Top 7 Reasons Why Disability Claims Are Denied In California

If you have been injured or are otherwise unable to work due to a disability, then you can seek disability benefits under either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), depending on your individual work history.

Applying for either SSDI or SSI benefits can be a long, complex, and sometimes tedious process, with no guarantee in the end that you can get your benefits.

To better prepare before starting the application process, it is imperative that you understand the reasons why disability claims are denied in California, and the top among these are as follows.

Excessive Income

Making a lot of money is desirable but, when it comes to applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it can also be a bad thing because that fact alone can result in your benefits being denied.

The Nature and Severity of Your Disability 

To receive either SSDI or SSI, you must have a disability that is so severe that it is expected to last for one year or more, or the disability will result in your death. There is an exemption to this rule for blind applicants who may apply regardless of the level of severity of the disability.

An Inability to Reach or Contact You

It goes without saying but, if you are applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, then you must be easily reachable by staff from SSA offices to answer questions or request needed additional information. If you are unreachable for whatever reason, then you may find the process terminated, or your benefits application denied.

You Fail to Cooperate

Dealing with any government bureaucracy can be painstakingly slow and frustrating, but if you make the mistake of not doing or providing what you have been asked, the risk of having your application denied increases exponentially. The amount of information and documentation required during the application process is daunting, and often, you may be asked to provide documents you have already provided. Regardless, failure to cooperate with all these requests for information, documents, or examination sessions may result in your benefits being denied.

Failure to Follow Therapy Required Therapy

If you have been required to undergo therapy and you fail to do so or do not fully follow instructions for the therapy, you may have your application or benefits denied. There may be genuine cases recognized by SSA that may render an individual unable to comply with therapy requirements, but in all other cases, those who refuse to follow therapy treatment will have their benefits denied.

Drug and Alcohol-Related Disabilities

Use of drugs or alcohol that is determined to be a contributing factor to your disability can disqualify you from getting SSDI or SSI benefits, unless stopping the use of drugs or alcohol will not cure the disability.

Conviction of a Crime

If you are convicted of a crime or are currently imprisoned, you may be ineligible to receive SSDI or SSI benefits.

Contact an experienced disability benefits lawyer in San Jose, and they will be able to provide you with additional information or help you further.