What are some ways Social Security finds to deny disability benefits? Here are the common ones:
1. Finding that you do not meet or equal a Listing. A Listing is a severe medical impairment listed in the "Blue Book." It is very difficult to meet all the requirements of a Listing. So, failing to meet a Listing will prevent an automatic approval based on the most severe medical conditions.
2. Finding that you do not meet a medical-vocational rule or "grid rule." These rules apply to persons age 50 and over who have physical impairments and often dictate a finding of disabled. Persons under 50 cannot qualify under a grid rule, neither can individuals who only have mental (non-exertional) disabilities.
3. Finding that there exist jobs in the US economy that the claimant could perform, given his/her age, education, work history and functional capacity. For claimants under the age of 50, this will often cause a denial.
4. Finding that the claimant has worked at substantial gainful activity (SGA) after applying for disability benefits. Social Security has a hard, fast rule with no exceptions: a claimant must not work while getting disability benefits. In 2021, they will find that a person is employed at substantial gainful activity if his/her gross earnings are at least $1,310 per month. This applies to self-employment, also.
5. Finding that the claimant can perform one or more past jobs. Only jobs within the past 15 years are considered for this.
6. Finding that the claimant stopped working for some reason other than disability. For example, if a person stops working due to retirement, getting a pension, moving, getting laid off or fired, the employer closed the business, transportation problems or staying home to take care of a sick family member--these will usually not be approved. The reason is simple: none of those things are disabling conditions that prevent the physical and/or mental ability to work. They are not covered by the Social Security Act.
7. Finding that the claimant does not have a medically determinable impairment which (a) has lasted at least 12 straight months, (b) is medically expected to last at least 12 straight months, OR is expected to end in death. Social Security will not pay for a short term disability (one that lasts less than 12 straight months). A claimant must have a period of 12 months during which he/she is not able to work at substantial gainful activity (earning at least $1,310 per month).
8. Finding that the claimant has not worked enough (or recently enough) to have insured status under the Social Security Act. You need to have earned "work credits" before being covered under the Social Security Act. The usual rule is: You must have worked at least 5 years out of the most recent ten-year period. This work does not necessarily have to be full-time.* But you must have accumulated the minimum work credits. Most people need 20 work credits to be covered by Social Security disability.
*In 2021, you earn 1 work credit by earning at least $1,470 in a calendar quarter. In 2020, that number was $1,410 per quarter. The amount of earnings required for 1 quarter of credit increase year by year.