Confusing Social Security Disability Denials

 Posted on January 23,2012 in Denied Social Security Benefits

The overwhelming majority of applicants applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are denied benefits. In some cases, it is not in the best interest of the claimant to appeal the claim. Yet, the majority of the time claimants should follow through with an appeal. An appeal keeps the claim alive and pushes the case through the disability process. Almost all denial letters note that the claimant has 60 days to file an appeal. However, some denial letters are quite confusing.

My firm receives calls from clients and prospective clients on a weekly basis stating that they need disability benefits, but Social Security told them that they are ineligible. When I take a closer look at the denial letters, the very first sentence sometimes states, "Important Notice-You Are Not Eligible for Benefits." I can see why claimants give up. For someone unfamiliar with the system, that very first sentence makes it seem as though there is no hope to continue with the case. In general, that same sentence is often followed by several paragraphs discussing why the claim was denied and how to appeal. Usually, the Social Security Administration is not saying that a claimant cannot apply but that they simply do not believe the medical evidence demonstrates that the individual is unable to work and therefore entitled to Social Security disability benefits. Meanwhile, that very first sentence in the letter can be quite misleading.

If you were denied SSDI or SSI benefits, make sure to carefully read through the entire denial letter. Some claimants are disqualified for financial reasons. However, many claimants give up thinking that they are disqualified when they really do have an opportunity to continue with their case. Many claimants ultimately win their Social Security disability benefits despite being denied on multiple occasions.

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