If you want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the chances are good that you will hear how difficult it is to secure benefits. It is true that the Social Security Administration receives many applications daily and that many of those applications receive a denial. However, the reasons are not always because the SSA does not want to pay benefits.
The reasons behind denials are often simple. Typically, the SSA will deny your application if you do not meet its definition of disability, you do not have enough work credit or you fail to submit a complete application.
You must meet the definition of disabled
USA Today explains that the SSA has very strong guidelines as to what constitutes a disability. You must have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition. You will need to find the definition for your specific disability because although there is a general definition of disability, which says it must be an ailment that prevents you from working and will last at least one year, there are also requirements for each type of medical situation. The SSA has detailed definitions for various medical situations explaining what the requirement is for a disability. Having a doctor say you have a disability is not enough to qualify for benefits.
You must meet work requirements
One of the requirements for eligibility to receive SSD is that you have an adequate work history. SSD benefits come from money that workers pay with each paycheck. If you did not work enough or earn enough money to gain the required number of work credits, then you cannot qualify for SSD benefits.
You must provide the proper information
The SSA receives countless applications daily. It does not have the time or manpower to go through every application that does not contain the right information or documentation and tell you what additional information you need. For this reason, it is up to you to make sure you file a complete application that includes everything the SSA asks for the first time you file. If you do not, the SSA will simply reject your application.
