Social Security benefits are an important way for our society to give and receive help when people face tragedy or are in need. However, it can be frustrating if you’re denied Social Security benefits when you believe you are entitled to receive them.
Luckily, in many circumstances when you’re denied, there is still something you can do. In this post, we’ll look at some of the possible reasons that you were denied Social Security benefits and what you can do about it:
You Earn Too Much Income
Social Security benefits are not available to everyone. Their purpose is to provide for the material needs of individuals and families, and one of the main ways eligibility is determined is by looking at the amount of money you earn.If you earn too much income to qualify, then you will be denied Social Security benefits. Those who earn less are more likely to be prioritized for Social Security benefits because of their financial need.
Your Disability Isn’t Severe or Prolonged Enough
One of the more controversial reasons why you might be denied Social Security benefits is that your disability doesn’t qualify you for aid. If the SSA feels that your disability is not severe enough, or that you have not been affected by it for a long enough period of time, they may decide you are not entitled to benefits.
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits according to their regulations, your disability must be severe enough to last at least twelve months; if not, you could be denied benefits.
The SSA Can’t Reach You
Sometimes, getting denied is more a matter of administrative snags than anything else. For example, if the SSA is unable to reach you because you’ve moved or your contact information is otherwise out of date, you might not receive the benefits you’re entitled to. You should make sure that you are easily reachable and that your contact information remains updated if you’re trying to claim benefits.
You Haven’t Supplied the Necessary Medical Documents
You’ll need to prove you have a disability in order to claim benefits. If you fail to provide proof by not issuing the proper medical documents when you are asked to, the SSA cannot issue benefits in your behalf. Keep all your documents organized and handy so that you can produce them as and when necessary.
Your Disability Is Related to an Addiction
If your disability is related to a drug or alcohol addiction, that may be enough for the SSA to deny your claim. A person using these substances isn’t automatically disqualified from receiving benefits, but if the SSA feels alcoholism or drug use is a major contributing factor in your disability, they can deny benefits. It is unfortunately quite common for this to happen, but if you can prove that you would still be disabled even if you stopped using substances, there is no basis to deny your claim.
You Have a Criminal Record
In some cases, a criminal record will disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits. If you were convicted of a felony and are currently imprisoned, were injured while in prison, or were injured while committing a felony, you will not be eligible to receive SSDI benefits.
You Refuse to Follow Prescribed Treatment
If your doctor or physician has given you a specific treatment or therapy to follow to help your disability improve but you are not following it, that is usually enough to be denied benefits relating to that disability. You need to make sure that you are following all prescribed therapy and treatment in order to receive benefits.
If Your Claim for Social Security Benefits Is Denied
A Social Security lawyer is a great resource for those filing for SSDI benefits as he or she can help you navigate your qualifications and how to correctly file a claim and submit medical records to the SSA. In the event that the SSA has wrongfully rejected your claim for Social Security benefits, a Social Security attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.