Author: Staff Writer

Categories
Legal Social Security Disability

SSDI Claim Not Accepted? 7 Common Reasons Why

SSDI Benefits

It is no secret that the acceptance rate for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has been decreasing steadily for the last 15 years. In 2001, the award rate for SSDI was 46%. By 2006, the award rate had dropped all the way to 38%, and by the end of 2015, less than one third – just 32% – of all applications were awarded benefits. At the same time, the number of benefits being terminated has increased each year since 2011. So how can you make sure your claim is accepted? Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid that will help ensure you get the awards benefit you deserve.

  1. Too much income: Individuals who are currently making over $1,130 per month in income will not be eligible to collect SSDI. However, this limit does not apply to unearned income, such as investments, interest, or any other household income not earned directly by the individual applying for disability.
  2. Temporary disability: Any disability that is not expected to impact the applicant’s ability to work for at least 12 months will automatically be denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  3. The SSA was unable to reach you: Although it may sound obvious, it is important that the contact information on your application is accurate, and that you respond to any and all efforts from the SSA to reach you. Many SSDI claims are denied every month because the SSA is unable to contact the applicant.
  4. Technical rationale: This means that the applicant may be qualified to perform alternative duties and functions to maintain employment in some other role. This is typically referred to as residual functional capacity (RFC). If the SSA determines that your RFC does not prevent you from performing the necessary tasks for certain jobs – i.e., clerical data entry – you may be denied SSDI benefits.
  5. Place of residence: Believe it or not, where you live matters. Sometimes the reason for an SSDI award or denial can be as simple as the presiding judge. In certain areas or jurisdictions, the person deciding the case may be very lenient or very strict. Therefore, two people facing otherwise very similar circumstances may end up with very different judgements.
  6. Not complying with SSA requests: Sometimes a SSDI application may need additional documentation or medical records to support the claim. If the SSA contacts you about missing information, or asks that you submit additional forms, it is important that you follow up as quickly as possible. Failing to comply with such a request will almost always result in a denial.
  7. Application errors: Perhaps the most common reason why an application is denied is because it contains errors. Even a small error can cause the SSDI application to be denied. It is important to make sure you take the time to read the application entirely, fill it out to completion, and double check for any mistakes or omissions.

Of course, if your claim is denied, that does not mean the fight is over. Too many people who receive a denial just give up. However, over 65% of the people who file for an appeal and get a hearing are awarded benefits. But perhaps the most important thing you can do to make sure your claim is approved is to get help before you apply. You don’t have to go through the process alone, and finding the right guidance can be the difference between a quick approval or a lengthy battle.

Categories
Legal Social Security Disability

SSDI Commonly Rejected Disabilities

ssdi common disabilities benefits

There are many reasons why your Social Security Disability Insurance claim may be denied. In 2015, less than 1/3 of all applications were awarded benefits in 2015. The reasons for denial may be technical or medical. In recent years, technical denials have been increasing, but 20% of all claims still end with a medical denial. Below are 5 common medical conditions that are typically denied SSDI benefits.

Depression

Although depression is the most common, non-fatal medical cause of disability, it is still a rarely accepted condition for benefits and requires evidence of severe impairment. For some, their depression may be so severe that it can inhibit their ability to function in everyday life. This can include family and work activities. The SSA provides a list of symptoms. If an individual with severe depression also experiences at least four of the listed symptoms on a recurring basis, they may be approved for SSDI benefits. However, most cases are not severe enough to qualify someone for disability benefits.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not usually a qualifying disability for SSDI benefits. Even for individuals who perform manual labor and may be more at risk. The primary reason for this is because many cases of hypertension can be controlled with drugs. The drugs lower blood pressure to normal risk levels. Therefore, the impairment is not typically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI. There may be certain cases that do qualify. For example, if a patient does not respond to treatments or they are unable to take the normally prescribed medication due to other complications.

Impaired Vision

Nearsightedness and farsightedness, while potentially disabling, are both usually correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Therefore, they would not usually qualify for SSDI. However, the causes of vision impairment can vary widely. Certain complications, like severe macular degeneration or other retinal diseases that can’t be improved with corrective lenses, may be awarded SSDI benefits.

Adult Eating Disorders

Adult eating disorders can be a serious affliction, and they affect millions of Americans each year. However, in most cases, adult eating disorders do not qualify for SSDI even though both anorexia and bulimia are listed as disability conditions for those under 18. In some cases, an adult may qualify if their eating disorder causes severe symptoms similar to other qualifying disabilities. For instance, adult eating disorders can cause other problems such as heart failure and arrhythmia, or lead to increased fractures or broken bones. These conditions may allow someone to be awarded benefits. Additionally, someone may qualify for an equal disability listing such as weight loss due to a digestive disorder. However, usually because it is not technically a digestive disorder, it is usually not accepted on its own. It typically requires that the applicant is currently seeking treatment.

Short-term Injuries

One of the main qualifying factors for SSDI is the length of time your disability will last. For example, someone with severe anxiety or depression may qualify for disability because it can be an ongoing disability. On the other hand, an individual with a severe injury, such as a broken neck or spine, may not qualify for disability if they are expected to recover in 12 months or less. Even if the individual was in a hospital for a few months and was unable to attend work, they may not be considered sufficiently disabled to receive benefits.

Categories
Legal Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability FAQ

social security disability faq

Navigating the world of Social Security can be confusing and frustrating for anyone. If you are disabled and in need of assistance, it may seem like they have purposely made it difficult for you to get the help you need. Understanding the different programs and knowing if you qualify is an important first step to getting your claim approved.

Q: Do I need SSDI or SSI and what is the difference?

A: Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are services managed by the Social Security Administration. Both are aimed at helping disabled individuals with financial assistance. However, beyond those similarities, the programs are quite different. SSI was created to help individuals over the age of 65 who have very limited financial assets and may have a difficult time paying for basic necessities due to disability or blindness.

SSDI, on the other hand, is an earned benefit, or entitlement program. It is available to individuals under the age of 65 who are deemed too disabled to work. Because it is an earned benefit, the amount each individual may receive from SSDI is dependent upon their earnings record. In other words, the more income an individual previously earned, the higher their benefit will be. By contrast, SSI is a relatively fixed benefit and may actually be reduced if the recipient receives other income.

Q: Who qualifies for Social Security Disability?

A: Anyone under the 65 who has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years may qualify for SSDI. However, most award recipients are between the ages of 50 and 63. All applicants for SSDI must be sufficiently disabled to prevent them from working. Even in a reduced capacity and the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or longer.

As part of the application process, you may be required to submit medical records. These will verify your condition and diagnosis. Certain conditions may automatically qualify you for SSDI, while others may require a more significant review process.

Additionally, anyone who is still able to work in a limited capacity and currently earning over $1,130 per month will not be eligible for SSDI.

Q: How can I make sure my claim is accepted?

A: The acceptance rates for SSDI can vary widely depending on where you live. Nationally, the acceptance rate has decreased almost every year since 2001. The total number of individuals receiving benefits has also been reduced in recent years. Meanwhile, the termination rate for SSDI benefits has increased steadily since 2011.

SSDI applications can be denied for a number of reasons. The most common reason is if the information is entered incorrectly. This can be the result of misunderstanding the question or form. It can also be simply due to the length and time it takes to complete the application. In either case, a small mistake or omission can be the difference between an acceptance or a denial. There are numerous services designed to help you with the application process. They also can hopefully answer any questions you may have along the way. Taking advantage of these services can go a long way to ensuring your claim is accepted.

Categories
Financial Savings

Earn Money With A Checking Account

Checking Account

We have been conditioned to think that even though bank accounts are necessary that they are a drain on our resources. For example, most bank accounts come with high monthly fees, unless a user maintains a significant minimum monthly balance or meets other restrictions. Users may also be hit with heavy fees if they overdraw their accounts. Many banks charge overdraft fees in excess of $30. 

But, not all bank accounts are costly. In fact, some checking accounts may actually earn users money. This primarily happens via bonuses that customers receive when they open checking accounts.

Checking Accounts With Bonuses

Not all banks offer bonuses for customers to open new checking accounts, and not all bonuses are created equally. This means that it is important for a customer to shop around. Comparison shopping also means looking at more than just the upfront bonus. Customers should also consider how they will likely be using the account and what the long-term associated fees will be.

The bonuses that are offered generally range from $100 to $250. However, some banks may offer even more attractive bonuses, particularly to high net worth customers. For example, HSBC Bank currently offers a $750 bonus for its premier checking account. However, customers need to be aware that they will be charged a $50 monthly fee unless they maintain a $100,000 minimum account balance. This minimum is outside the means for most customers.

The Best Bonus for You

When opening a checking account, particularly one with good bonuses attached, they may want to check your credit score up front. If they use a hard pull on your credit, this will make your score dip lower temporarily. If your score was already not the best and you were planning on using it soon, like if you were considering buying a car or renting an apartment, then you may want to check with other banks first or hold off on the checking account until things are settled.

Banks aren’t known for giving money away for free, so don’t expect this to come without other types of attachments. For instance, there’ll be fees on the account like monthly maintenance charges which might take up the whole bonus, if not more. Not to mention that the bonus is technically considered interest, so the government will want to take out taxes on this so-called free money. Lastly, consider interest rates at various banks. Some banks that offer no bonuses but has competitive rates may earn you more money than vice versa.

Other Caveats For A Checking Account

Minimum monthly balances are only one issue that consumers need to take into account when they are shopping for a new checking account with a sign-on bonus. Banks often put other requirements or caveats on these accounts, some of which are more stringent or restrictive than others. Many of these accounts will require that customers have at least one direct deposit enter their account each month. Since most employers now pay via direct deposit, this is not a difficult requirement to meet.

Another requirement that customers need to take note of is the minimum amount of time that an account needs to be open. Many banks require customers cashing in on these sign-on bonuses to keep an account for six months or more, while some banks set the minimum to one year. Customers who close their accounts before then may be required to pay back their initial bonus.

These aren’t reasons turn away an account with a sign-on bonus. They are simply buyer-beware caveats. Make sure to read the fine print about any account before opening one.

In the End

Customers should treat shopping for a new bank just like they treat any other shopping experience. They should work to collect as much information as possible and weigh this information against their own unique needs. What works for one customer may not be the appropriate answer for another. Consumers have the opportunity to pick the bank account that best meets their long-term needs, ideally one that offers an attractive account opening bonus for new customers.