Applying for social security disability benefits can help you support yourself when you face a long-term condition that complicates your daily life. When going through the process, though, some complications in social security law can result in a denied claim. Here are some circumstances that warrant a rejection.

Why You’re Having Issues Getting Social Security Disability Benefits

1. Your Income Is Too High

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a limit to the income that a person can earn to qualify for disability benefits. In 2019, non-blind applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cannot make over $1,220. Otherwise, they are working above what is called “substantial gainful activity,” or what social security law considers enough income to support yourself. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is disability benefits for low-income individuals, has an SGA threshold around $800. If you earn more than that, your SSI payment is reduced, and if you make more than $1500, then you won’t qualify for SSI at all.

2. You Won’t Follow Treatment

If your doctor prescribed you therapy to treat your condition, but you refuse to follow it, the SAA may reject your application. You can appeal this rejection if you believe you have a legitimate excuse for not complying with the treatment your doctor recommended. Circumstances that warrant an appeal on this issue include:

• Severe mental illness that prevents you from complying.
• Intense fear of surgery.
• A physical disability that makes you unable to follow therapy without assistance.
• Financially unable to pay for treatment.
• Religious beliefs that are against medical therapy.
• A prescription that is refuted by another doctor. 

When going through the appeals process, have an attorney versed in social security law on hand to assist your case.

3. Your Disability Is Short-Term

Social Security benefits are also determined by the kind of disability you have. If the SSA does not believe that your condition is severe enough, namely that it won’t last at least 12 months or result in your death, then they can reject you. Blindness is the only exception to this duration requirement in social security law. The disability must also severely interfere with your daily life to qualify. If it actively prevents you from working—and you can’t provide for yourself as a result— that would be grounds for the SSA to approve you.

Social security law doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating as long as you have a trusted attorney in your corner. In Davidson County, NC, families rely on Randy L. Cranford Attorney at Law for helping get the support they need from the SSA. While their practice makes legal matters involving social security their priority, their team’s breadth of knowledge can help you through any situation, from criminal law to divorce proceedings. For more information about how this Thomasville, NC, practice can help you, give them a call today at (336) 476-3115 or visit their website.