Receiving a denial letter after applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits feels frustrating, confusing, and deeply discouraging. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and this isn’t the end of the road. Between 2013 and 2022, the Social Security Administration (SSA) only approved between 19% and 21% of initial claims. The SSA has an established appeal process. The average total approval rate stands at about 30% in that timeframe. Understanding why your claim was denied and how to strengthen it during an appeal can improve your chances of success.
What to Look for in Your SSI Denial Letter
Your denial letter should include important details about what went wrong with your application and what you need to do next. Take time to review it carefully.
One of the most important details in the letter is the date at the top. The SSA considers this date your official notice of denial, rather than the day you actually received the letter in the mail. From the date in the letter, you have 60 days to file an appeal. If you miss this deadline, you will have to restart the entire application process.
The letter should also include appeal instructions. This “request for reconsideration” serves as the first step in the appeals process. Information in the letter should tell you:
- How to file the appeal online or by mail
- What additional documents or evidence are required
- Where to send your appeal
- To file within the 60-day deadline
Why Was My SSI Claim Denied?
The SSA denies claims for two broad reasons: medical and non-medical.
Denied for Medical Reasons
If you were denied for medical reasons, the SSA determined your health doesn’t meet their definition of disability or blindness. This doesn’t mean you’re not struggling or unable to work due to your condition, but rather the SSA believes you haven’t met their requirements. Your denial letter may mention:
- “Non-severe impairments”: While the SSA agrees you have a condition, it doesn’t view your condition as significantly limiting your ability to perform work-related activities.
- “Does not meet or equal a listing”: The SSA uses the Listing of Impairments, also known as the Blue Book, to convey what conditions and symptoms constitute a disability. If your condition isn’t listed or doesn’t meet strict standards, the SSA will deny your claim.
- “You can still perform other work”: Even if the SSA agrees you can’t return to your previous jobs, it might deny your claim because it believes you can adjust to take up other work.
Denied for Non-Medical Reasons
SSI has very stringent financial eligibility rules that lead many applicants to face denial unrelated to valid medical conditions. Some common non-medical reasons for denial include:
- Exceeding income and resource limits: SSI is a needs-based program. If your earnings or other sources of income exceed SSI limits, you will be denied. This is also true of the assets you own. If the amount of money, vehicles, property, or other assets you have exceeds $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a married couple living together, you will not qualify for benefits.
- Incomplete paperwork: Missing forms or unanswered questions can lead to a denial.
- Missed SSA contact: If the SSA tried to contact you to collect more information or clear up inconsistencies but was unable to do so, it will likely deny your claim.
How to Appeal an SSI Denial
Just because you receive a denial letter doesn’t mean you can’t still get SSI. There are four levels of appeal available through the SSA, and it is possible to get approved following further action depending on your circumstances.
Request Reconsideration
The first step in appealing your denial is to file a Request for Reconsideration. At this stage, your case is reviewed by someone not involved in the initial decision. This individual compares your appeal to your initial application, along with new evidence or documentation. This step is usually completed in writing. Only about 5-10% of claims are approved at this stage. However, filing this request is essential to move your claim forward.
Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often the most important part of the appeals process since most people who are awarded SSI receive benefits following this hearing.
These hearings usually take place several months after your request. The ALJ will have no prior knowledge of your case and will ask questions about your medical condition, work history, daily activities, and limitations. They may also question relevant medical or vocational witnesses to help support your claim.
Appeals Council & Federal Court
There are two final options to consider if an ALJ denies your benefits. First, you can request the Appeals Council to review your case. The Council will look at all requests but only accepts cases if it finds that the ALJ made a legal or procedural error. Most cases are still denied at this stage.
If the Appeals Council denies your request or refuses to review it, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court. This step is rarely pursued without legal counsel and involves arguing that SSA’s denial violated federal law.
How an SSI Attorney Can Help
At any stage of appeal, but especially before your hearing, working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference. That’s where Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys comes in. We’ve been helping clients across New York fight for Social Security Disability benefits for more than 40 years. We analyze your denial letter to determine why your claim was rejected, help you file appeals on time with the right supporting documentation, gather medical evidence and expert testimony to strengthen your case, and represent you at hearings. If you’ve been denied SSI benefits, contact Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.