It’s important to consider not only the reasons why you may be eligible for Social Security benefits, but also why you may not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The professionals at Disability Associates, LLC, offer information on these two programs and why you may be denied Social Security Disability Insurance.

If you have ever applied for assistance from Social Security, you are likely familiar with the factors that generally qualify you to receive aid or benefits. Many applicants, however, do not consider the other side of the coin: the factors that may disqualify them for aid.

Several varieties of factors may in fact render you ineligible for aid. If you are familiar with these factors, however, it is possible work toward eligibility with the right strategy. If you are familiar with these factors, however, it is possible work toward eligibility with the right strategy.

When it comes to requesting financial assistance such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security Income (SSI), you must have sufficient medical documentation to back your claim. Neglecting to gather adequate documentation on your condition or refusing to release your medical records can hinder the disability examiner’s ability to determine your case, making you less likely to qualify for benefits.

If you are applying for SSDI and you earn above the amount of money considered the limit for “substantial gainful activity,” (SGA) your income may be too high for you to be considered eligible. In 2016, SGA was $1,130 monthly, and changes every year. If you are attempting to qualify for SSI, and anytime your income is over $740-$800, your SSI payment will be lowered. If you make $1,500 or more, you will not receive any SSI.

To qualify for SSDI or SSI, unless you are blind, you must have an impairment that is significant enough that it will affect your quality of life for at least a year, or could be fatal. In order to fit the requirements of SSDI or SSI, you must be significantly impaired by your condition. Each case is evaluated individually, which increases the need for detailed medical documentation and doctor’s notes. Disabilities that are related to drug addiction or alcoholism will be denied by the Social Security Administration.

You may also be denied benefits if you do not provide up-to-date contact information, you fail to attend scheduled appointments regarding your claim, you do not follow doctor’s orders, or you have served time in prison or broken the law.

If you are denied, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI. There is an appeals process in place for just such situations. The percentage of those denied based on their first application is quite high, but some first appeals are successful in awarding benefits, and many second appeals are approved. Although it may be inconvenient to appeal the SSA’s initial decision more than once, the SSA appeals process can be very helpful to you if you have a continuing need for benefits.

For more information on how to receive SSDI and SSI benefits and why requests may be denied, contact an attorney at Disability Associates, LLC today. Having the support of an attorney familiar with such benefits can be vital to appealing a case or learning more about your available options.