When you file a claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the SSA will assess whether or not you meet the technical requirements for either program. If you do not meet the technical requirements for DIB or SSI you will be denied.
If you file an application for DIB, the SSA needs to determine if you have worked long enough or recently enough to qualify. In order to qualify, you must be insured through SSA at the time your disability began. You become insured by working and paying FICA taxes which allows you to earn work credits. Work credits go towards your date last insured (DLI). To receive DIB benefits you must be found disabled prior to your DLI.
If you have previously filed for DIB benefits and were denied after your DLI and did not appeal, you will receive a Res Judicata denial. The SSA will refuse to process your claim as they have already decided you were not disabled through your DLI. For more information on eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability please view the SSA’s publication “Disability Benefits.”
When you file an application for SSI benefits, the SSA will evaluate if you meet their financial need requirements. The SSA will ask you to provide information regarding your income, household income, and assets. If you are single, your income and assets must be valued at under $2000. If you are married, you and your spouse’s income and assets must be valued at under $3000. The SSA will exempt one house and one care. For more information on SSI eligibility please view the SSA’s publication “Supplemental Security Income (SSI).”
Typically, if you receive a denial for DIB or SSI there is not a reason to appeal. however, if you believe the facts in the denial are wrong, contact your local Social Security office to file an appeal. You cannot appeal a technical denial online.
If you receive a technical denial for DIB or SSI, the SSA will not medically evaluate your claim for the benefit program that was denied. If you are denied for both DIB and SSI, the SSA will not medically evaluate your claim at all.
In the future, if your circumstances change you may be eligible to file a new application.
