Denied disability claim? Don’t give up the fight for benefits

Financial stress is one of the most significant impacts a person may experience when dealing with a mental or physical disability. Whether it is because a medical condition you have or injury you suffered, when you can’t work, it’s a big deal. For this reason, you may decide to move forward with a disability claim with the Social Security Administration.

The SSA maintains a strict definition of disability. Even when a person has a legitimate disabling medical condition, he or she may still have a hard time getting financial support. You may find it quite difficult to get the benefits you need, and your initial claim may come back denied. If this happens to you, this is not the end of the road for you. 

Why the SSA denies claims

Even with a legitimate disability and completed paperwork, you may get a letter from the SSA saying that your claim came back denied. This letter should give you a reason for the denial, which can help you understand how to move forward. In many cases, the SSA lists the following reasons for denied claims: 

• Your application did not contain enough evidence to prove you have a legitimate disabling physical or mental condition.
• There were problems with your application, or the SSA was not able to contact you about your claim.
• You did not follow the doctor’s orders for a treatment plan, or you did not comply with questions or instructions from the SSA.
• You have submitted too many previous claims or you have previously claimed a different disabling condition.
• You are still working or your income is too high, making you ineligible for benefits.
• The SSA thinks your disabling condition could relate to possible drug use or alcohol dependence.
• You have been convicted of a crime or the SSA believes that your disability is related to commission of a crime.
• The SSA believes your claim is fraudulent.

The process of applying for and obtaining disability benefits is complicated and confusing. Many Florida applicants find it beneficial to seek professional legal guidance from the very beginning, starting with completing the initial application.

After a denial 

A denied claim is a setback, but it is not the end of the road for you. There are still steps you can take to pursue the benefits you need to support yourself. Through an appeal, reconsideration requests and other steps, you can keep fighting for disability benefits. If your claim came back denied and you are unsure of what to do next, you may want to reach out for an assessment of your case and explanation of your legal options.