Denied Social Security Disability?
Here's What to Do Next.
You are not alone.
"If your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has been denied, you're not alone. More than 60% of initial disability applications are denied each year. A denial does not mean you aren't disabled or that you don't qualify for benefits. It means the SSA didn't approve your claim based on the information they reviewed."
Cortnei – Representative
Why Was Your Disability Claim
Denied?
Every denial letter outlines the reason for a claimant's denial. Outlined below are the six categories a denial can fall into as it leads to a different path for appeal.
Not enough medical evidence
A prominent reason for denial is when there is insufficient medical documentation proving one's disability prevents them from working. The SSA needs medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment history, test results, and functional limitations. If the necessary information is not provided, it may result in denial at the initial level.
How an advocate fixes this on appeal: Here at Clauson Disability, our advocates work directly with your healthcare providers to obtain complete, current medical records, and we make sure those records clearly document the severity of your condition before your appeal is submitted.
Your condition is not considered severe enough
The SSA may determine that your medical condition doesn't significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months. This may occur when medical evidence identifies a diagnosis but does not explain the resulting functional limitations. The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability. Most denials at this stage come from weak or missing functional evidence, regardless of the diagnosis itself.
How an advocate fixes this on appeal: Rather than relying on a diagnosis alone, we help you show how your condition affects your day-to-day functioning and prevents you from working. In many cases, your physician will be asked to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that outlines how your condition affects your day-to-day functioning.
Your income exceeds the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
Monthly earnings above $1,690 in 2026 ($2,830 for individuals who are blind) are considered substantial gainful activity by the SSA and can lead to a denial. This is a technical denial, not a medical one. If your work situation has changed since you applied, or if the SSA counted earnings that shouldn't have been counted, an appeal may be appropriate.
You don't have enough work credits (SSDI)
SSDI requires a sufficient work history with Social Security tax contributions, generally 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years. If you don't have enough credits, your SSDI claim will be denied for technical reasons. You may still qualify for SSI, which doesn't require work credits. For the full comparison of the two programs, see SSDI vs. SSI.
You didn't follow prescribed treatment
If you don't abide by your provider's treatment without a valid reason, the SSA may deny your claim. Valid reasons for noncompliance include severe side effects, inability to afford treatment, or religious objections. We help ensure your reasons are clearly documented in both the medical records and any appeal.
How an advocate fixes this on appeal: We work with your providers to document the reasons for any gaps in treatment. That way, the SSA sees the full picture instead of a decontextualized gap.
Incomplete application or missed deadlines
Claims may be denied for procedural reasons. We work to assist you in avoiding missing information, unsigned forms, or failure to respond to SSA requests for additional documentation or appointments by the required deadlines. These are preventable denials, and they're the fastest to address on appeal once the missing issue is identified.
Technical Denial vs. Medical Denial:
What's the Difference?
There are two main types of denials, and the appeal process can differ depending on which one applies to your case. Let's take a look at each type and how they are handled.
Technical denial:
Your local SSA field office handles the review at reconsideration. The basis for your denial in the field office is for non-medical reasons, such as not enough work credits for SSDI, income above the SGA limit, or failure to meet residency requirements.
Medical denial:
Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles medical review. The basis for your denial with DDS is determined when your condition isn't severe enough to meet their definition of disability.
What to Do After Your Disability Is Denied:
The steps below focus on what's most important in the days right after a denial. If you're close to the 60-day deadline, jump to step 4 and contact us.
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1
Read your denial letter carefully.
The denial will address the specific reasons your claim was denied and the deadline to appeal. The reason listed tells you what evidence or argument your appeal needs to address.
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2
Do NOT reapply. Appeal instead.
Reapplying starts the process over and you lose your original application date, which affects your back pay. Appealing preserves your filing date and gives you access to the higher levels of review where approval rates are significantly better.
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3
Note your 60-day deadline.
You must request the next appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial. Because SSA counts the letter as received five days after the date on it, your deadline is effectively 65 days from that date.
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4
Contact a disability advocate.
Claimants with representation tend to have higher approval rates at the hearing stage than those without. (SSA, Hearing Disability Decision and Representation Rates by Title and Fiscal Year).
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5
Gather updated medical evidence.
New test results, updated doctor's notes, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments from your treating physicians can strengthen your case.
Our advocates handle
all of this for you.
Should You Appeal or Reapply
After a Denial?
Appealing is usually the best option. It preserves your original application date, which can significantly increase the back pay you receive if your claim is approved. Reapplying starts the entire process over with a new filing date, and you lose any months that had already accumulated toward your back pay award.
| Factor | Appeal | Reapply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preserves original filing date | Yes | No (starts over) | |
| Back pay from original onset date | Yes | No (new date) | |
| New examiner reviews your case | Yes (at reconsideration and hearing) | Yes (but at initial level again) | |
| Can submit new evidence | Yes | Yes | |
| Timeline to hearing | Follows appeals process | Starts entire process over |
How Clauson Disability Helps You Fight a Denial
Clauson Disability is a national advocacy organization headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. Our disability advocates specialize in helping people who've been denied SSDI or SSI benefits. We handle your appeal from start to finish, which means one team from the reconsideration request through your ALJ hearing decision.
Here's what our advocates do after a denial:
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1
Review your denial letter and identify the specific reasons your claim was denied.
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2
File your appeal before the 60-day deadline.
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3
Gather updated medical records from your treating providers.
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4
Prepare a written brief summarizing your case and the evidence supporting your appeal.
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5
Represent you at your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, either in person or by video at your local hearing office.
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6
If your case requires federal court review, refer you to a licensed attorney who handles federal disability appeals.
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7
New test results, updated doctor's notes, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessments from your treating physicians can strengthen your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Denials
If an individual has insufficient medical evidence, a condition the SSA considers not severe enough, income above the SGA limit, not enough work credits for SSDI, and/or incomplete applications, their claim can be denied. Your denial letter lists the specific reason in your case. Our advocates can review your denial and help make sure your appeal addresses the actual issue.
If denied, you generally have 60 days to appeal. The SSA counts the letter as received five days after it’s dated, so that gives you about 65 days from the letter date. Missing this deadline can force you to reapply from scratch and lose your original filing date.
In most cases, you should appeal. An appeal protects your original filing date and any back pay connected to it. Reapplying starts the case over and you give up the back pay tied to the original claim.
Some denials are technical, meaning they’re based on things like work credits or income limits rather than your medical condition. Others are medical denials, where the SSA decides your condition doesn’t meet their disability standard. Knowing which type you received matters, since the appeal process can be different for each.
Yes. Many people win their benefits on appeal, especially at the hearing level. The ALJ hearing level has an approval rate of approximately 50–55% nationally, and North Carolina's hearing offices have historically reported above-average approval rates. A denial is a setback, not an ending.
If the deadline is missed, you may have to reapply and lose your filing date. The SSA does allow late appeals for good cause, including illness or confusion about the notice (SSA, Evaluating Good Cause). Contact our advocate immediately if you're close to or past the deadline.
There's no upfront cost. Our fee is 25% of your back pay if your claim is approved, capped at $9,200 by the SSA. If you don't win, you pay nothing. The fee is paid by the SSA directly out of your back pay award, not by you out of pocket.
The reconsideration level has an approval rate of approximately 10–16 . The ALJ hearing level has the highest approval rate at approximately 50–55% nationally . North Carolina's hearing offices have historically reported above-average approval rates.
START A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Are you currently receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
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Are you currently represented by a disability attorney or advocate?
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Is your current age between 50 and 62?
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Great news! Based on your answers, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Complete the form below for your FREE case evaluation.
Clauson Disability is a national advocacy organization. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, legal services, or legal representation. This website is an advertisement. Clauson Disability is a private organization and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any other government agency. We provide non-attorney disability advocacy and support services and do not offer legal advice. Contacting us, submitting a form, or speaking with our team does not create an attorney-client relationship. By providing your contact information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to receive communications by phone, text, and/or email including through automated technology where permitted. Consent is not required as a condition of service. We do not determine eligibility or qualify any applicant for SSDI or SSI. Only the SSA determines eligibility and benefit amounts. $4,018 represents the maximum monthly SSDI benefit; actual amounts vary.
We do not determine eligibility or qualify any applicant for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Only the SSA determines eligibility and benefit amounts. SSDI benefits vary based on work history, medical eligibility, and other factors. $4,018 represents the maximum monthly SSDI benefit; actual amounts vary based on individual circumstances.
