Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits promise a valuable life raft amid the financial and emotional uncertainty that comes with a debilitating injury. However, the path to these benefits is often less clear-cut than many expect.
Rumors and misconceptions about the SSD approval process frequently mislead applicants and cause delays in benefits. One of the most common areas where misunderstandings arise is around SSD denials, including the myth that if your Social Security disability is denied 3 times, you get automatic approval. Although this isn’t true, it doesn’t mean that applicants have no chance of receiving benefits even after an initial denial.
In this blog post, we’ll cover what you should know about your options after a Social Security benefits denial, why disability applications are rejected, and how the appeal process works.
Common Reasons for Denying Disability Benefits
The unfortunate truth is that many SSD claims result in an initial denial. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), only an average of 21% of applicants were approved for benefits after an initial claim from 2010 to 2019.
There are many reasons that the SSA rejects disability claims. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Insufficient medical evidence. The SSA requires detailed records to prove your medical condition meets the criteria for a disability. Missing documentation or vague medical reports are frequent reasons for denial.
- Too much income. The SSA will deny your disability application if you continue to work and earn more than the set limit on substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
- Not enough employment history. To qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently to earn a required amount of “work credits.” The number of work credits you need to receive disability can vary depending on your age.
- Application errors. Simple mistakes in the application process, like missing paperwork or incorrect information, can also lead to a denial.
Understanding why the SSA denied your claim is crucial for planning your next steps. Although there are no guaranteed signs you will be approved for disability, addressing these common pitfalls can improve your chances of a better outcome.
Social Security Disability Appeal Process
Many applicants assume that if their first disability claim is denied, they should simply file another and restart the claims process. However, the SSD appeals process offers a better and more efficient way to address any issues and potentially receive approval.
Here are the four stages of the SSD appeals process:
- Reconsideration. A new SSA representative who wasn’t involved in the initial decision reviews your claim to see if you made any mistakes the first time. You can move on to the next stage if the SS denies your claim again.
- Hearing. You can go before an administrative judge (AJ) to present additional evidence and make your case for benefits. You can also seek support from an attorney who can help represent you during the hearing.
- Appeals Council review. If your claim for Social Security disability is denied 3 times, you can request a review from the Appeals Council. They will examine the AJ’s decision to see if they made mistakes or overlooked important information.
- Federal court. The last step in the SSD appeal process is seeking a review of your claim in federal court. It’s rare for the court to overturn the SSA’s decisions at this stage.
After your first denial, applicants have 60 days to start the appeal process. You then have another 60 days after each subsequent denial to file to move to the next appeals stage. If you reach the last stage and the federal court denies you, your case unfortunately can’t proceed.
Reapplying for Social Security Disability
Importantly, SSD benefits are not permanent. Even if you are approved to receive benefits, the SSA may end them if your medical condition changes, and you can seek employment again. If your condition worsens and again you can’t work, you must reapply for benefits.
Fortunately, a new SSA policy, the Social Security disability 5-year rule, makes this process easier on repeat applicants. Officially, this process is called “expedited reinstatement” (EXR).
As of June 2024, individuals who received disability benefits within the previous five years can skip a previously required waiting period in the reapplication process and begin to receive temporary benefits while the SSA considers your application. However, it only applies to individuals who suffer from a condition related to the one for which they previously received benefits.
Dedicated Legal Advocacy Makes a Difference
When you’re denied disability and can’t work, continuing to fight for benefits can feel agonizing. However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
Wesley Cottrell understands how critical disability benefits are to your and your family’s well-being. With over three decades of experience helping injured clients, Wesley is prepared to fight to turn denials into approvals. Whether guiding clients through complex appeals, strengthening applications, or addressing every detail of your claim, his approach is hands-on and compassionate. To learn more about how he can help you, contact our office today to take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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