The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides important support to disabled Americans. Many of them wouldn’t be able to live independent lives if it weren’t for this vital financial aid. However, it isn’t always easy getting approved for Social Security Disability (SSD). Countless applications are denied every year.

Fortunately, individuals who are initially denied SSD benefits may have have good luck pursuing an appeal. First, before filing such an appeal it’s important to understand the how and why the initial application was denied. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• The applicant makes too much money. Those who earn over $940 monthly won’t qualify for SSD benefits.
• The disability is not going to last 12 months or it isn’t related to a fatal illness.
• The disabled person is not following the treatment plan of his or her doctor, and he or she doesn’t qualify for the following exemptions from treatment:
  • You can’t afford treatment
  • The treatment is against your religion
  • The doctor’s prescribed treatment wasn’t effective
  • Your mental illness prevents you from following the treatment
• You didn’t submit the medical records requested by the SSA.
• The SSA hasn’t been able to find you.

Once you understand the reason for the denial of an SSD claim, you can then focus on gathering the necessary information to submit an appeal. In some cases, with better medical records that prove an illness and a clearer diagnosis from the doctor or more information, applicants can cure their Social Security claim deficiencies, qualify for benefits and receive the financial support they desperately require.