I Was Denied Disability and Can’t Work. What Now?

Submitted by rsg on

If you were denied disability benefits but you cannot work, you may still be able to get disability benefits. You can file an appeal if your claim was denied. The denial letter will explain why your claim was denied, so you can provide additional documentation and supporting evidence for your claim. Your denial letter will also specify the deadline for filing an appeal, which is also known as a request for reconsideration.

What To Do If You Were Denied Disability and Can’t Work

If you were denied disability and can't work then you can file an appeal, also known as a request for reconsideration. There are several steps that you need to follow if your claim is denied. Here is the protocol you must follow:

  • File within the deadline listed on your denial letter
  • Provide the additional evidence that is requested in the denial notice
  • Continue gathering supporting evidence and documentation
  • Keep seeking medical care

Continue with any treatment, so your files will be updated, and you will have continuing medical records that confirm you are still suffering form the condition in question. Updated evidence is essential to the success of your disability claim. The monthly disability benefits can help with living expenses and medical care while you are unable to work because of your medical issues.

How To Prove You Can’t Work Because of a Disabling Condition

You will need to prove that your condition is severe enough that you cannot work. You will need to prove without a doubt the severity of your condition and your inability to work and earn a living. Here are some things you will need to provide in support of your claim:

  • Medical evidence, including surgical notes, test results, imaging reports, and so forth
  • Residual functional capacity (RFC) form completed by your treating physician who can confirm the severity of your condition and your inability to work
  • Notes from doctors
  • Statements from employers and coworkers
  • Statements from those familiar with your situation, such as friends and family

You will need to show that your condition has affected your ability to function and work. You will need all the supporting evidence that you can gather. Maintain thorough documentation and continue seeing treatment and following physician’s orders.

Further Reading: What Conditions Qualify For Disability?

Getting Legal Representation

If your disability claim has been denied and you can't work, you should enlist the help of a disability lawyer. A disability attorney is likely familiar with the applicable laws and can review your claim to determine what additional evidence and documentation is needed for your claim to be approved. Your lawyer can help you apply for SSDI or SSI. Disability lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, so you will not have to pay anything upfront. An attorney may ensure any documents are filed by the deadlines and can help you prepare for court should your disability claim advance to the hearing level. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with an attorney who represents disabled individuals through the disability claims process.

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