To receive Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. Typically, Social Security will make sure you meet the non-medical requirements before looking at the medical requirements.
General Non-Medical Requirements for Disability
The non-medical requirements for disability include any criteria not related to your medical or mental health conditions.
Citizenship or Legal Residency
Though many undocumented immigrants work and pay taxes in the US, including FICA taxes, they typically can’t get Social Security benefits. However, you don’t necessarily have to be a U.S. citizen. Some examples of non-citizens who may qualify for Social Security disability include legal permanent residents (green card holders), refugees and those who have been granted asylum. If you are unsure whether or not you may qualify for SSDI with your status, an experienced Social Security disability benefits advocate can help you determine whether you are eligible.
Social Security Work Credits
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to have accumulated a certain number of work credits across your career, and also a certain minimum number in the 10 years leading up to your disability. You may accumulate up to four work credits per year, and credits are based on the amount of money you earn, not the number of hours or days or weeks you work.
The amount of earnings required to receive one work credit changes over time. In 2025, $1,810 earns you a single work credit. So, you’ll need $7,240 in earnings to get all four credits for the year.
The number of work credits required to get Social Security retirement benefits is 40. That’s true for some people applying for Social Security disability as well, but younger workers need fewer credits. For disability, there’s an added requirement that a certain number of those credits be “recent.” That typically means 20 credits in the past 10 years (though this number is also reduced for younger workers).
You will often hear that shorthanded as “you must have worked five of the previous 10 years,” but that’s not exactly accurate. While you would have to have worked IN at least five of the previous 10 years to accumulate 20 credits, you don’t necessarily need to have worked full years. For example, if you were earning $3,000/month, you could accumulate the maximum four work credits for a year in less than three months of work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses two different formulas to determine the required number of recent work credits and total work credits.
If you become disabled…
Recent work credits required are…
Before age 24
6 total credits in the three-year period leading up to disability
Between ages 24 and 31
The equivalent of half the time between age 21 and onset of your disability
At age 31 or older
20 credits in the 10-year period leading up to disability
Here’s an example of how the formula works between ages 24 and 31:
Josh became disabled at age 29. There are eight years between age 21 and the onset of Josh’s disability. That means he will need to have accumulated the equivalent of four years worth of work credits, or 16 credits, since he turned 21.
The total work credit requirement is 1.5 years for a person who becomes disabled before the age of 28. That number increases gradually over time. Here are some examples:
If you become disabled…
Total work credits required are…
Age 30
8
Age 38
16
Age 42
20
Age 50
28
Age 56
34
Age 60
38
If your disability begins after you have reached your full Social Security retirement age, you will not qualify for disability benefits. Instead, you will have the option of applying for your retirement benefits.
Limits on Income from Work
Technically, the income limit isn’t non-medical. However, your earnings from work are a threshold issue that can prevent your application from ever reaching full medical review. That’s because part of the SSA’s definition of disability is that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The SSA considers your work to be substantial gainful activity if you are able to earn a certain amount in a month. The cut-off changes every year. Here are the figures for 2025 and 2026:
Year
General SGA Cut-off
SGA Cut-off for Blind Applicants
2025
$1,620/month
$2,700/month
2026
$1,690/month
$2,830/month
If you are earning above the cut-off, the SSA will determine that you are not disabled without looking at the specifics of your medical condition, since you are engaged in substantial gainful activity.
Non-Medical Requirements for SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a financial needs-based program. To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 and up, blind or disabled. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have worked or earn any work credits. However, there are strict income and asset limits for SSI eligibility.
What are the Financial Requirements for SSI?
SSI benefits have a very strict set of financial requirements. It is considered a “means-tested” benefit. To meet the SSI income requirements,
You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Have a very limited income
Are a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this)
These limits are low, but it’s important to note that the SSA disregards certain types of property when counting your assets. For example, the home you live in does not count toward your asset limit. Neither does your vehicle, if you or someone else in your household uses it for transportation.
Can You File for Both SSDI and SSI?
In some cases, you can file for both SSDI and SSI. You may have earned enough credits for SSDI. You may also meet the financial requirements for SSI. Filing for both SSDI and SSI is referred to as filing for “concurrent benefits.” However, to receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved medically for SSDI but receive low monthly payments.
Technical Denials
If you do not meet the non-medical requirements for disability, you will receive a technical denial. Social Security will send you notice of a technical denial pretty quickly. You cannot appeal a technical denial.
Medical Requirements for Disability
If you meet the non-medical requirements for disability, Social Security evaluates the medical requirements. Your claim will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS.) DDS contacts your doctors for your medical records. They may schedule examinations with a Social Security consultative examiner. DDS will determine whether you are medically disabled.
Getting Help with your Disability Claim
Working with an experienced advocate can be beneficial. It can help improve your chances of winning your case. Your disability advocate understands both the medical and non-medical requirements for Social Security disability claims. They can help guide you through the process.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, (800) 800-3332
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Top 3 Questions About Non-Medical Requirements for Disability
1. What are the main non-medical requirements for SSDI?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have enough work credits based on your past earnings and recent work history, and you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You also can’t be earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, $1,690 per month in 2026 ($2,830 if you’re blind).
2. What are the financial limits for SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is needs-based, not work-based. You must have limited income and assets, less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Some property, like your primary home and one vehicle, doesn’t count toward this limit.
3. What happens if I don’t meet the non-medical requirements?
If you don’t meet the citizenship, work credit, or income criteria (non-medical requirements), the SSA will issue a technical denial before even reviewing your medical records. Unfortunately, technical denials cannot be appealed, so it’s important to verify your eligibility before applying.
“Social Security disability” technically refers to the SSDI (or SSD) program. However, people often interchangeably use the term to refer to SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they are very different. SSD is funded by FICA contributions deducted from your paycheck. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program funded by the Treasury.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a certain number of work credits across your career, and a smaller number within the previous 10 years. Social Security disability operates like an insurance program, so you won’t be disqualified based on your assets. There is also no limit on income from sources other than work. However, if you earn above a certain threshold through work or self-employment, you will not be considered disabled. In 2025, the cut-off is $1,620/month ($2,700/month if you are blind).
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability: Unearned Income
Unearned income is money that is earned outside of a job. Under SSDI, you can receive income from other sources and still qualify to receive benefits. Examples of unearned income include:
Income from retirement accounts, dividends or stocks
Rental income, unless you are in the business of operating rental properties
Gifts from friends or family
Proceeds from the sale of property
Alimony or child support
What Can You Own on SSI?
SSI pays monthly benefits for low-income disabled adults and children and low-income senior citizens. Because SSI is a need-based program, the SSA will consider both your income and assets in determining eligibility. To qualify, you must:
Have less than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Social Security calls assets “resources.” Resources include money, but also other types of property that have value. Resources include:
Cash or any money in a checking or savings account
Life insurance policies, stocks, bonds or retirement accounts
Any other countable assets
However, certain types of property are considered non-countable, meaning they won’t be included when the SSA adds up the value of your assets. Some examples include your home, one motor vehicle, and many types of household goods.
SSI Income Limits
To be eligible for SSI benefits, your countable income must be below the maximum federal benefit amount. In 2025, that’s $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a married couple. This includes both income from work and income from other sources. If your spouse has income, some of that income may be counted. Some “in kind” help you receive from others may also be counted.
However, there are some adjustments applied to arrive at your countable income–it may be lower than your actual income. Social Security will also reduce your countable income with certain income exclusions. For example, Social Security excludes the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 in earned income each month. Irregular income is treated somewhat differently.
The SSA also deducts certain costs from your income. For example, if you are working and need special impairment-related work expenses, you can deduct these expenses from your income. Other types of non-countable income include:
Food stamps
Tax refunds
Public benefits based on need
Loans that you have to repay
So, it’s worth checking your eligibility even if at first glance it seems like you have too much income or too many assets.
Sara has worked for 25 years and paid into Social Security. When she becomes disabled, she has $100,000 in an investment account and significant equity in her home.
Since Sara has accumulated sufficient work credits to be eligible for SSD and is no longer able to work due to her disability, she will likely qualify for SSD. SSD isn’t need-based, so her assets won’t be a problem. However, she will not qualify for SSI because she has significant countable assets.
Joe has worked only sporadically in the past 10 years and his ability to work is now limited by a disability. He works part-time and earns $500/month. He owns a car, has $750 in the bank and does not own a home.
Joe may be considered disabled even though he is earning $500/month from work because he is below the substantial gainful activity threshold. However, he may not qualify for SSD because he may not have accumulated enough recent work credits to be eligible.
Because his income and assets are both below the SSI cut-off, he may qualify for SSI benefits. However, his countable income will be deducted from the maximum benefit amount to determine his benefits. The SSA would:
Subtract $65 from his monthly earnings to determine countable income
Subtract countable income from the maximum federal benefit to determine benefits
In this scenario, that means:
$500 in earnings minus $65 exclusion = $435 in countable income
$967 maximum federal benefit minus $435 in countable income = $532 in monthly benefits
Mary has been living off of an inheritance for more than 10 years, so has no recent work credits. Now, she is in her 50s and has become disabled. Her funds are running low–she has about $50,000 remaining. But due to her disability, she cannot return to work.
In this scenario, Mary won’t qualify for either SSD or SSI. She hasn’t accrued enough recent work credits to qualify for SSD benefits, and her $50,000 disqualifies her from SSI benefits. Since she can’t return to work, she can’t become eligible for SSD. However, when her funds run out, she may be eligible for SSI.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
As you can see, determining which benefits you may be entitled to can be complicated. There may also be steps you can take to impact your eligibility or the amount of benefits you receive. Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
You Can Check the Status of Your Social Security Disability Claim Online
What your application status shows when you check your status online, you can find:
Your re-entry number for your online application or appeal that hasn’t been submitted
The date Social Security received your application or appeal
Your scheduled hearing date and time
The location of your application or appeal including the
address of the office processing your application
If a decision has been made
Understanding Your Status Updates
When you log in, you may see terms like “pending,” “in review,” or “decision made.” Knowing what these statuses mean can help you understand whether Social Security is waiting on medical records, scheduling a hearing, or preparing a decision.
How to Check Your Disability Application Status Online
You must sign into your “my Social Security” account. You cannot check the status of your claim online if you don’t have an account.
Step-by-step instructions:
Select “View Details” to check your application status.
Scroll down to the “Your Benefit Application” section.
How to Create a “my Social Security” Account
Social Security asks for specific information to create an online account. You can only create an account for yourself, you cannot create one for another person.
You will need:
Firstly, A valid email address
Secondly, Your social security number
Thirdly, A U.S. mailing address
You must be at least 18 years old
Tip: Both SSDI and SSI applicants can create an account to track their claims. Your account also allows you to view your earnings history, estimate retirement benefits, and update personal information.
Other Ways to Check Your Application Status
If you cannot access your application online, you can also:
Call your local Social Security office
Call Social Security’s national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Checking your disability status online is important so you can:
Make sure Social Security has all the paperwork to process your application or receives your medical records
Avoid missing any deadlines to appeal your claim if you are denied
Understand how long it might take to get a decision
Timeline insight:
Initial decisions generally take 3–6 months.
Reconsideration appeals may take 3–5 months.
Hearings with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take 9 months to over a year, depending on your location.
Filing For Social Security Disability Online Status
Social Security follows many steps before making a decision on your claim. The process can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t know how it works:
You send your disability application to your local Social Security office.
The local office processes your application.
Social Security sends your claim to Disability Determination Services or DDS. Shortly after you have been assigned a claim adjudicator, he or she will contact you and provide paperwork regarding your claim.
Disability Status Online: Reconsideration
If Social Security denies your initial application, you can file an appeal for reconsideration. This is the next step in the disability process and can take several months for a decision.
Disability Status Online: Requesting a Hearing
If Social Security denies your reconsideration appeal, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Your case is sent to the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)
OHO assigns an ALJ and sends you a letter with your hearing date, time, and location
Wait times can vary widely, sometimes taking 9 months to over a year
Benefits of Working with a Disability Advocate
Many people ask, “Do I need an advocate for Social Security Disability?” While you’re not required to have one, having our experienced team on your side can greatly improve your chances of approval. We guide you through every step of the application and appeals process, explain the often-complex Social Security disability rules, and help you gather the right medical records and work history to build a strong claim.
How an experienced disability advocate can help you:
1. Assistance with Social Security Forms
Social Security sends multiple forms requesting information about your daily activities, work history, and medical conditions. Missing or incomplete forms can lead to delays or claim denials. Our team of experienced disability advocates ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, helping prevent unnecessary setbacks in your claim.
2. Following Up with Social Security
SSA often sends letters indicating missing information or medical records. Our expert disability advocates monitor your claim closely, check its status more thoroughly than an online account or letter, and ensure that all necessary documents are received. This proactive approach helps keep your claim moving and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I check my SSI claim status without a my Social Security account? A: You can call your local SSA office or the national number at 1-800-772-1213.
Q: How long does it take to get Social Security disability benefits after approval? A: Typically, 1–3 months after approval, though it may vary depending on your case.
Q: Can someone else check my disability claim status for me? A: No. Only you can access your online account, though your appointed representative or advocate can contact SSA on your behalf.
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Our team of experienced Social Security Disability advocates knows the ins and outs of SSDI and are ready to fight to help you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and expert guidance on your Social Security Disability claim. CLICK HERE for a FREE case evaluation.
Many people experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
You may qualify for SSDI disability benefits for depression or anxiety disorders. However, you must show that your symptoms interfere with your ability to work. You must also show that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Depressive Disorders
Depression is a very common medical condition listed on Social Security disability applications.
Depressive disorders can cause:
Fatigue,
Decreased energy levels,
Decreased motivation and loss of interest.
Depression and Social Security’s Listings of Medical Impairments
Social Security has a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book.” Under the Blue Book, you may qualify for disability benefits if you meet specific conditions. Social Security evaluates depressive disorders under listing 12.04. Additionally, the listings include a list of symptoms. It also includes a list of functional problems. You must show that your symptoms meet these conditions to qualify for disability benefits for depression. First, you must show at least five symptoms of depression to prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of depression can include:
Depressed mood, loss of interest, appetite, or sleep disturbances
Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation or decreased energy
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Thoughts of death or suicide
Second, in addition to having at least three of the above symptoms, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a significant problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area or a marked limitation in at least two areas. These areas of functioning include:
Depression: Four areas of functioning
You must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. Generally, you must have an extreme limitation in at least one area. Alternatively, you can have a marked limitation in at least two areas.
These areas of functioning include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Depression and the “C” criteria
Alternatively, you may also meet the listing another way.
Under the 12.04C, you can show your depressive disorder has been:
Serious and ongoing for at least two years, and
You need a very structured environment, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
You cannot handle changes in your routine or environment
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders have many symptoms. They include overwhelming feelings of panic and fear. Additionally, symptoms include constant worry, irritability, insomnia, tiredness, difficulty focusing and constantly looking for threats. Anxiety symptoms can also cause physical symptoms. As a result, your anxiety may cause rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, nausea, muscle tension, or difficulty breathing.
Social Security looks at anxiety disorders under listing 12.06. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must have medical documentation that shows three or more anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety can be:
Restlessness, easily fatigued, or difficulty concentrating
Irritability, muscle tension, or problems sleeping
Anxiety: Four Areas Of Functioning
Additionally, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a severe problem in your functioning. They are the same areas of functioning that are evaluated for depression and include:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information (understanding instructions, learning new tasks, applying new knowledge to tasks, and using judgment in decisions)
Interacting with others (the ability to use socially appropriate behaviors)
Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace in performing tasks (staying focused and completing tasks)
Adapting or managing oneself (the ability to perform daily activities such as paying bills, cooking, shopping, dressing, and keeping good hygiene)
Anxiety and The “C” Criteria
On the other hand, you may also meet the criteria under the listing if your anxiety disorder has been:
Required to keep a highly structured setting to reduce your symptoms, such as an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program, or
Have minimal capacity to adapt to demands that are not already part of your daily life or changes to your environment
What if My Anxiety or Depression Does Not Meet a Listing?
Your depression or anxiety symptoms may not meet an SSD listing. Fortunately, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In this case, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do even with your medical impairments. Particularly, Social Security looks at how your depression or anxiety symptoms impact your ability to work.
Specifically, they consider your ability to:
Carry out simple instructions
Make simple work-related decisions
Respond appropriately to supervision and co-workers and
Handle changes in a routine
Show up to work consistently, arrive on time, or leave early
What You Need For Your SSD Claim If You Can’t Work Due To Depression and Anxiety
It can be difficult to win disability benefits for depression or anxiety alone. However, the right documentation can support your claim. Therefore, you must see your doctor regularly. Tell them about all of the symptoms you have on a daily basis. Also, your disability advocate can explain the evidence you will need to prove you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
Getting the Right Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
Social Security also looks at what kind of doctor is treating your anxiety and depression. As a rule, it is best to receive treatment from a mental health professional. Typically, these include a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may need to see a specialist to help prove that you can’t work due to anxiety and depression.
RFC Forms If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression your doctor may also complete a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. An RFC form helps explain how your symptoms are impacting your functioning. Even if you think your medical evidence is strong, an RFC can help clearly explain how severe your symptoms are. Furthermore, it also helps to have your doctor’s opinion in the record. Your disability advocate can provide you with these forms.
Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Impairments
Social Security follows specific rules when making a decision. They look at your age, education, and work background. These medical-vocational guidelines are even more favorable when you have a physical condition in addition to depression or anxiety. These are also known as the Grid Rules. The rules make it easier to get your disability benefits the older you are.
Example 1: Applying the Grid Rules If You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
51 years old and worked as a cashier. You have filed for disability due to osteoarthritis of your knees and anxiety. Your osteoarthritis prevents you from standing for long periods. Your anxiety symptoms make it hard for you to concentrate and be around crowds of people. If Social Security found that you could do a seated job that only required simple, routine tasks, you would qualify for benefits under the grid rules.
Example 2: Applying the Grid Rules if You Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
58 years old and worked previously as a medical receptionist for many years. You have filed for disability due to bulging discs in your back, depression, and anxiety. Your bulging discs would prevent you from performing physically demanding work and your depression and anxiety symptoms prevent you from doing the complex tasks of your previous job. In this case, the grid rules would allow Social Security to award you disability benefits even if you could do other work.
If you can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression or any other disability call Disability Help Group now to start your claim or appeal your denial. Feel free to call us at (800) 800-3332 or contact us here for a free consultation.
Related Articles to Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
If Someone Getting SSD Dies, Can I Get Their Benefits?
Not exactly. Social Security disability benefits (SSD) are for the disabled worker, and those benefits terminate when the recipient passes away. But that doesn’t necessarily mean dependents are on their own. Here are some benefits that may be available to surviving family members when an SSD recipient passes away.
Social Security Death Benefit
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays a one-time, lump-sum death benefit when a recipient of either SSD or Social Security retirement benefits passes away. This is a small payment. In 2023, it’s $255. This benefit is payable to the surviving spouse if there is one. If not, the benefit may be paid to a child of the deceased.
Survivor’s Benefits
Some dependents of a deceased SSD recipient can receive survivor’s benefits.
These family members may qualify for benefits on the deceased’s work record:
A surviving spouse aged 60 or older
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is disabled
A surviving spouse aged 50 or older who became disabled during the SSD recipient’s life or within seven years of their death.
An unmarried child of the deceased who is under the age of 18, or up to age 19 and two months if they are a full-time student in elementary or secondary school
An adult child with a disability that began before age 22
In some circumstances, others may be able to receive survivor’s benefits.
These include:
A former spouse who was married to the SSD recipient for at least 10 years and who has not remarried or who remarried after age 60
A former spouse who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16 or disabled and is receiving child’s benefits, regardless of the length of the marriage
Parents of the deceased who are at least 62 years of age, if they received at least half of their support from the deceased SSD recipient
The amount of survivor’s benefits that a family member receives will depend on both the deceased’s work record and the number of family members receiving benefits.
An Experienced Disability Benefits Attorney Can Help
Applying for Social Security survivor benefits can be complicated. If you’ve been denied survivor benefits, don’t believe you are receiving the right amount, or just aren’t sure how to find out whether you qualify, we’re here to help. Call us today at (800) 800-3332 or fill out our contact us here now for a FREE consultation.
Best Tips When Appealing Your Denied Disability Claim
Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits serve as an important safety net for U.S. workers who become disabled before retirement age. Unfortunately, most claims for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied. In other words, when you file for SSDI benefits, you should be prepared to have to work your way through the process. That means:
If your claim is still denied after reconsideration, request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), which will offer you the opportunity to share additional information and present witnesses
If your claim is denied after the ALJ hearing, request a review of the hearing decision–however, the Appeals Council gets to decide whether or not to review your case
If your claim is denied by the Appeals Council or they opt not to consider your case, file a lawsuit in federal court
Of course, each stage means additional time. So, you’ll want to make sure that you set yourself up for the greatest chance of success at every stage. Ideally, that means working with an experienced disability benefits advocate to put together your original claim or to help with whatever stage of the appeals process you’re undertaking.
Increasing Your Chances of Winning in the Appeals Process After You’ve Been Denied
The very first step toward successfully appealing your SSDI denial is understanding the reason for your denial. Carefully review your denial letter, and consider contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) for more information or getting help from an experienced advocate.
It’s also very important that you meet the deadline for requesting reconsideration or appealing the decision. If you miss the deadline, you can reapply, but you will set your claim back by several months and may lose out on some benefits if you have to start over.
Regardless of whether you are submitting a request for reconsideration or appearing before an ALJ, you’ll want to supplement the record in any way you can. That may mean updated medical records, the results of testing you’ve undergone since you submitted your application, witnesses who observe your daily life, or other evidence that helps show you are disabled.
An Experienced Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help With Your Denied Claim
Perhaps the most important tip is to get the help you need. Part of increasing your chances of success in the SSDI appeals process is understanding what the SSA is looking for and how best to present that evidence. Our disability benefits advocates have extensive experience with Social Security disability claims and appeals and can help you put forth the strongest case possible.
To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 or contact us here for a FREE consultation.
