According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), over two-thirds (67 percent) of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications are denied. The SSA denies SSDI applications for many reasons, ranging from a lack of evidence to a refusal to cooperate with SSA requirements. Knowing common SSDI denial reasons can help avoid payment delays and denials.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
The single most common reason for SSDI denial is a lack of medical documentation proving disability. When you apply for SSDI benefits, you must provide exhaustive documentation of the extent and severity of your disability. This includes diagnostic paperwork, lab reports, imaging results, prescription lists, physician notes, and other documentation relevant to your condition. An SSDI attorney can help gather the correct documentation when submitting an application for disability benefits.
Earning Too Much Income
The SSA may also deny your disability claim if you make too much money. The current Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your gross monthly earnings total more than the current SGA limit, the SSA will judge you as capable of providing for yourself and will deny your benefits. Note that SSDI does not have asset limits, so savings and retirement accounts will not affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Prior Denials of Your Application
If the SSA denies your application, you may be tempted to submit a new application. However, the SSA might deny your second application when they discover your prior denial. If you get a denial, you should not refile and instead file a decision appeal. After filing an appeal, you can request a hearing with a judge. You can also appeal the outcome of your hearing if you disagree.
Unwillingness to Follow Treatment Recommendations
The SSA requires applicants to abide by whatever medical treatment their disability calls for, but many do not obey their physician-prescribed treatment regimen. The SSA will deny your claim if you are not following the recommended treatment because treatment could make a positive material difference to your condition. As such, you must always follow any prescribed treatment as closely as possible to maximize your chances of receiving SSDI benefits.
Refusing to Cooperate With the SSA
The SSA may contact you after you submit an application and request additional documentation, such as medical records or income information. If you ignore these requests, the SSA will likely outright deny your claim. There is no set limit for how much time you have to submit additional requested documentation, but it’s in your best interest to do so as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
Talk to an Experienced SSDI Attorney in Oklahoma City Today
SSDI denials are frustrating and can have significant negative consequences if you rely on that money to live. An SSDI attorney can take your case, help you file your application, and fight for the Social Security disability benefits you are owed. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons online today or give our offices a call to receive a free, no-obligation case consultation.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
