If you have applied for disability benefits, you should be aware that it is a complicated process. If your disability claim was denied in Utah, you are not alone. Most applicants will have their claim denied at least once.
When a claim is denied, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you written notification of their findings, detailing why your claim was denied. It will also include specific details regarding the appeals process, so you can get your appeal filed and your claim back on track.
Why are Social Security Disability Claims Denied in Utah?
Disability claims are constantly being denied. If you are facing a claim denied in Utah, you are not alone. There are countless reasons for claims being denied, but some reasons are much more common than others. Here are a few of the leading reasons for claims being denied.
- The leading cause of claim denials is a lack of hard evidence. When Disability Determination Services (DDS) is reviewing your claim, they need to be able to determine the severity of your condition as well as all your limitations and restrictions. If your records don’t contain this kind of evidence, they cannot determine if you are disabled or not. Hard medical evidence that states the facts is essential to your case.
- Another reason for claims being denied is that the applicant has already had a previous claim denied. Instead of filing an appeal, the applicant starts the process all over and doesn’t provide new information or additional documentation. Instead of using this approach, you will need to file an appeal and continue through the process. This way, you will not be giving up any back benefits that you will be entitled to when your claim is approved.
- Some applicants continue working while applying for benefits. This can result in your claim being denied. If you are earning more than the limits for substantial gainful activity (SGA), you will not be approved for benefits. This gives the impression you can work and earn a living. As of 2024, the SGA limits are $1,550 per month for a non-blind individual and $2,590 per month for a blind individual.
- A lack of follow-up care is another reason that claims are denied. You need to continue seeing your doctor regularly. Visit specialists as needed as well. DDS needs to determine if your condition has stayed the same, worsened, or improved. Without knowing this, they cannot determine if you are eligible for benefits.
- Then too often applicants fail to cooperate. If you are contacted by the SSA and told that you need to supply additional information, such as more medical records or documentation from your previous employers, you need to supply it by the specified deadline. If there is a problem getting those documents, or if you don’t understand what they are asking for, you should contact them.
A disability attorney in Utah can help you get your claim together. Your lawyer will make sure DDS has access to all your medical records and that you have hard evidence in place, so your claim can be on the right track.
Where are Utah ODARs?
If your claim has been denied in Utah, you will need to file an appeal. After a couple of appeals, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. These hearings are held at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). It can take months to get a hearing scheduled.
Here is the Utah ODAR:
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Salt Lake City ODAR Office
125 South State Street, Suite 3102
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138
The state only has one hearing office, and the average wait time for a hearing there is 20.5 months. It takes an average of 646 days for a claim to be processed in Utah.
How a Social Security Attorney in Utah Can Help Appeal Your Disability Claim Denial
If your disability claim was denied in Utah, you will need to enlist the help of a disability attorney in Utah. A lawyer will ensure your claim is handled effectively and efficiently, making sure your case is reviewed fairly and that you have all the evidence ready for review. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today.
