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If you were denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you’re in the majority. Around 60% to 65% of claims are denied at the initial claim stage based on recent SSA data and independent analysis Social Security Administration (SSA).
This article explains why so many claims are denied and what you can do next.
The SSA denies disability claims for many reasons. These are the most common reasons an initial disability application is denied.
Not having enough medical evidence to prove that your condition prevents or limits your ability to work for at least 12 months typically results in Social Security denial.
To qualify for SSDI, your health condition must prevent you from “performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).” The SSA's income limits for SGA in 2026 are $1,690 a month or $2,830 a month if you’re blind gross income. If you earn more than that each month, your disability claim will be denied.
To get SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your disability must be severe enough to prevent or limit your work as defined by SGA for at least 12 months or have a condition that is expected to result in death.
When the SSA reviews your medical records, you may be denied Social Security benefits if you didn’t follow your health care providers’ treatment plans or if you haven’t been on the treatment long enough to see how you respond to it.
During the application process, answering all the questions is crucial. Write “none” or “N/A” when you don’t have a response because blank answers may cause a denial. Plus, if the SSA requests supporting documents, your paperwork must be submitted by the SSA deadline. It’s best to send supporting documents as soon as possible.
One of the most common reasons you’ll be denied SSDI is that you don’t have enough work credits. To be eligible for disability, you must have worked jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets SSA’s strict definition of disability. You may still qualify for SSI with fewer or no work credits, though.
If your disability won’t last at least 12 months or result in death, you will be denied Social Security disability benefits.
It can be frustrating and disheartening when you’re denied Social Security disability, but you’re not alone – about 35% to 40% of claims are approved at the first stage. Thankfully, you can appeal the decision. Follow the next steps to improve your chances of approval on appeal.
When your disability is denied, it’s important to understand why. Review your letter carefully to prepare for the appeal. The reason for denial may be on the front page or in a detailed Personalized Disability Explanation.
You may need to provide more medical proof of your disability or improve the information you submitted. Inconsistencies in your online “my Social Security” file, gaps in your medical reports, and missing or incorrect contact information for health care providers can all lead to denied benefits. Find what SSA needs to complete your appeal here.
You can request reconsideration for a disability or non-medical denial within 60 days of receiving the denial letter.
Your case will be reviewed again after you file for reconsideration. You can expect a decision on this first appeal in several months; recent data shows reconsideration decisions often take around four to seven months.
If your reconsideration is denied, you’ll have 60 days to request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It can take about 9 to 18 months to get the in-person or video conference ALJ hearing scheduled and get a decision, depending on how busy your local hearing office is.
Read more on how to prepare for your ALJ hearing here.
If the ALJ’s decision is unfavorable, you can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The appeals council can deny your request, send your case back to the ALJ, or reverse the decision. This process can take months to over a year.
Filing a lawsuit in federal district court is your final appeal opportunity. Depending on the court’s schedule, it may take over a year for your case to be heard.
Being thorough greatly improves your chances of approval on the initial application or at appeal. Providing complete, consistent details of your personal, work, and medical information with no discrepancies.
You also need to:
The easiest way to meet appeals deadlines and respond quickly to SSA requests for additional documentation is to watch your “my Social Security” account for updates and requests.
The appeals process can be confusing and stressful. A disability advocate or lawyer can help you understand the appeals process, gather medical records, fill out appeals forms, write an appeals letter, meet deadlines, and prepare for and represent you at SSA meetings or hearings.
Lots of people feel like, “My disability was denied, now what?” If you still have questions about your denial or the appeals process, Advocate can help you get answers.
You have the right to appeal if your SSDI claim is denied, and most people go through the appeals process before getting disability insurance.
At each stage, you’ll have 60 days from the date you get your denial letter to appeal. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t delay, please get help.
You can’t have two disability claims for the same condition, so you want to appeal instead of filing again. However, if you have a new condition that qualifies for disability, your condition has gotten significantly worse, or you missed the deadline for appeal, you may need to reapply. Denied cases can also be reopened when conditions worsen, so check that route first.
You have the right to hire a lawyer or work with a qualified representative. They can help you with the process or speak to the SSA for you.
You may work while filing an appeal if your income doesn’t meet the SGA limits defined above. If you earn the SGA amount or more, you’re not considered disabled.
If your disability claim is reconsidered and denied, which can take several months (often around four to seven months), it may be another about 9 to 18 months before you get a disability hearing with an ALJ.
Wait times vary, but it can take about 9 to 18 months in many areas to get a hearing, depending on the court schedule at your local hearing office. You can check the status of your hearing request on your “my Social Security” account.
The court is required to notify you of the hearing date at least 75 days before it, but you can waive this requirement in an attempt to get your hearing scheduled faster.
Sources:
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2020/sect04.html
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-appeals-ussi.htm