When SSA denies your claim because it isn’t “expected to last”

On Behalf of | May 16, 2022 | Social Security Disability Insurance |

Maybe you’ve had a pretty serious injury in a wreck that has left you with external and internal pins in your leg, meaning you are utterly immobile. Maybe you’ve developed a form of leukemia or some other type of cancer, and the illness combined with the treatment has made it impossible for you to work.

Either way, you certainly thought you would qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, so it was a shock when your claims were summarily (and quickly) denied based on the idea that your condition wasn’t expected to last for 12 months or longer (or end in death).

What just happened?

Essentially, it comes down to this: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has no type of short-term disability benefits. This often confuses applicants because they tend to be more familiar with the way that workers’ compensation benefits work – where short-term benefits are possible.

If your condition was recently acquired or diagnosed, SSA may be disinclined to believe that you will continue to have the same limitations for a full year or longer. Many doctors are also reluctant to make projections out that far, so that may be another issue that pushes your claim to a denial.

What are your options?

Ideally, by the time your reconsideration for benefits – which is the first stage of an appeal – is processed, you will be at or near the 12-month mark. That can help your claim sail through the process much more easily.

If you aren’t likely to be at that point, it may help to have an evaluation by a specialist who is willing to commit to a prognosis and a timeline for your recovery.

Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be very difficult, no matter how just your cause. It can help to obtain experienced assistance with your claim.

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