Why Would SSI Be Denied?

Applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally expect to be approved for benefits. That is why they applied in the first place, after all. Sometimes, however, SSI applicants are denied. Reasons for a denial vary and can sometimes fall beyond the control of the applicant. In other cases, the applicant may have done something to avoid the denial. Review some of the common reasons for SSI denial and, when possible, work to avoid the common pitfalls that land people with a notice of denial.

Why Would SSI Be Denied?

One of the primary reasons for an SSI application denial is because the applicant earns too much income. SSI is a benefit program designed specifically for low-income individuals. Even more specifically, SSI is for low-income individuals who are unable to make more than the substantial gainful activity level.

One of the other central qualifications for SSI benefits is that your impairment which prevents you from substantial gainful activity last for a minimum of one month or will result in your death. Blindness is the only exception for this requirement. If your impairment will not last at least a month, then SSI will be denied. This, of course, is out of your control. However, if your impairment will last at least a month, but there is a failure in the medical evidence to support this assertion, then your SSI will be denied. The medical evidence, your medical records, must support the fact that your impairment will last at least a month in duration or eventually prove fatal. Your doctor needs to put in the records that your impairment prevents you from working and meets the durational requirements for SSI.

In some cases, an individual is denied SSI simply because the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS), the agency tasked with determining medical eligibility for SSI benefits, cannot find you. You need to be sure to provide them with up to date contact information and respond to requests for scheduling examinations as well as complying with other requests. In addition to communication failures resulting in SSI denials, uncooperative applicants are also at risk of being denied benefits. You must comply with records requests and other SSI application requirements. Refusal to comply with SSA requests may very well lead to a denial of SSI benefits.

You may also be denied SSI benefits if you fail to comply with follow up with therapy prescribed by your doctor. While there may be legitimate excuses for failing to go to prescribed therapy, it can also be a valid basis for denying SSI benefits. Your SSI benefits may also be denied if your disability is due to drug addiction or alcoholism. While you may struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction and still qualify for SSI, a DDS medical consultant must decide whether or not the SSA would find you disabled even in the event you stopped use of drugs or alcohol

Social Security Income Attorney

Roeschke Law is committed to helping people access critical disability benefits. We are here to provide legal support to you throughout the process. Contact us today.