help you get the benefits you deserve so you can have financial peace of mind.
Why Are So Many People Turned Down For Social Security Disability Benefits?
Navigating the SSD application process can feel overwhelming for most applicants. Applying for benefits requires an understanding of Social Security’s rules for eligibility, careful document preparation, and extensive medical evidence of their disability and how it affects their ability to work.
Unfortunately, the process is complicated and time-consuming. Many applicants don’t fully understand SSA’s eligibility rules, the full extent of evidence they will need to support their application, or what pitfalls they should avoid. In many cases, after months of waiting for a decision, all their hard work results in a dismaying denial from the Social Security Administration. This is when having the assistance of Cherry Hill, NJ, Social Security lawyers can be crucial.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Insurance Denials?
Are you considering applying for SSDI? You can begin your application online or at a local Social Security office. The application process will include providing numerous documents and information regarding your background, work history, medical conditions, and education. Preparing as much as possible and paying close attention to the instructions is essential to ensure your answers are comprehensive, honest, and consistent. Unfortunately, most applicants still struggle with the process, no matter how well-prepared and careful they are.
Generally, SSD applications are denied because they don’t have the sufficient or correct information to allow Social Security to make an affirmative or valid decision. Common reasons for denial are:
- The applicant needs to correct their application. Simple errors on forms, misunderstanding of SSA’s requirements, and missing deadlines can derail the application process.
- The application needs to be completed or reflect accurate information. A lack of comprehensive information, including treatment history and doctor’s opinions, or incomplete information can weaken an application and lead to a denial of benefits.
- There is not enough medical evidence of the applicant’s disability. A successful application will require significant medical evidence from multiple providers demonstrating the severity of the condition and how it affects the applicant’s ability to work. Insufficient, inconsistent, or outdated medical records or reports can result in a rejection of benefits.
- The applicant needs to follow the prescribed treatment from their doctor. If an applicant has a history of failing to follow their doctors’ treatment plans or attend follow-up appointments, they may be denied benefits.
- SSA does not consider the disabling condition long-term. Social Security requires that the disabling condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in the applicant’s death to be considered eligible for disability benefits.
- The applicant’s disability is not on SSA’s List of Impairments. If the disabling condition does not appear on SSA’s defined list of impairments, the applicant will need to demonstrate the severity of their condition and how it has affected their ability to work.
- The applicant’s work history is inadequate. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, an applicant must have a sufficient work history and made contributions to Social Security. If not, they may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, also administered by Social Security. As a needs-based program, SSI has its own unique criteria.
- The applicant makes too much money. If the applicant earns more than Social Security’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, they may be considered capable of working and ineligible for disability benefits.
What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Cherry Hill Social Security Lawyer?
You don’t need a Social Security lawyer to assist you with an SSDI claim. However, the advantages can far outweigh the overwhelm, time, and difficulty of navigating the application, denial, or appeal process.
The initial approval process can take months, and appealing a denial can take more months—and sometimes even years. There is no time to waste when you can’t work and need financial help. A skilled legal advocate can guide the process, increasing your chances of initial approval or appeal success.
Understanding Social Security’s Rules and Requirements
Social Security Disability requires navigating complex forms and proving eligibility within strict requirements. Cherry Hill Social Security lawyers, work with these matters daily, understand Social Security’s complex internal guidelines and rules, and know how to strengthen each client’s case.
Gathering Evidence And Building a Case File
An experienced SDI lawyer knows what Social Security is looking for and what evidence is needed to support your claim. They will help you gather all the necessary documentation you will need, including medical records, doctor’s reports and statements, education records, and employment information. Your attorney will ensure that your paperwork is correct and your evidence comprehensive and consistent, maximizing your likelihood of approval at the initial phase.
Helping You Navigate a Denial
If you’ve been denied benefits, the appeals process can be confusing and lengthy, involving multiple steps, hearings, and possibly even a federal court review. A Social Security lawyer can assist you in compiling more comprehensive evidence for consideration. If your claim requires a hearing, your lawyer can represent and prepare you for appearing before Social Security’s Administrative Law Judge or even take the matter to federal court.
Offering Peace of Mind
Applying for Social Security Disability can be intimidating and stressful. Having the representation and legal guidance of a Cherry Hill Social Security lawyer can offer peace of mind, knowing that your claim is complete, correct, and more likely to be successful.
Getting The Assistance of Our Cherry Hill NJ Social Security Lawyers
When you need and deserve crucial disability benefits, you don’t want to risk denial. At Silver & Silver, our Cherry Hill, NJ, Social Security lawyers are dedicated members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. We have the experience and expertise it takes to assist you with the most comprehensive Social Security disability support possible. Call us to schedule a free consultation at (610) 638-7255 or contact us through our website contact form. Let us guide your disability claim to a successful conclusion so you can focus on your health and future.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
