Common Reasons for SSDI Denials and How to Avoid Them

Did you know nearly 7 out of 10 SSDI applicants are denied benefits? 

Imagine you have worked hard all your life, and now, when you need SSDI the most, you get hit with a denial. It feels frustrating, unfair, and downright exhausting. You did everything by the book, yet you left struggling to pay bills, unsure of what to do next.

Denials don’t just delay financial relief – they put your future at risk. Many denials happen because of avoidable mistakes that could have been fixed. 

However, most SSDI denials can be prevented. Yes, with the right approach, you can avoid common pitfalls, strengthen your claim, and increase your chances of approval. Knowing why most SSDI claims are denied can help you avoid mistakes and speed up approval.

So, here we will walk through the SSDI denial reasons and how to avoid them. 

Top Reasons SSDI Claims Are Denied & How to Avoid Them

Let’s understand why most people get denied for disability.

1. Not Enough Medical Evidence

Why This Happens?

SSA needs sufficient medical documentation from your healthcare provider because:

• To verify the severity of your condition.
• To understand how the condition limits your ability to work.

So, the applicants should provide proper medical evidence that clearly showcases the existence and severity of the disability. This includes:

• Detailed records of diagnoses, treatments, and responses.
• Results from physical or mental status examinations.
• Data from medical tests like blood tests or imaging studies.
• Documentation of prescribed therapies and medications.

How to Avoid It 

• Gather complete medical records. 
• Ask your doctor for a detailed statement that clearly explains how your condition affects your ability to work. 
• Make sure to follow all prescribed treatments.
• Also, attend Consultative Examinations (CE) as they can provide additional proof of your disability. 

2. Earning Too Much (Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA)

Why This Happens?

The SSA denies disability claims if the applicants earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. 

NOTE: If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, then the SSA considers you to be engaging in SGA.

As of 2025, the monthly SGA limits are: 

• $1620  for non-blind individuals
• $2700 for blind individuals

If an applicant earns more than these amounts before taxes, the SSA consider that they can engage in “substantial” work and denies the claim.

How to Avoid It 

• Remember your earnings and ensure they stay below the SGA limit to claim benefits. 
• Understand work incentives like Trial Work Period (TWP).  It allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing the benefits. 
• Take the help of Social Security lawyers if your income is close to the SGA limit.

3. Fail to Follow SSA’s Process

Why This Happens?

Sometimes, the SSDI claims are denied because the applicant did not respond to the additional information or failed to attend a scheduled consultative examination.

How to Avoid It

• Respond to the requests from the SSA promptly.
• Attend the consultative examinations scheduled by the SSA. 

4. Short-Term or Temporary Disability

Why This Happens?

SSDI is for those people:

• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Have a disability that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

However, claims for temporary or short-term disabilities are typically denied because they do not meet the SSA’s strict definition of a qualifying disability. Some of the common reasons are: 

• Injury or illness expected to improve quickly,
• If the documentation fails to prove the long-term impact of the condition on workability. 
• Applying for the wrong program.

How to Avoid It 

• Make sure your condition meets SSA’s definition. 
• Work closely with your doctor to document the severity of your condition, treatment plan, and expected duration. 

5. An Incomplete or Inaccurate Application

Why This Happens?

• Not able to provide diagnostic test results, treatment records, and prescriptions.
• Not following the application instructions carefully. 
• Giving misleading or false information, even by mistake, can lead to an immediate denial.

 How to Avoid It 

• Collect all necessary medical records.
• Review all personal and employment details carefully to avoid delays in processing.
• Explain how the disability affects your daily activities, work and overall quality of life.
• Engage with a Social Security benefits attorney to review the application to ensure all necessary information is included and accurately presented. 

6. Filing a New Claim Instead of Appealing

Why This Happens?

When you file a new application instead of appealing, there are many issues you can face, such as:

• Starting a new application can prolong the process, leading to delays in receiving benefits.
• The protective filing date is important because it determines when benefits can begin. Filing the new application can reset the protective filing date, meaning that the benefits start date might be later than expected. 

How to Avoid It

• If your claim is denied, it is advisable to appeal within the 60-day window instead of starting a new application. 
• Work with a reputable Social Security Disability attorney to guide your appeal, collect documents, and represent you in hearings.
• Learn about the stages of appeal, including reconsideration, ALJ hearings, and the Appeals Council review.

What to Do If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied?

The road to Social Security disability insurance is not easy but worth traveling. 

If you get denied, don’t be discouraged. Many applicants receive benefits after appealing. 

File a Reconsideration Appeal

You can file it online or at your local Social Security office within 60 days of denial.

Communicate Changes to SSA

Inform SSA about the new medical treatments, changes in your conditions, or your ability to function. 

Persistence is key. 

By appealing and providing more substantial evidence, you improve the chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

How Can an SSDI Attorney Help You Win Your Claim?

You may find applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) overwhelming, especially when your initial claim is denied. 

So, this is where the Nationwide Disability Representative’s attorney comes in. We have 35+ years of experience helping many individuals get the benefits they deserve. 

We can help you with: 

• Assessing your case.
• Collecting the necessary documents to support your disability claim.
• Filing your application correctly. 
• Handling appeals for denied claims. 
• Representing you in the hearing.

Do you need help with your SSDI claim? Schedule a free consultation with us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How hard is it to get disability for heart problems?

Getting SSDI for heart problems can be challenging but not impossible. The key is to prove that you meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled based on your heart condition. So, it is recommended to take the help of Social Security lawyers.

2. How hard is it to get SSDI?

You can get the SSDI benefits if you meet the medical work requirements. Also, you should have proven medical evidence, proper documentation, and legal representation. So, consider the help of an attorney to help you navigate the process effectively.

3. Why does Social Security deny disability claims?

Social Security denies disability claims due to insufficient medical evidence, failure to follow treatment, earning above SGA limits, lack of work credits and many more.

4. What is the SSDI appeals process?

The SSDI appeals process includes four levels: Reconsideration, Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Appeals Council Review, and Federal Court Review. Each step allows you to challenge a denied claim with additional evidence.