What To Do If Your SSI Application Is Denied?

However, rest assured that there is no need to worry or panic; denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications are more common than you think, even when applicants are qualified. 

We understand that the benefits that come with SSI can help relieve some of the stress that comes with getting diagnosed with a disability. This is why we are here to tell you what you should do if your SSI application gets denied. 

Appealing Your Decision

The majority of SSI applicants get their initial application denied because of various reasons. Fortunately, after your application is denied, you will have the opportunity to either improve the claim or appeal the decision. However, keep in mind that there's a 60-day time frame that you should request your appeal in. Otherwise, you will lose your rights to appeal. Instead of appealing, some people file a new claim, which is not something that you should do as it will probably be denied once more. Unless, of course, you have missed the appeal deadline. In this case, you should file a new claim, specifically if your state has worsened. 

Reason For Denial 

One of the things that you need to understand is that the Disability Determination Services receive mind-boggling amounts of applications, many of which are false claims. This forces them to strictly review applications, therefore claiming that they have insufficient evidence, are incomplete, or unseemly filled out. This shouldn't be worrisome as your denial notice will come with a brief explanation of the considered disabilities, your condition, and the medical, as well as the non-medical records that they took into account. This description may also state that your application was denied because you can still seek other jobs. They also usually come with a "Technical rationale;" if yours doesn't, then you should request one. This will include a report of your medical conditions, what resulted in your application's denial, and a discussion of your RFC, as well as your past occupations. 

Hire a Disability Lawyer

You should consider hiring a disability lawyer to help you with your appeal. Legal professionals understand what to include in claims and appeals, as they have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to social security regulations. An SSI claims lawyer will review your denial notice and help you put together a winning appeal. They will have already worked on several cases similar to yours, and know exactly what medical conditions and documents Disability Determination Services search for. Besides, an SSI lawyer's fee is contingency-based. This makes them want to make everything in their power to help you because otherwise, all their efforts will go in vain.

If you decide to proceed without legal help, you must keep in mind that this significantly decreases your chances of winning the claim at an Administrative Law Judge hearing. Although claimants are not required to bring attorneys to the hearing, those who don't bring one decrease their winning odds. You can be putting your livelihood at stake if you risk attending the hearing without proper representation. Those who end up winning without a lawyer will probably end up with the least advantageous disability onset date. A disability onset date is what determines the back pay that the claimant will receive. With the help of an attorney, you can get an early disability onset date, making you more likely to win more backpay. 

Filing an Appeal

You shouldn't be discouraged to file an appeal as anyone ever hardly makes it past the initial application stage. You deserve to be reconsidered and supported if you truly qualify for a supplemental security income. 

After you have received proper legal guidance from an experienced lawyer and understood the qualifications and requirements, it should be time to finally file an appeal. You should still keep in mind that there is no way to know for sure if you'll actually receive your benefits after filing the appeal. Though, being prepared guarantees a great chance of finally receiving your benefits. 

Unfortunately, the majority of people who apply for a Social Security Income get their applications denied. They never get past the initial stages, which can be extremely frustrating, especially when their disability prevents them from providing themselves and their families with sufficient support. Anyone with a disability should be given the chance to be reconsidered so that they don't have their future livelihood compromised. With the proper measures, a full understanding of the requirements, professional consultation, and proper legal representation, you will have a better chance of getting approved.