Why Your Social Security Disability Claim May Have Been Denied

After completing and putting together what you considered to be the BEST application for disability benefits, you receive a letter in the mail stating that you were denied Social Security disability benefits. Like many other applicants, you are left wondering how the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your Social Security disability claim after you provided them with ample evidence of your disability.

The SSA uses a five-step process to decide whether an individual is disabled. Under SSA guidelines, “Disability” is defined and based on an individual’s inability to work. Step One of the process is learning whether or not you are working. If you’re working and your earnings average more than $1,000 a month, you generally will not be considered disabled. If you are not working or your monthly earnings average the current amount or less, the SSA then looks at Step Two, your medical condition.

To be decided “disabled” your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities such as walking, sitting and remembering. If your condition is considered to not be severe, you will not be considered disabled. If your condition is considered severe the SSA will proceed to Step Three, to see if your condition is on the “List of Impairments”. If listed, you are automatically defined as disabled and approved for benefits. If not, the SSA will compare your condition with one from the list. If it is found not to be as severe, the SSA moves on to Step Four to determine if you can do the work that you did before.

To determine whether you can do the work that you did before, the SSA reviews the work that you've done in the last 15 years that involved significant and productive physical or mental activities. They compare how you did the work and how the work is generally done across the U.S. against your current capacity to work. If they determine that you can do the work as you did before or as it is done nationally, you will not be approved. If they determine you cannot do the work, they move to Step Five to see if you would be able to participate in another type of job.

To determine if you are able to do another job, the SSA evaluates your medical condition, age, education, past work experience and any skills you may have that could be used to do other work. If you are unable to do other work based on these factors, you will be considered disabled.

Be the deciding factor in your case! Any evidence that you have to prove your disability is vital to the success of your claim. The more information that you provide to the SSA to prove your claim, the more likely you will have a successful case.

For more information about Social Security benefits or to receive assistance in filing a claim, even if you have already been denied Social Security disability benefits, fill out the form on this page for a FREE Social Security disability case evaluation. The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers offers experienced Social Security disability lawyers.

Denied Social Security disability benefits? Don’t give up! You can appeal and we can help!

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You’re disabled and can no longer work. You've paid into the Social Security system all these years only to be denied your claim for Social Security disability benefits. You submitted all the information that you had to prove your disability but it still wasn't enough to gain the approval of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The only thing left to do is give up. WRONG!

You have the right to legal representation! The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers can represent you during your appeal. Fill out the form to get started!

If you disagree with the Social Security Administration’s decision about your claim you have the right to appeal your case. Social Security wants to ensure that every decision made about your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim is correct. After determining a decision on your initial claim, the SSA will send you a letter explaining their decision. Outlined in the letter will be instructions on how to appeal your claim. If you wish to appeal your Social Security disability claim denial you have 60 days from the receipt of the letter to send a request of appeal in writing to the SSA. If you fail to request an appeal of your Social Security disability claim denial within the 60-day time limit, you may lose your opportunity to appeal and the decision made by the SSA will become final. If you are unable to appeal your Social Security disability denial within the allotted time limit and have a good reason for the delay, the SSA may allow you more time. However, the request for more time must be submitted to the SSA in writing, stating the reason for the delay.

In the Social Security Disability process, time is precious and it’s vital that you meet all deadlines. Don’t let anymore time slip away. If you need assistance in appealing your Social Security disability denial or would like more information about the Social Security disability appeals process, fill out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation. The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers has over twenty offices with Social Security disability lawyers eager to try to help you win the benefits you deserve!