Has Your Social Security Claim Been Denied?
Talk to a Board-Certified North Carolina Social Security Specialist Today.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance for sick or injured workers. Unfortunately, applying for these benefits can be both complicated and frustrating—and even legitimate claims are frequently denied.
If you are facing a Social Security Disability Claim Denial, don’t give up or struggle on your own. Turn to Daggett Shuler Law for help. Our Board-Certified Social Security Disability Specialist can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Why Many Social Security Claims are Denied
Strict requirements make filing for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits difficult—and their high initial denial rate can be intimidating. The laws surrounding the benefits process form a complex web of strict qualifications and tight deadlines. Between 2001 and 2010, over 50% of all initial Social Security Disability claims were denied. While most claims are denied because of an incomplete or inaccurate application, other reasons for a denial can include:
- A claimant’s disability is not severe enough to qualify for benefits
- The condition is unlikely to last over 12 months or result in death
- The claimant currently earns too much money to qualify for benefits
- The claimant has not released their full medical records to the SSA
- The claimant has not participated in requested medical examinations
- The claimant has misrepresented the disability or their income level
Even if your claim has been denied, there is still hope. The experienced Social Security claim denial lawyers at Daggett Shuler Law can review all information related to your claim and help you build a strong case to appeal your initial denial.
What Happens Once a Claim is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the legal right to appeal the SSA’s decision, provided you do so within 60 days of the denial decision date. If you do not submit an appeal within that timeframe, the SSA will likely reject your request, unless you have good cause for late filing.
Once an appeal is filed, you will typically wait between 12 to 18 months for a court date before an Administrative Law Judge. While certain circumstances—including substantial hardship, the imminent threat of homelessness, or an eviction or shut-off notice—may merit expediting a claim, the overwhelming backlog of hearing requests may still cause significant delays.
The hearing provides an opportunity for claimants to present new evidence—including experts or witnesses who may testify on the claimant’s behalf. A knowledgeable Social Security Disability claim denial lawyer at Daggett Shuler can advocate for you and guide you through this process.