Social Security Disability Lawyer

Was Your SSDI Claim Denied? What Should You Do Next?

When you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, a denial from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can feel devastating. SSDI provides income replacement for disabled workers who can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). When that support is denied, your financial stability is immediately at risk. Here is the truth: a denied SSDI claim is not the end of your case. It is the beginning of your appeal.

At Wettermark Keith, our Social Security disability attorneys have more than 10 years of experience handling SSDI denial appeals nationwide. We represent clients in all 50 states and are recognized as an ACRD Top 100 Disability Law Firm. Schedule your free consultation today.

Why Was My Social Security Disability Insurance Claim Denied?

If you received a denial letter from the SSA, you are not alone. Most SSDI claims are denied at the initial level. Common reasons for SSDI denial include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Failure to prove inability to perform substantial gainful activity
• Incomplete documentation
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment
• Lack of required work credits
• SSA determination that you can perform other work
• Technical errors in the application

Our SSDI lawyers carefully review your denial letter to determine exactly why your claim was rejected and how to correct it during the appeal process.

Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

SSDI is different from SSI. SSDI is not need-based. It is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you have paid into the system. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must:

• Have a medically determinable physical or mental disability
• Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Have a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Have earned sufficient work credits under SSA guidelines
• Provide medical evidence documenting functional limitations

The SSA evaluates your age, work history, education level, and residual functional capacity (RFC) when determining eligibility. If your SSDI application was denied, it does not mean you do not qualify. It often means your evidence did not fully meet SSA standards.