When a medical impairment keeps you from working, there is a lot at stake. Not only does this threaten your ability to care for your family — it can be a direct threat to your financial well-being long into the future. Individuals like you have the right to seek benefits through one of the disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration.
The intent of both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability insurance is to provide disabled individuals with financial support. If you are unable to work because of a physical injury, medical condition or diagnosed mental issue, you would have a rightful claim to disability benefits. However, it can be quite difficult to actually obtain this support. In fact, the majority of first-time claims come back denied.
Understanding the reason for the denial
Unfortunately, many first-time claimants are not successful. While this is frustrating, it is rather common, and it does not mean that you are out of options. In fact, you have the right to continue to fight for the benefits you need and deserve through appeals and reconsideration. However, it is useful to first understand the reason why your claim came back denied. Some of the most common reasons why disability applicants are unsuccessful include the following:
- There was not enough medical evidence included with your application to validate your claim to disability.
- Your disability might be the result of drug or alcohol abuse.
- There were problems with the application or evidence you did not follow directions.
- Your disability lasted less than one year or will likely not keep you from working for at least one year.
No matter why your claim was not successful, you have the right to continue to fight. By correcting problems, presenting additional medical documentation or submitting new documentation, you may be able to prove you have a rightful claim to disability benefits.
Your fight for financial support
It can be incredibly frustrating to walk through the disability claims process. You do not have to do this on your own, and you may find it beneficial to turn to a trusted and experienced legal ally as you pursue benefits.
From completing the initial application for SSI or SSDI to requesting a reconsideration of a denied disability claim, you may find it useful to first seek a full understanding of your legal options and your right to financial support.