Individuals who cannot work due to disabilities may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. However, in order for a person to qualify and receive benefits he or she must first fill out and submit an application. Mistakes, omissions and disqualifying information included on a Georgia resident’s disability benefits paperwork may lead to the individual receiving a denial of benefits letter from the Social Security Administration.
While mistakes and omissions may be remedied with relative ease, overcoming disqualifying information may not. For example, the Social Security Administration has a specific definition for “disability.” If a person’s ailment does not meet that definition or does not last as long as is necessary to qualify the person for benefits then the application may be rejected.
An application for Social Security disability benefits may be denied due to the applicant’s failure to meet nonmedical requirements as well. Applicants for disability benefits must not have incomes above a certain threshold; if they make too much or are found to have other means of supporting themselves, then their disability benefits requests may be denied.
Receiving a denial of benefits letter from the Social Security Administration does not mean that an applicant’s fight for benefits has to end. There is a four-part appeals process that applicants may pursue if they believe that their requests for benefits are justified. Beginning with a review and working all the way up to a hearing in the federal courts, the appeals process for a denied benefits claim ensures that applicants have sufficient opportunity to seek financial support from the Social Security Administration when their disabilities prevent them from holding down jobs.
