Why Was Your Disability Claim Denied?

The first step in deciding whether to reapply is to determine why your claim was denied. Some common reasons include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Failure to meet SSA’s definition of disability
• Earnings above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit
• Not following through with SSA’s requests
• Your condition did not meet SSA’s impairment listing

Understanding the denial reason helps you address the issues before you reapply.

Can You Reapply After a Denial?

Yes, you can reapply after a denial, but you’ll need to carefully consider your next steps. Reapplying may be appropriate if:

• You’ve developed new evidence that wasn’t available at the time of the original application (e.g., new medical records or a new diagnosis).
• Your condition has worsened since your original application.
• You have more documentation that better supports your disability claim.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Reapply Within 60 Days
   After a denial, you generally have 60 days to either appeal the decision or submit a new claim. If you miss this deadline, you may have to start from scratch with a new application.
2. Start Fresh with New Medical Evidence
   If you decide to reapply, the SSA will review your claim as if it’s brand new. This means you need to present new medical evidence to support your disability.
3. Follow the Correct Steps
   You’ll need to complete a new application, submit updated documentation, and ensure all the required forms are filled out accurately. Simply resubmitting the same information from your previous claim could result in another denial.

Is Reapplying the Right Option?

Before you decide to reapply, consider if you’re likely to be successful with a new application. In some cases, it may be better to appeal the denial rather than start a new application. The SSA has a multi-step appeals process, which includes:

1. Request for Reconsideration – A review of your claim by someone who wasn’t involved in the original decision.
2. Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing.
3. Appeals Council – If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the SSA’s Appeals Council.

Reapplying could mean starting the process over again, while appealing could be faster and more efficient if you already have supporting evidence.