Why Time Matters After an SSDI Denial (and What You Should Do Next)

You’ve applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), waited for what probably felt like forever, and finally got a response—only to find out your claim has been denied. That moment can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. It’s frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming after all the time and effort you put into your application. You may wonder if it’s worth the effort to appeal.  It is!

The good news is that denial doesn’t mean you will not ultimately get your disability. But time matters—more than many people realize. If you qualify but have been denied SSDI, it may still be possible to get disability benefits, but acting quickly is key. Waiting too long to respond can mean starting from scratch, which may push your disability claim months—or even years—further down the line.

You May Be Able to Appeal—But You Only Have 60 Days

Most applicants who receive a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can appeal, but there’s a strict deadline: 60 days from the date you received the letter.  Due to mailing issues, the safest way to judge the 60 days for the deadline is the date on the letter.

In most cases, this time frame is not flexible, and missing it could result in restarting the entire application process. That means refiling, going through long wait times again, and possibly losing out on backpay you might otherwise qualify for.

If you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, then it may be worth pursuing an appeal rather than starting over. Many people are denied at the initial stage but are approved later, especially if they take steps to strengthen their case for the appeal.

Start by Understanding the Reason for the Denial

Before doing anything else, carefully read through your denial letter. It should include the specific reasons your application was not approved. These reasons can vary. Some denials happen because medical evidence is incomplete, while others may be based on technical issues, like not meeting work credit requirements.

Understanding why the application was denied gives you a roadmap for what to focus on in the appeal. For example, if the SSA decides that your medical condition isn’t severe enough or is not expected to last 12 months, then updated medical records or statements from your doctor could be helpful.

How to Begin the Appeals Process

Appealing a denied SSDI claim typically starts with filing a “Request for Reconsideration.” This is the first step in the appeals process, and it essentially asks the SSA to take another look at your claim with any new or updated information you can provide.

Here’s what the process may look like:

• Request for Reconsideration: This must be submitted within 60 days. You can do it online, by mail, or in person. Include any additional evidence you didn’t provide with your original application.
• Gather Updated Medical Records: One of the most common reasons for denial is a lack of detailed or recent medical documentation. If you’ve had new doctor visits, hospitalizations, or test results since your original application, submit those with your appeal. You may also want to ask your doctor to write a letter explaining how your condition affects your ability to work.
• Speak With a Disability Attorney: While it’s not required, many applicants may find that working with a disability attorney might improve their chances of appeal. An attorney familiar with SSDI claims may be able to identify gaps in your case, help you gather evidence, and represent you at hearings later in the process.
• Prepare for Additional Steps: If the request for reconsideration is also denied, the next level is a hearing before an administrative law judge. This stage allows you to present your case in more detail, often with legal representation.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Hurt Your Case

It’s easy to feel discouraged after a denial, and some applicants make the mistake of either waiting too long to respond or submitting the same paperwork without making any changes. If your original application was missing key information or didn’t clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work, the SSA will unlikely change its decision without something new.

Here are a few things to avoid:

• Missing the appeal deadline.
• Not submitting updated medical documentation.
• Ignoring the specific reasons listed in your denial letter.
• Assuming that one denial means you’re not eligible.
• Filing a new application instead of appealing (which may reset your wait time and affect your backpay).

Taking even small steps to strengthen your appeal may help show the SSA that your condition meets their definition of disability.

How Additional Medical Evidence Can Help

The SSA makes decisions based on documentation—so if your medical records don’t clearly explain how your condition limits your ability to work, they may not approve your claim. It may be helpful to ask your doctor to include more detailed information about your symptoms, physical or mental limitations, and how those affect your daily activities.

Functional capacity evaluations, mental health assessments, and records from specialists can also be helpful. These documents can paint a more complete picture of your condition and may make it easier for the SSA to understand why you’re unable to work consistently.

When Legal Help Might Make Sense

Appealing an SSDI denial can be a lot to manage on your own, especially when you’re already dealing with health challenges. Disability attorneys focus on this type of work and may know what information carries the most weight with the SSA. They might also help you navigate deadlines, complete forms, and prepare for a hearing if your appeal reaches that stage.

Another benefit is that attorneys in SSDI cases typically work on a contingency basis. That means they only get paid if you receive benefits, and their fees are usually limited to a portion of your back pay—so there’s less financial risk upfront.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Being denied SSDI benefits can feel like a setback—but it’s not the end of the process. Whether you need help gathering documentation, understanding your appeal options, or figuring out what went wrong the first time, legal support may help you confidently move forward.

Contact us immediately at (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. The team at Arthur Law Firm may be able to help you review your denial and take the next step toward securing the benefits you may be entitled to.