What to Do if Your SSDI Claim is Denied

If you’re applying for disability benefits, chances are good that you need these payments to meet your many financial obligations. Ideally, your application will be approved, and you’ll start receiving benefits within one to two months, but that’s not always the case. You might be wondering what to do if your SSDI claim is denied. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides much-needed financial relief for people who meet certain qualification standards. Unfortunately, the application process is more difficult than many applicants expect. It’s important to know that a denial is not the end of the road. Not only are denials common, they can also be considered an opportunity to improve upon the case you’re making for SSDI benefits. 

If your application was denied, you have 60 days to request an appeal from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, before you begin the process, you should keep a few things in mind. Let’s discuss what to do if your SSDI claim is denied. 

Don’t Panic

Most initial applications for SSDI are denied. If you’re wondering what to do if your SSDI claim is denied, then know that several other disability recipients have experienced a denial, only to later be approved through appeal. 

Contact an SSDI Attorney

It’s challenging to find success in an SSDI appeal if you aren’t familiar with the process. SSDI attorneys have years of experience handling these cases, so they’ll be able to review your application and look for errors or ways to improve your chances of approval. 

Try to Determine Why Your Claim Was Denied

A denied application is an opportunity to improve the case you’ve made for benefits. When figuring out what to do if your SSDI claim is denied, you should look closely at your application. Are there any errors in your application? Is there any additional information you could include that would improve your chances for approval? For help finding answers to these questions, contact an SSDI attorney. 

Familiarizing Yourself with the SSDI Appeals Process

There are four levels to an SSDI appeal…

• Reconsideration - When your claim is denied for medical reasons, you can submit a request to have your application reviewed by someone who wasn’t involved in the first determination. If it’s possible to include any additional information, you should include it for reconsideration.
• Hearing by an administrative law judge - You can request a review by an administrative law judge. In most cases, the hearing will take place within 75 miles of your home. 
• Review by the Appeals Council - If an administrative law judge denies your application, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. 
• Federal Court review - If the Appeals Council denies your application, the last level of appeal is a federal court review. In this level of appeal, you can file a civil suit in a federal district court.

If your application is denied, you will receive a notification from the SSA. This letter will tell you which appeal level of appeal you should consider. 

Don’t Give Up Hope – Contact the Driscoll Salazar Disability Group Today

You might be frustrated by a denial, but you should always consider an appeal. Applying for SSDI can be a challenge for anyone, and it helps speak to someone familiar with the process. You have 60 days to begin an appeal, so don’t hesitate to contact the Driscoll Salazar Disability Group by calling 949-359-1370.

We’ve helped many clients with the appeals process, and we know what SSA is looking for when reviewing applications. In many cases, we identify an error in applications that can be fixed in appeal. We can also work with you to be sure that you are providing SSA with all the information they’ll need to determine your eligibility.

Contact the Driscoll Salazar Disability Group today to get started.

Four Common Misconceptions About SSDI

Plenty of people who could be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits never file an application. Perhaps they don’t realize that it’s even an option in their situation, or they’re so concerned about the stigma associated with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) that they never start the process. 

Misconceptions loom large over Social Security disability, but dispelling some of the most common myths is in all our best interests. Whether you or someone you know is considering filing an application for SSDI, you should know what is and isn’t true about the program. 

Here are four of the most common misconceptions about SSDI, along with explanations about the realities of this public insurance program...

Misconception #1 - A Denial is the End of the Road

Around one-fourth of SSDI applicants are approved the first time around. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several opportunities to appeal a denied application. However, it’s very important that you take time to review your initial application to find out why it was denied. Most people don’t know exactly what SSA is looking for or how to determine potential problems in their applications, which is why working with an experienced SSDI attorney is helpful during the appeals process. 

The idea that a denial is the end of the road is a misconception, but saying that everyone’s first application is denied is equally untrue. Ideally, you want your first application to be as well-prepared as possible. However, it’s comforting to know that there are more options available if SSA doesn’t approve your benefits the first time around. 

Misconception #2 - Certain Conditions Make You Automatically Eligible for SSDI

SSA does list conditions that make a person eligible for benefits, but you should not assume that just because you have one of those conditions, you can fill out a form and be automatically approved for benefits. You will still need to provide plenty of basic information to SSA. You will also need to provide evidence that proves the existence of your medical condition. 

It is possible to be denied even if you have a condition listed by the SSA. Filing an application can be complicated. Simple mistakes could lead to a denial and result an unnecessary delay in the benefits you’re entitled to. In other words, you should also be as thorough as possible when applying and never assume it's a sure thing.

Misconception #3 - You Can’t Work While Receiving Benefits

The SSA does not have a policy that restricts recipients from working. SSA does state that a recipient cannot earn “substantial gainful income.” Every year, SSA adjusts the limit that a person can earn and still receive SSDI. In 2019, one can earn $1,220 or less per month and still be eligible. If someone is blind, then the limit is $2,040 per month.

Misconception #4 - SSDI is a Handout

SSDI is an insurance program designed to ensure that people don’t become destitute if they become unable to work. Over the decades, opponents of programs like SSDI started calling them entitlements, and some Americans’ perspectives of SSDI are clouded by the misconception that SSDI is a handout. SSDI is best thought of as a public alternative to private insurance. Most workers are currently paying into SSDI, so in the event that they become unable to do their jobs, they still have a certain level of financial security. 

Clearing Up Misconceptions About SSDI

If you don’t understand something about SSDI, and it’s preventing you from applying, consider first looking over the SSA website. They provide a lot of information about eligibility and filing an application. If you have specific questions you’d like answered or you want a professional to walk you through the process, know that an experienced SSDI attorney is only a call away. 

If You Need Help Filing a Claim, Contact the Driscoll Salazar Disability Group

Stephanie Driscoll is a Social Security disability advocate with years of experience helping people get the benefits they need. Our staff understands the challenges facing people who need SSDI, and our goal is to make sure their application has the best possible chance of approval. 

Misconceptions affect people who need benefits by deterring them from moving forward with an application. We want to help you better understand your legal options, which is why we offer free consultations. Take advantage of a free SSDI case evaluation by calling the Driscoll Salazar Disability Group at 888-984-3734.

SSA Announces Benefit Increase

Mirabile dictu, the Social Security Administration announces a 2.8 percent benefit increase for 2019! Last month SSA revealed some welcome news for Americans receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits. So, let’s unpack what this means for the more than 67 million such people in the coming year.

On December 31, 2018, more than 8 million Americans collecting SSI will see an increase in their monthly payments, according to an SSA press release. On January 1st, over 62 million Social Security beneficiaries will see their increase go into effect. Along with the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will rise to $132,900 from $128,400. The COLA adjustment is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2017 through the third quarter of 2018 

While a 2.8 percent increase may not seem like much, the rise in the maximum taxable earnings will significantly affect individuals whose earnings in previous years were on the cusp of the threshold. It is worth keeping in mind that one dollar in benefits is withheld from a beneficiary for every $2 in earnings above the limit.

2019 Social Security Changes

The COLA adjustment will impact people receiving benefits in different ways, especially those who are on Medicare. The SSA points out that is impossible to calculate the new benefit for those who receive Social Security or SSI and Medicare until premium amounts for 2019 are announced sometime next year.

Please take a moment to watch a short video about the increase:

If you are having trouble watching, please click here.

Please click here to gain a better understanding of how COLA is calculated or click here for a breakdown on the Social Security changes coming in 2019. Information about Medicare changes for 2019 can be found here, when available.

SSI and SSDI Attorney

If your application for Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance was denied, please contact The Driscoll Law Corporation. Serving Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego County, attorney Driscoll can provide you with strong representation to help achieve a successful claim. We can also help people, who are applying for the first time, navigate the process.

CDI Units Combat Disability Fraud

The job of Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Units is to identify, investigate, and prevent Social Security disability fraud. CDIs play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of Federal disability programs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) efforts to combat fraud were strengthened recently following the opening of three new CDI units in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Indianapolis, Indiana.

There are now 43 units covering 37 states; the three new openings put the SSA on track to provide CDI coverage for all 50 states by 2022, per the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 mandate. Analyzing and investigating questionable Social Security disability claims and nipping fraud in the bud before benefits are ever paid out is an enormous task. The job of CDI Units is to oversee personnel from Social Security, OIG, State Disability Determination Services (DDS), and local law enforcement agencies, as they work toward the goals listed above.

Source: OIG

When a DDS or SSA identifies a suspicious application for benefits, it is forwarded to the appropriate CDI Unit for investigation. Once completed, the CDI unit sends a report detailing the investigation to the DDS, where eligibility decided. Common types of disability fraud, according to the SSA’s OIG, include:

• Malingering
• Filing multiple applications.
• Concealing work or other activities.
• Exaggerating or lying about disabilities.

Combating Fraud

“Social Security is committed to combating fraud and preserving the public’s trust in our programs,” said Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “As we open the three new CDI units, let us remember the important work they do. The CDI program plays a critical role in detecting and preventing fraud, helping to ensure benefits are paid only to the people who are eligible. This collaboration between Social Security, the OIG, and local law enforcement helps save taxpayer money and ensures the integrity of our programs.”

The SSA and its OIG implemented the DCI program in 1997, according to the administration. Since that time, the units brought about $3.9 billion in projected savings to Social Security’s programs. 

Reporting fraud is easy, safe, and secure by internet, phone, mail, or facsimile.

SSI and SSDI Attorney

If the SSA denies your application for disability benefits, please contact the Driscoll Law Corporation. Attorney Driscoll can help you take the next step toward acquiring the benefits you require. Call us directly at 949-359-1370 to receive your free consultation.

Administrative Offset Affects SSDI

At the Driscoll Law Corporation, we specialize in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We work hard to keep our clients, and potential clients, informed of anything that could impact their benefits or factors that could jeopardize access to vital resources. Most American adults have a cursory understanding of what it means to have funds garnished. The legal definition:

To garnish is to obtain a court order directing a party holding funds (such as a bank) or about to pay wages (such as an employer) to an alleged debtor to set that money aside until the court determines (decides) how much the debtor owes to the creditor. 

While many people have an understanding of garnished wages as it pertains to collecting late child support and alimony payments, there are in fact several other instances when funds are garnished. Some cases, involve what is known as an "administrative offset;" it is when the Department of Treasury through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) or the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program, withhold a person’s funds or benefits to pay off debt.

Receiving An Administrative Offset Notice

Americans with defaulted federal student loans, delinquent taxes, and back child support payments can be subject to Administrative Offset, KSDK reports. There is a relatively long list of income streams that are exempt from the Treasury Offset Program or Federal Tax Refund Offset Program, including Supplemental Security Income. However, those collecting Social Security Disability Insurance are not protected from Administrative Offset. Why the disparity? Because SSI is based on a person’s financial need, whereas SSDI is based on peoples’ work record.

Individuals who receive an offset notice have sixty days from the date of the notice (not when it's received) to object to the action, according to the article. If one’s defensive measures do not prove fruitful, be advised that offsets are limited to an amount that is no greater than 15% of your total benefits.

Anyone who receives an Administrative Offset Notice must act quickly to plead their case, especially if the notice is in error. Those who do in fact owe money, have the option to pay it off within the sixty-days, request a hardship reduction, or negotiate a payment plan.

California SSI and SSDI Attorney

Stephanie M. Driscoll is a Social Security disability attorney practicing in Southern California. Attorney Driscoll can help you work through the often-complicated process of applying for disability benefits. Please contact us today to learn more about how the Driscoll Law Corporation can help advocate for you or a loved one.

ABLE to Save Month

The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, known as ABLE, was passed in 2014 in an effort to help people living with disabilities save money. Those who open ABLE Accounts can save up to a $100,000 without the risk of losing benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

While states that adopt ABLE account options for people with disabilities is a huge step toward helping people gain economic independence, the law only applies to individuals under the age of 26. Hopefully, the age restriction will change in the near future to include a more extensive age range. With that in mind, it's worth pointing out that this year is the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Senators Richard Burr and Bob Casey, the co-authors of the ABLE Act, writing for CNN point out that one of the four goals of the ADA is to establish economic self-sufficiency for people living with disabilities. ABLE account expansion is one way to achieve such a purpose.

August is ABLE to Save Month

The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) is using the month of August to promote their #ABLEtoSave campaign. During this time the center hopes to both raise awareness about ABLE accounts and encourage people across the country to sign up for them as a way toward greater independence.

“ABLE accounts are a down payment on freedom for millions of individuals with disabilities and their families,” said Christopher J. Rodriguez, Director of the ABLE National Resource Center. “Yet, public knowledge of ABLE accounts is somewhat lacking and enrollment in ABLE programs still has significant room for growth.” He adds, “The goal of the #ABLEtoSave campaign is to significantly boost public knowledge about ABLE accounts and ultimately increase the amount of ABLE accounts opened across all ABLE programs.”

If you would like more information on opening an ABLE Account or would like to participate in helping to promote the #ABLEtoSave campaign, please click here. As of August 6, 2018, more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities from across the country have opened ABLE accounts, according to the ANRC.

At the end of the month, individuals who have an ABLE account will receive guidance on taking steps to even greater financial security. The ANRC will unveil a plan designed to help people with disabilities:

• Set Financial Goals
• Create a Circle of Support
• Make Smart Financial Decisions
• Monitor Their Account

Please take a moment to watch a short video:

If you are having trouble watching, please click here.

SSI and SSDI Benefits Assistance

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) denied your application for SSI and SSDI, The Driscoll Law Corporation could be of assistance. We can help anyone who is applying for the first time as well; please contact us to learn more about how the Driscoll Law Corporation can help you or a loved one.

Reinstating Social Security Benefits After Incarceration

People who are required to serve a month or more in jail or prison may find it upsetting to learn that they will no longer receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The Social Security Administration states:

We cannot pay benefits to someone who, by court order, is confined in an institution at public expense in connection with a criminal case.

When individuals are wards of the state, it is difficult to make the argument that they are still eligible for SSA support. Those subject to incarceration have everything—medical, food, and shelter—taken care of already. While a loss of benefits isn’t a welcome reality for those serving time, the good news is that in most cases payments will begin again upon release provided however that the length of stay is less than 12-months.

It stands to reason that people receiving disability checks before jail will often require the same assistance after serving time. With that in mind, the administration provides several resources online to help steer such individuals in the right direction after release.

Reinstating Social Security Benefits

The SSA points out people who serve more than a year in a public institution must file a new application and be reapproved for SSI or SSDI. There are mechanisms in place to prepare people for release regarding reinstating benefits. Many prisons have a prerelease agreement with the Social Security Administration, allowing inmates to get the ball rolling 90 days before the scheduled release date. If everything goes ideally, upon release benefits will recommence. If you would like more information on statewide prerelease agreements, please click here.

People who are not serving a sentence in non-prerelease agreement facility should call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to schedule an appointment to apply for benefits.

It is worth noting that some inmates are required to enter sober living homes or halfway houses upon release, which are often under the control of the Department of Corrections. As a result, residents of such programs are not eligible for benefits; because, they are still under the supervision and custody of the state.

The amount of time it takes to restore benefits varies from case to case, here are three things people should know:

• If Social Security benefits were only suspended, benefits could begin anew with minimal delay.
• If benefits were terminated, benefits could take a few months to resume; hence the need for preapproval agreements that mitigate the risk of coverage lapses.
• If SSI benefits were terminated, a new application and disability determination are required, and a decision could take from three to five months.

SSI and SSDI Benefits Assistance

Applying for benefits under any circumstances can lead to complications, reinstating SSI and SSDI isn’t any different. If you are struggling to reacquire support from Social Security, The Driscoll Law Corporation could be of assistance. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more.