1. Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence

One of the main reasons SSDI claims are denied is the lack of strong, consistent medical evidence proving that your condition prevents you from working. The SSA needs detailed documentation showing how your disability limits your ability to perform daily activities or maintain employment.

To strengthen your claim:

• See your doctors regularly. Missed appointments or gaps in care can make it appear that your condition isn’t serious.
• Provide detailed medical records. Include lab results, hospital reports, imaging tests, and doctors’ notes.
• Request a written statement from your physician. A letter describing your symptoms, limitations, and inability to work can carry significant weight with the SSA.
• Include specialists. If you see specialists (like neurologists, psychiatrists, or orthopedists), make sure their records are submitted too.

Without consistent medical documentation, even legitimate claims can be denied.

2. Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment

The SSA expects applicants to follow the treatment plans prescribed by their doctors. If you fail to take medication, attend therapy sessions, or follow other medical instructions without a valid reason, your claim may be denied.

The SSA assumes that if treatment could improve your condition and allow you to work, you aren’t disabled under their rules.

However, there are exceptions — for example, if you can’t afford treatment, experience severe side effects, or have religious objections. These reasons should always be clearly explained and documented in your records.

3. Income or Work Above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Level

SSDI is only for individuals who cannot work due to a disability. If you are earning more than the SGA limit, the SSA may decide that you’re not disabled enough to qualify.

For 2025, the SGA threshold is roughly $1,550 per month for most applicants (and slightly higher for those who are blind). Even part-time work or side jobs can lead to a denial if your earnings exceed this limit.

Before applying, review your income carefully and stop working above the SGA threshold to avoid complications with your claim.

4. The Disability Is Not Severe or Long-Term Enough

To qualify for SSDI, your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial work and must last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death. If your condition is temporary, mild, or expected to improve quickly with treatment, the SSA may deny your claim.

For example:

• A short-term injury, like a broken arm, won’t qualify.
• A mild mental health condition that responds well to therapy may also be denied.

It’s important to provide medical documentation proving that your condition significantly limits your ability to work long-term.

5. Incomplete or Inaccurate Application

Many applicants are denied simply because of mistakes or missing information on their SSDI application.

Common errors include:

• Failing to list all doctors, hospitals, or clinics visited.
• Providing incorrect work history or income details.
• Skipping questions on the SSA forms.
• Not submitting required documents.

Even a single missing form can delay or result in denial. Before submitting, double-check every section of your application and ensure all supporting documents are attached.

6. Previous Denial Without New Evidence

Some applicants try to reapply after being denied, hoping for a different result — but without providing new or updated evidence, the SSA will likely deny the new application as well. If you’ve already been denied, don’t just start a new claim. Instead:

• File an appeal within 60 days.
• Submit additional medical records or new test results.
• Explain any changes in your condition that make your situation worse.

Reapplying with the same information rarely works — the appeals process is usually a better path forward.

7. Failure to Cooperate With the SSA

The SSA may request additional documents, schedule medical exams, or contact you for clarification. If you fail to respond to requests or attend scheduled exams, your claim could be denied due to “failure to cooperate.”

Always:

• Check your mail and SSA online account regularly.
• Respond promptly to any SSA requests.
• Attend all consultative examinations.

Ignoring these steps signals to the SSA that you may not be serious about your claim.

8. Lack of Work Credits

SSDI benefits are based on your work history and Social Security contributions. If you haven’t worked long enough or recently enough, you may not have the required work credits to qualify.

Typically, you need about 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.



If you lack sufficient work history, you may still qualify for SSI instead, which is based on financial need rather than work credits.