Some Social Security Disability claims are denied before claims examiners determine whether an applicant has a disability. Some of these claims receive a technical denial while others receive an informal denial. Informal and technical denials can happen after an application is filed or during the appeal process.
While there are similarities between technical and informal denials, there are some important differences between these two types of denials. Our experienced attorneys discuss these differences below.
If your disability application was denied for any reason, our firm may be able to help you file an appeal. We have helped many applicants obtain benefits at no upfront cost. We have extensive knowledge and understanding of the process for obtaining Social Security Disability benefits.
What is a Technical Denial of an SSD Claim?
A technical denial is a denial for non-medical reasons. In other words, the denial has nothing to do with whether your medical impairment fits the criteria for a disability.
While many applicants are denied disability benefits for medical reasons, about half of applicants who are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receive technical denials, according to the Social Security Administration. Technical denials are issued to about a quarter of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants.
What Can Trigger a Technical Denial of an Application?
Often, applications receive a technical denial because the applicant earns too much money. You cannot obtain Social Security Disability if you are earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for the year you are applying. In 2022, the SGA limit is $1,350 per month for non-blind applicants and $2,260 for blind applicants.
While you can work and receive disability benefits, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit and be approved for disability benefits.
Technical denials are also issued when applicants have not earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits or when they have not worked enough in the past decade. You must have worked five of the past 10 years to qualify for disability benefits.
For example, if you stopped working exactly six years ago, the date when you were last insured would be one year ago. If you were not found to be disabled before that date, your claim would be technically denied. However, if you can prove you were disabled more than a year ago, you may be able to appeal a technical denial based on your work history.
Failing to cooperate with claims examiners can also result in a technical denial of an SSD claim. If you do not provide the information claims examiners are asking for, or they cannot reach you to ask for more information, your claim could receive a technical denial. Without this information, a decision about your disability cannot be made so your claim will not be forwarded to the appropriate state agency.
While it can be tough to appeal a technical denial, it may be possible. You should strongly consider working with an experienced attorney to do so. Appeals can be complicated, and you want to make sure details do not get missed. If you try to handle things on your own there is a greater risk of details being missed.
What is an Informal Denial of an SSD Claim?
Informal denials are more likely to be made with claims for SSI. While informal denials can be made because you earn more than the SGA limit (from wages, workers’ compensation benefits or another public disability program), an SSI application can also be denied because you have too many resources, such as bank accounts, investments, real estate or other assets.
You will not be approved for SSI benefits if you have countable resources worth more than $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 if you are applying as a couple.
An informal denial saves time because claims examiners do not need to interview the applicant and determine whether the applicant’s medical condition meets the definition of a disability.
Medical Denials of Disability Claims
If you do not receive a technical or informal denial, your claim can proceed to the next stage when your disability can be considered. Claims examiners need to determine if your medical issues fit the criteria for a disability listing. If your medical issue does not fit the criteria for a disability, your claim will receive a medical denial.
Filing an Appeal of a Disability Claim
You have 60 days from the date of your denial to appeal the decision. However, you will likely need additional evidence or clarification of evidence you have already submitted to overturn the denial of your application.
You should not try to put together an appeal on your own. The experienced attorneys at Schmidt Kramer can guide you through each step. We have helped many applicants appeal a denial and know what it takes to build a strong claim for benefits.
Give Us a Call Today to Discuss Our Services
You do not need to go through the process of applying for disability benefits on your own. Our Harrisburg Social Security Disability lawyers are available to help you pursue the benefits you need. We do not charge upfront fees for our services. The initial consultation is also free of charge.
Contact Schmidt Kramer today to learn more: (717) 510-1782.