While many people qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, only about 30% get approved on their first try.
If you’re among the 60% who were denied or just want to be well-prepared, it’s helpful to understand why most applications don’t get approved, especially if you are navigating the process in Tampa.
However, getting help from a Social Security disability attorney in Tampa can also increase your chances of getting approved.
Here’s a closer look at some of the main reasons for being denied Social Security Disability benefits:
You make too much money.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) won’t approve your application if you’re earning more than $1620 a month from work (as of 2025).
This is because they only approve people who can’t work due to their disability. If you’re working a lot and earning more than this amount, they might think you don’t need the benefits.
You can still work a little when applying for disability benefits, but your monthly income from work must stay under $1620 (for nonblind individuals).
Keep in mind that this rule doesn’t apply to money you make from investments or other non-work sources—they only consider what you earn from a job.
Not enough medical proof
To get Social Security Disability benefits, you need medical records that show your disability stops you from working.
If your doctor hasn’t noted in your records that your injury or condition keeps you from working, your claim will probably be denied. Make sure to tell your doctor how your disability affects your ability to work. It’s also helpful to have doctor’s notes that say you can’t work or that recommend a reduced schedule.
Here’s what the SSA wants to see:
- Notes from doctors about your pain or disability.
- Proof that you’ve tried different treatments or medications.
- Evidence that, despite your efforts, your disability now makes it impossible for you to work.
Refiling After Your Disability Claim Is Denied
If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, don’t make the mistake of filing a new claim. This won’t work because once they see you’ve already applied, they’ll either deny you again or reject your new claim for the same reasons as before.
Instead, you should appeal the decision. It’s a better approach to challenge their denial than to start over.
To improve your chances, consider hiring an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. They can guide you through the process and help ensure you submit the right paperwork.
Not Following Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan Could Hurt Your Claim
If you’re not taking the medications or following the treatments your doctor recommended, your disability claim is more likely to be denied.
It is because it’s hard for a doctor to prove that your condition stops you from working if you’re not using the treatments meant to help you improve.
To strengthen your claim, you need to show that you’re seeing a specialist and doing everything you can to get better and return to work.
There are some valid reasons for not following your doctor’s treatment plan, such as:
- A strong fear of surgery, confirmed by your doctor
- Not being able to afford treatment
- A severe mental illness
- Religious beliefs that prevent certain medical treatments
- Another doctor disagrees with the recommended treatment
- Needing help due to a preexisting condition
Keep in mind that you’ll only be denied for refusing treatment if it was expected to help you recover enough to work.
If your doctor tells Social Security that the treatment wouldn’t have improved your ability to work, this won’t count against you.
Make Sure the SSA Can Reach You
You could lose your chance at Social Security Disability benefits if the Social Security Administration (SSA) can’t get in touch with you.
It’s important to be available to discuss any issues with your application. If you move and don’t update your contact information, the SSA won’t be able to reach you and may deny your claim.
If you have a lawyer handling your case, they’ll take care of most of the communication with the SSA. However, it’s still crucial to stay in close contact with your lawyer to ensure nothing is missed.
Allowing SSA Access to Your Medical Records is Crucial
The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to see your medical records to decide if your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working and qualify you for benefits. If you don’t give them access to your records, your claim is likely to be denied.
Sometimes, the SSA may need more information about your condition. This could happen if you don’t have a regular doctor or if your medical records are incomplete.
In these cases, they’ll ask you to visit one of their doctors for a consultative examination (CE). The government pays for these exams, and you may need to attend more than one.
If you skip a CE or refuse to go, your claim could be denied. However, if the time or location of the exam doesn’t work for you, contact your claim examiner.
They can reschedule it at a time and place that fits your needs.
Need help with your disability claim? Reach out to Social Security attorney Tampa today!
