Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied
If your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim was denied, you are not alone. The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies about 65% of initial applications, often due to technical errors, lack of medical evidence, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
At The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb we help applicants understand why claims get denied and how to fix issues, strengthen applications, and appeal SSA decisions effectively.
Top Reasons SSDI & SSI Claims Are Denied
Insufficient Medical Evidence
Why it Happens: The SSA relies on medical records to verify the severity of your disability. If your documentation is incomplete or lacks details about how your condition limits your ability to work, your claim may be denied.
How to Fix It:
• Get detailed reports from your doctors, including treatment history, test results, and work limitations.
• Request a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment from your physician explaining why you cannot perform work-related tasks.
Earning More Than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit
• Why it Happens: In 2025, if you earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 for blind individuals), SSA considers you able to engage in “substantial gainful activity,” making you ineligible for SSDI.
How to Fix It:
• If you’re working part-time, track your earnings carefully to stay below the SGA limit.
• Consider consulting with a disability attorney before applying to avoid income-related denials.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
• Why it Happens: If SSA sees that you have not followed your doctor’s prescribed treatment, they may assume your condition is not as severe as you claim.
How to Fix It:
• Always follow your doctor’s orders and attend scheduled medical appointments.
• If you cannot follow treatment due to cost, side effects, or other valid reasons, document why and inform SSA.
SSA Believes You Can Perform Other Work
• Why it Happens: Even if you cannot perform your previous job, SSA may determine that you can do another type of work based on your age, education, and work history.
How to Fix It:
• Provide strong medical documentation that shows why no jobs are suitable given your disability.
• Request a vocational expert evaluation to support your case.
Lack of Work Credits (For SSDI Applicants)
• Why it Happens: SSDI is based on work history. In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in wages, with a maximum of four credits per year. If you haven’t worked enough or your work history is too old, SSA may deny your claim.
How to Fix It:
• Check your Social Security work history statement at ssa.gov before applying.
• If you don’t qualify for SSDI, consider applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need instead of work history.
Application Errors or Missing Information
• Why it Happens: Incomplete or inaccurate applications are one of the most common reasons for SSDI denials. Missing medical records, incorrect income details, or incomplete forms can result in automatic denial.
How to Fix It:
• Double-check your application before submitting to ensure all sections are complete and accurate.
• Keep copies of all medical records, employer statements, and SSA forms for reference.
Failure to Respond to SSA Requests
• Why it Happens: If SSA requests additional documentation and you don’t respond on time, they may deny your claim for lack of evidence.
How to Fix It:
• Regularly check your SSA portal, phone messages, and mail for requests.
• If you need extra time to gather documents, notify SSA as soon as possible.
Prior Denials Without Significant Changes
• Why it Happens: If you previously applied for SSDI and were denied, SSA will check whether your condition has worsened or changed significantly. If not, they may deny your new claim for the same reasons as before.
How to Fix It:
• If reapplying, include new medical evidence or proof that your condition has deteriorated.
• Filing an appeal is usually better than submitting a new application.
How to Avoid an SSDI Denial
Since most first-time SSDI applications are denied, take these steps to strengthen your claim:
• Get Consistent Medical Treatment – Ensure all treatments, test results, and doctor’s reports fully document your condition.
• Submit a Detailed Work History – Provide clear evidence of how your disability prevents you from performing past jobs.
• File a Complete & Accurate Application – Avoid common mistakes by double-checking all forms and required documents.
• Follow SSA Requests Quickly – Respond to all SSA inquiries or document requests to avoid unnecessary delays.
📌 Pro Tip: Hiring a disability attorney can help ensure your application is complete and prevent common errors that lead to denials.
What to Do If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The SSD appeals process consists of four levels:
• Step 1: Reconsideration – Request a review of your application within 60 days of denial.
• Step 2: Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing – If reconsideration fails, you can request a hearing with a judge.
• Step 3: Appeals Council Review – If the judge denies your case, the Appeals Council may review for errors.
• Step 4: Federal Court Appeal – If all else fails, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
📌 Pro Tip: Most successful appeals occur at the ALJ hearing level. Having legal representation increases your chances of winning.
Need Help Filing or Appealing an SSDI Claim?
If your SSDI claim has been denied, don’t give up. Many applicants win benefits on appeal with the right approach. At The Law Office of Tammy M. Holcomb, we help Georgia residents successfully file and appeal disability claims to secure the benefits they deserve.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation and let’s fight for your disability benefits!
📍 Serving clients across Georgia