You’ve spent years working hard to support yourself and your family, but now, because of an illness or injury, you’re unable to continue. The bills are piling up, stress is growing, and all you want is some relief.
You’ve heard that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) could be a lifeline, but just looking at the application process feels like a mountain you’re too exhausted to climb. Then, after all your effort to gather documents, confirm your eligibility, and complete the application process, you get the letter—denied. It feels like a punch in the gut. Where do you turn now?
If you’re experiencing this scenario, then you’re not alone, but it doesn’t make things easier. Having a strong case and an experienced SSDI attorney by your side can make all the difference. With guided help, you can tackle the appeals process and receive the benefits you deserve.
This is the primary question that will determine the strength of your case. To meet Social Security’s definition of disability, you are not able to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is either expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Your medical condition will need to be documented thoroughly by your medical team.
The seriousness of your medical condition and its impact on your ability to engage in work is one of the most important things to clarify before you begin your Social Security Disability application.
Are you currently working? How much? And if so, how much are you earning? Even if you are only working part-time, or are earning substantially less than you were prior to your disability, it may be difficult to argue and prove that you are disabled. To be eligible for disability benefits, you must be unable to earn more than a certain monthly amount, depending on the nature of your disability. In 2024, the maximum monthly substantial gainful activity amount is $1,550 if you are not blind, and $2,590 if you are blind.
The Social Security Administration will consider if there are jobs that can be adjusted to meet the needs of your physical or mental abilities, not simply the job you previously held.
At the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) hearing, the ALJ will ask questions to a vocational expert who will issue opinions of what jobs you may be able to do with your mental and physical limitations. If there are a significant number of jobs having requirements that would be possible given your disability, you may be found “not disabled”. If that happens, the adjudicator must cite three occupations that exist in sufficient numbers to prove that possible work exists despite your current condition, age, education, and other vocational factors.
Before filing your claim, you may speak with your physician if they will support you filing for disability about any work that you would be capable of doing with your disability. If there is no job you can do, then your medical team needs to explicitly state your limitations. There is a medical source form that can be filled out by your physician that can explain your medical limitations.
You can’t control the age at which you become disabled due to an illness or accident, but getting Social Security Disability may be easier to get if you are over 55, as the jobs that may be possible for you to do despite your disability are now more limited. If you are younger than 55, it is still possible to file a successful claim, but it may be more difficult.
Your Social Security insurance status and eligibility is determined by employment credits, referred to as Quarters of Coverage (QCs). If you have been consistently working and paying for Social Security Disability Insurance through your paycheck deductions, you are likely eligible. The minimum number of QCs you need is 6. You are fully insured for SSDI if you have earned at least 20 QCs during the last ten years, and at least one QC for each calendar year after you turn 21 and either the year before you turn 62 or the year before you became disabled, although there are exceptions for those who are under 31 and in certain other circumstances.
It is important to make sure your medical records that show disability are requested by Social Security or submitted to Social Security.
When you initially file for SSDI, it is so important that you take the time to confirm that you have provided every last detail required and all the information is accurate. While you and your doctor may agree that you are disabled, you need the medical evidence to prove it. That data needs to be thorough and complete and include all test results, treatment records, and reports. Your doctor may need to make an official statement as to their recommendation.
Being denied SSDI benefits can feel like hitting a dead end, but it’s not the end of the road. Many deserving applicants face this frustration and later win their cases on appeal.
The process may seem overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling with your health and finances, but you don’t have to go through it alone. By working with an experienced attorney, you gain an advocate who knows how to strengthen your claim, avoid costly mistakes, and meet every deadline. With the right support, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your case is being handled by someone who understands the system and is fighting for the benefits you need to rebuild your life. If you are in the process of filing an SSDI appeal, and you need guidance, contact Arthur Law Firm (419) 782-9881 right away for a free consultation.