What Is a Technical Denial for Social Security Disability Benefits?
If you have filed a Social Security Disability Benefits claim for both Supplemental Security (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may receive a technical denial for one or both of the benefits. If this is the case for you, you’re probably wondering what this means and if it is possible to appeal the decision. This depends on which claim you were denied and why.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits through SSDI
For an SSDI claim, the technical requirements are based on work credits. The number of work credits that are required depends on your age. If you are 31 years old, you only need 20 work credits, while someone who is 62 or older needs 40 work credits. Typically, 20 of the 40 credits must be earned in the last ten years, so that means you must have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years.
Over the course of your work history, you have earned work credits depending on your wages. This has changed over the years, but for 2011, one work credit amounts to $1,120 in wages, and you can only earn a maximum of 4 work credits each year. If you have been denied SSDI because you don’t have enough work credits, you cannot appeal.
Another reason why you might receive a technical denial for SSDI benefits is that you were not found disabled before the date last insured. If this is the case, you can appeal if you can provide records that prove that your disability existed before the date last insured.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits through SSI
Technical denial for SSI is based on your income and resources. Social Security includes your income as well as food and shelter, but they do not include income such as food stamps or home energy assistance. Income limits vary by location and are based on the Federal Benefit Rate.
You will be denied disability benefits if you have more than $2,000 in resources available to you as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. This does not include the home you live in, vehicles used as primary transportation, wedding rings of any value, income set aside for an SSI “plan for achieving self-support” (PASS), burial savings up to $1,500, and support payments.
For this type of technical denial of Social Security Disability Benefits, you can re-file if your resources or income dip below the limits required. Once you’ve met the technical requirements, you must then pass the medical requirements, so be aware that re-filing doesn’t guarantee you will be accepted. You may then receive a medical denial.
If you are dealing with a technical or medical denial for Social Security Disability Benefits, get the legal help you need by calling 800-562-9830 to get a free consultation. Check out our website today and get yourself a Social Security Disability lawyer you can trust.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
