Direct answer
Why was my SSDI denied?
The most common reasons the SSA denies SSDI are insufficient medical evidence, earnings above the SGA limit, failure to follow prescribed treatment, lack of enough recent work credits, or a determination that the applicant can still perform some type of work.
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications are denied. A denial is not the end — most approvals come after appeal, especially at the ALJ hearing level.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
Common denial reasons
Insufficient medical evidence; earnings above SGA; not enough work credits; failure to follow prescribed treatment; or SSA's conclusion that other work is possible.
What should I do after a denial?
File a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — The Appeals Process (ssa.gov)