Denied Social Security Disability Insurance? Here’s Why and What to Do

Facing a denial from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel like a cold splash of reality, especially after years of contributing to a system you believed would support you in your time of need. The complexity and rigidity of the SSDI process can make securing benefits, which could be as much as $3,822 monthly, a daunting task.

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What exactly is SSDI?

SSDI is a lifeline administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), aimed at individuals who can't work due to a long-term medical condition. This program isn't for short-term or partial disabilities but for severe conditions expected to last at least a year or result in death.

Interestingly, the majority of SSDI beneficiaries are disabled workers, with an average beneficiary age of 55 in 2020. Success in applying hinges on meeting the SSA’s strict disability criteria and having a sufficient work history in jobs covered by Social Security.

Applying for SSDI benefits involves several steps, from contacting the SSA via phone, online, or in person, to navigating a mandatory waiting period. Yet, despite millions applying each year, a starkly small percentage sees approval.

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Common pitfalls leading to SSDI denial

The roadblocks to approval are many, but here are five common ones:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The top reason for denial. Applications often fall short in providing comprehensive medical evidence that proves the disability severely limits work capabilities.

• Multiple Applications and Ignoring the Appeal Process: A repeated mistake is applying anew instead of appealing a denial, reducing the chances of approval with each subsequent application.

• Earning Above the Limit: Earning more than $1,550 monthly in 2024 disqualifies you from receiving SSDI benefits.

• Non-qualifying Medical Conditions: Even severe conditions may not meet the SSA’s list of impairments, leading to denial.

• Insufficient Work History: Without enough “work credits,” you're ineligible for SSDI, regardless of your disability status.

Flaws in the SSDI system

The SSDI framework, while meant to serve as a safety net, is fraught with delays, inaccuracies, and a lack of transparency, often leaving applicants in a perplexing state of uncertainty.

The systemic issues within SSDI have led to significant legal challenges, pushing for reforms to streamline the process. Several high-profile cases have set a precedent for disabled workers and future SSDI lawsuits.

Responding to a denied SSDI claim

A denial isn’t the end. Understanding the reasons behind your claim’s rejection, gathering additional evidence, and appealing within the stipulated time can turn the tides in your favor. Remember, the appeal process is your right, offering multiple levels to contest the denial.

Legal assistance: Your ally in appeal

Navigating the SSDI appeal process benefits greatly from expert legal assistance. A specialized attorney can guide you through the complexities, enhancing your chances of overturning the denial.

Facing SSDI denial can be disheartening, but it's far from conclusive. Understanding the common reasons for denial and taking informed steps toward an appeal can significantly improve your odds of securing the benefits you deserve. In the challenging journey towards SSDI approval, knowledge, preparation, and the right support are your best allies.

If you or a loved one have a SSDI application that may have been improperly reviewed and denied, fill out the form on this page and get access to an immediate and FREE case review!

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Mass torts vs. class actions at a glance

When we're talking about mass tort and class action lawsuits, we're discussing two distinct legal approaches used to handle claims where many individuals are harmed by the same entity or event.

Mass tort lawsuits are a way to handle legal cases where many individuals have been harmed, but each person's situation is distinct. Think of it like a neighborhood where every house has different damage after a storm. In a mass tort, each homeowner would file their own lawsuit, but because the storm is the common factor, the court groups the lawsuits together to manage them more efficiently. The key here is that each person retains their own case and has a say in how it's settled, which reflects their unique damages.

In contrast, class action lawsuits and class action settlements bring people together under a single legal action. It's as if the whole neighborhood decided to sue the storm together, with one or a few neighbors representing everyone's interests. Here, individual control is limited. The representative, known as the lead plaintiff, along with their legal team, makes decisions that affect the entire group. When it comes to the payout, it's typically split evenly, or based on a formula that applies to all members.

What's best for you?

Let's quickly sum up the main points to help you decide which legal route could work better for your situation:

• Control: More personal control in mass torts; limited control in class actions.

• Compensation: Individualized in mass torts; uniform in class actions.

• Applicability: Mass torts fit for varied individual damages; class actions for uniform damages across the group.

• Efficiency: Class actions can be quicker and use fewer resources by combining claims.

So, if you're part of a group that's been wronged and you're thinking about legal action, consider these points. Do you need to maintain control over your case, or are you okay with a representative taking the lead? Do your damages require individual attention, or are they similar enough to others to share in a collective claim? Your answers will help determine whether a mass tort or a class action is the best route for your situation.