Reasons for SSDI Application Denial
There are several reasons why an initial SSDI application may be denied. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Your income is too high – this only includes work income, not income from other sources such as investments; the limits change at least yearly, so check the SSA’s website for the current income limits
2. Your disability is likely short term – the SSA must determine that your disability will last longer than 12 months or will result in a fatal condition; in the case of traumatic accidents like a car accident, the application might be denied because the SSA assumes that bone fractures and other traumas will heal within a year
3. You are incommunicato – make sure that your address, phone number, email, and other contact information is valid and current; it is not the SSA’s responsibility to track you down if they cannot contact you or your representative (likely a lawyer)
4. You do not cooperate – this means that you should give the SSA access to your medical records that you are using to prove your disability; the SSA can also request that you submit to an exam by one of their doctors in a consultative examination (CE); it is in your best interest to cooperate
5. You do not follow prescribed therapy – if you are under a doctor’s care but do not follow their prescribed therapy when you do have the ability to do so, your SSDI claim may be denied; there are some accepted medical excuses, including mental illness, valid religious beliefs, or your treatment plan is harmful or incorrect
6. Your disability is based on alcohol or drug addiction – these cases are sometimes denied but can be approved if the SSA determines that the disability would still be present even without the use of drugs or alcohol
7. You have been convicted of a crime – if you are in prison at the time of your application, it could be denied, especially if your disability was a direct result of commiting the crime
8. You commit fraud.