Many Americans apply for Social Security Disability benefits after developing a medical condition or suffering an injury that prevents them from working. These benefits can greatly help people sustain themselves and their families.
However, applicants are often denied benefits. Why would this happen? Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Non-applicable medical conditions
Some injuries and medical conditions don’t qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. A disability may qualify if it lasts longer than 12 months or is expected to be fatal. Some medical conditions may be considered treatable, which could cause a denial.
2. Missed deadlines
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a tricky process. You have to be sure you check the right boxes and submit the proper paperwork on time. If you miss a deadline, you could end up right back at the beginning of the benefits process.
3. Relative youthfulness
Many people of all ages have applied and been granted Social Security Disability benefits. However, your age may also be the cause of a denied application. Generally speaking, it’s easier to gain approval for and SSD claim after you’re 50 years of age or older — when it’s typically more difficult to transition from one career to another or effectively retrain.
4. Not enough documentation
An applicant typically has to submit various documents to prove that they are suffering from a disabling medical condition and need Social Security Disability benefits. If an applicant fails to provide enough documents or doesn’t submit additionally requested documents when asked, then there might be a denial.
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be frustrating, particularly because the process itself is convoluted and error-prone. You should be aware of all of your legal options when opposing a denial.