Were you denied social security benefits in Florida?
Supplemental Security Income, commonly referred to as SSI, is a disability program based upon age/disability and limited income and/or resources. The other disability program, Social Security Disability Insurance Program, is commonly referred to as SSDI. SSDI provides disability benefits to persons who are blind or who are insured through their work-related contributions.
SSI denial reasons vary depending on the applicant, but there are commonalities — and some that come up more frequently than others. In fact, SSI denial is very common when someone is first applying.
Did you know that around 2/3rds of claimants are turned down the first time?
But just because someone is initially denied social security disability does not mean they cannot receive it. That is what the appeals process is for — to ensure those who qualify convincingly correct any issues with their application or the complex process.
What you should do after getting denied social security benefits will depend on the reasons the disability claim was denied.
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5 Most Common SSI Denial Reasons
Here are 5 of the most common SSI denial reasons:
- You didn’t return all the necessary forms to the SSA
- Your medical conditions would not last at least 1 year
- Your assets or income are over the limit
- Your medical conditions were not severe enough
- An important deadline was missed
- You didn’t return all the necessary forms to the SSA
The SSA requires multiple forms to apply for SSI. They are long and require a substantial amount of time and information. Whether or not they did not send them all to you or you did not find all the appropriate forms online, it does not matter. They still require that all forms are filled out and submitted within their strict deadlines.
- Your medical conditions would not last at least 1 year
For someone to meet the basic definition of disabled, your disabling condition should be expected to last at least 1 year (or end in death). Depending on the illness or injury, there may be a positive prognosis with medical treatment.
- Your assets or income are over the limit
There are low SSA limits for assets or income that some individuals applying for social security benefits may go over. The maximum allowed is $2,000 per year. Assets would include, for example, household goods, stocks, bonds, cash, savings, and real estate beyond one property.
- Your medical conditions were not severe enough
Your medical condition must meet the conditions of an official listing of a disability. Many conditions need further analysis, and this can be part of the appeals process.
- An important deadline was missed
There are deadlines that must be adhered to in the application process. This is another of the top SSI denial reasons that applicants face. Even if you missed a deadline due to health reasons, you could still be denied social security disability.
How to Appeal Your SSI Denial
When appealing your SSI denial, you must file an official request with the Social Security Administration. This is called a Reconsideration Review and must be performed within 60 days from the date of your denial letter. If this request is denied, then you can appeal next for an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) review. If you receive another SSI denial, you submit another appeal to the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council will not hear your case, the last step is to file for a Federal Review.
It is recommended to have a social security disability attorney throughout the appeals process.
How long does an SSI Denial Appeal take?
The length of time for the SSI denial appeal can vary, but the Reconsideration Review should be performed within six months. Some cases only take about three months, depending on how many cases have been filed at the time. The ALJ level often takes up to one year. If your case gets up to the Appeals Council or Federal Review level, expect about six months per level.
How do you start the Appeals process for social security benefits?
You can get the appropriate appeals forms at your local Social Security Administration office or find the forms online at the SSA website. If you fill out paper forms, they can be taken back to the office or mailed. The forms can also be submitted online.
It is important to have information on the appeals forms that speak to SSI denial reasons. Depending on the particular reason for your SSI denial, this information may be very different. Having comprehensive, relevant information on your forms is key to winning your appeal. This is important for all appeals, including denials based on medical conditions.
Was Your SSI Denied? Why Hire a Social Security Claims Attorney?
If you are dealing with an SSI denial, it is highly advised to hire a Social Security Claims Attorney. The appeals process is complex and has strict deadlines and rules that must be met and adhered to each step of the way.
Your attorney will take the lead and ensure the comprehensive details included in your appeal are as strong as possible and relevant to the SSI denial reasons you received from your initial application. They will also monitor the process closely and ensure all strict deadlines are met. Also, utilizing powerful communication skills, they will represent you at the hearing in front of the judge. Social security claims attorneys lead as aggressive advocates on your behalf throughout each step and serve as powerful experts to help you win your appeal and receive social security benefits.
Golden Key Law Group has handled numerous SSI denial cases and is well-versed in obtaining the medical and vocational evidence necessary to support a favorable outcome on your behalf. We have the experience and expertise you need to try your case, cross-examine vocational experts, and navigate the complex, demanding process.
We work with clients in both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases.
Contact Golden Key Law Group to set up a consultation. Our expertise offers our clients a significant advantage, resulting in a higher percentage of favorable decisions.
*No attorney fees or expenses are charged to the client unless you receive a favorable outcome.