Skip to main content If my disability is not permanent, can I still qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
Yes, you can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if your disability is not permanent. However, your disabling condition must be expected to last for at least a year to qualify for benefits. But that is not the only eligibility requirement for individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits.
Morgan and Morgan disability benefits attorneys can help you understand your options if you want to apply for benefits. All you need to do is fill out our free case evaluation form.
Can I Still Qualify for Benefits If I Work?
Yes, you can. However, your wages will also determine your eligibility. As of 2022, you cannot earn more than $1350 a month or $2260 if you are blind and also keep your disability benefits. If you earn more than these limits set by the SSA, the government agency will conclude that you participated in Substantial Gainful Activity, effectively disqualifying you from receiving benefits.
That said, there are many different ways to navigate these laws. For example, if you earn more than the SGA limit, a Morgan and Morgan attorney can evaluate your earnings and expenses to check whether you may still be able to qualify for benefits.
Contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your options.
The Social Security Administration Rejected My Application for Disability Benefits — What Should I Do?
The SSA rejects most applications for benefits. This is because the government agency receives thousands of applications every year, some of which are fraudulent.
That said, just because the SSA rejected your application does not mean it is fraudulent. Rather, it could be a case of missing paperwork, misinterpretation, wrong filing process, or anything along those lines. For this reason, it is advisable to hire an experienced disability benefits attorney to review your existing application or help you create one from scratch.
This decision could significantly improve your chances of receiving favorable results. Attorneys know what the SSA looks for in these applications. In addition, they are always updated about new rules and regulations applicants should follow when applying for benefits.
Can I File an Appeal If the SSA Denies My Application for Disability Benefits?
Yes, you can. As mentioned earlier, a denied application allows you to make certain corrections before resubmission. For best results, consider hiring an experienced disability benefits attorney to help you with this process.
At Morgan and Morgan, we understand how frustrating it is to have your application rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Unfortunately, this could mean waiting even longer for the benefits you need to take care of yourself or your loved ones. For this reason, we might be able to help you file an appeal and convince the SSA that you need the benefits you have applied for.
How Many Times Can I Appeal the SSA’s Decision?
In most cases, when the SSA rejects your application, you may be able to appeal at least four times. Here is how the appeals process works:
If the SSA denies your application the first time, you can file for a reconsideration. As the name suggests, this is a petition requesting the government agency to reconsider their decision for various reasons you will need to highlight in your petition.
If rejected the second time, you may be able to file another appeal, presenting the case before an administrative law judge. Suppose the judge rejects your appeal. In that case, you may be able to file an appeal to have it reviewed by the Appeals Council.
Lastly, if the Appeals Council also rejects your petition, you may petition to have it reviewed by a Federal Court.
What Are Some Common Reasons the SSI Denies Disability Benefits Applications?
The SSA denies disability benefits applications for different reasons. The most common include:
- Failure to return all required forms to the SSA
- The applicant has a medical condition that would not last for at least a year
- The applicant’s assets or income at over the SSA’s limit
- The applicant’s medical conditions are not severe enough to justify the need for benefits
- The applicant missed a crucial deadline
Where Can I Find a Competent Social Security Disability Attorney?
If you are looking for a competent Social Security disability attorney, look no further than Morgan and Morgan.
Why Morgan and Morgan Social Security Disability Attorneys?
We are the country's largest personal injury law firm, boasting access to powerful legal resources to fight for our client’s rights. In addition, our disability attorneys have years of experience handling these kinds of cases. They know what the SSA looks for when reviewing applications for benefits and how to ensure they meet these requirements.
For this reason, working with our attorneys significantly increases your chances of obtaining favorable results. But, most importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled by the largest and most powerful personal injury law firm in the country consisting of lawyers who understand how much these benefits mean to you.
If you or your loved one has been denied Social Security disability benefits for any reason, having our legal representatives review your case does not cost you anything. We will do that for free. You never know—we might be able to convince the SSA to overturn their decision, granting you the benefits you need and deserve.
Ready to get started with your claim? If so, fill out our free case evaluation form.
