When unable to work, a California resident may seek different types of financial support for his or her daily needs. For some, this may mean completing an application for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. In order to qualify for these benefits, there must be clear evidence of a disabling physical or mental condition. Unfortunately, even with a valid claim, some initial claims still come back denied.
Reasons for denial
There are a variety of reasons why the SSA could deny a valid claim for disability benefits. When reviewing an application, there are specific factors that could impact the outcome of the claim, including the evidence and medical documentation provided. The SSA evaluates the following when reviewing claims:
- Is the applicant capable of working as they did in the past?
- Does the applicant have a valid disabling condition?
- Is the applicant currently working?
- How severe is the applicant’s condition?
- Can the applicant do any other type of work?
If there is insufficient evidence proving disability or the SSA believes the applicant could still work, the applicant may not get his or her initial claim approved.
After a denied claim
A denied claim is frustrating, but it is not the end of the road. There are options for appeal, as well as a request for the SSA to reconsider the application. It may be helpful to work with an experienced California attorney in order to have assistance with every aspect of the disability claims process, from completing the paperwork to appealing a denied claim.