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6 Questions To Ask After Your Disability Claim Is Denied

When you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits following an injury, there are a lot of factors to consider to ensure that your application is approved. Many people do not realize there are many different reasons their claim can be denied.  This leaves some unprepared for the possibility of being turned down for benefits.

If you want to guarantee that you receive the disability benefits that you so desperately need, it’s important that you’re aware of some of the reasons you might be denied. Here are five questions to ask yourself after a denial and some advice for hiring a disability benefits lawyer so you get the support you need. Don’t give up, even if you have been denied, you are not out of luck.

In This Article:

1) Have you been denied a disability claim because your injury is not severe or long-lasting?
2) Do you make too much money?
3) Are you cooperative and available?
4) Is your disability caused by addiction?
5) Have you misrepresented your condition?
6) Should I contact a disability attorney?

1) Have you been denied a disability claim because your injury is not severe or long-lasting?

A common misconception when it comes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is that any disabling condition is eligible. On the contrary, Social Security only considers certain conditions qualifiable for benefits. For you to receive disability benefits your condition will need to either last for more than twelve months or potentially result in your death.

For example, most broken bone injuries do not qualify for disability benefits because they heal in less than a year. The length and severity of your injury will be a large factor in whether or not you are approved for SSDI.

2) Do you make too much money?

SSDI is meant to support workers who are no longer able to perform meaningful work. While it is possible to continue working while receiving SSDI benefits, you can only earn a certain amount, which is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you earn over the SGA limit—$1,470—then your application for disability benefits will be denied.

Before applying for your benefits, check to see if your income falls below the SGA threshold.  If you do, you will have a better chance of receiving your benefits.

3) Are you cooperative and available?

A surprising amount of people applying for SSDI benefits are not fully aware of how complicated the application process is.   The result is another leading cause of a denied application: Lack of cooperation.

To determine whether your condition qualifies, Social Security will often request access to your medical records and may want you to receive an examination from a doctor of their choosing. If you don’t comply with these requests, your application will almost always be denied. Additionally, if Social Security cannot reach you then they will not be able to approve your application.

4) Is your disability caused by addiction?

Addiction is not automatically disqualifying when you’re applying for disability benefits. It is entirely possible that you can receive SSDI while suffering from addiction. However, this is only true if your disabling condition is not caused by substance abuse. If Social Security determines that your disability is directly caused by addiction, then your application will be denied and you will not receive benefits.

5) Have you misrepresented your condition?

Unfortunately, it is common for people to misrepresent their level of disability when applying for SSDI benefits. While applying, be sure to be completely honest about both the extent of your condition and your ability to work. Should Social Security find that you have provided false information in an effort to receive benefits, your application will be denied a disability claim and you may find yourself facing criminal prosecution.

6) Should I contact a disability attorney?

At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know how the system works.  Social Security Disability is what we do.  Our disability law firm can help fight for the benefits you are entitled to if your claim is denied.

With over $1 Billion in recoveries for our clients, Larry Disparti and the entire team at the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers know how to win!   Contact our Chicago disability lawyers today and find out why thousands of our clients say…  Larry Wins!

Call the Chicago Disability Attorneys at (312) 600-6000 for a FREE consult today.

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The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers is one of the most successful law firms serving the greater Chicago and Tampa areas. As the leader in Injury, Disability, Workers’ Comp, and Employment Law, with more than $1 Billion in recoveries, The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers has been named One of the Most Influential Law Firms in America by Trial Lawyer Magazine.

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