What Disqualifies Someone From Social Security Disability?

Several factors can disqualify someone from Social Security Disability, including making too much money, not having enough work history, not following a doctor’s care plan, or not having strong medical records that show they cannot work.

Many people over age 40 start asking about this when health problems make full-time work harder. This happens often between ages 50 and 62, when jobs can feel more physically demanding.

Our Social Security Disability lawyer helps people learn if they qualify before they apply. We explain the rules, help gather medical records, and guide clients through the forms and steps that come with these claims.

Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims May Fail

Some Social Security Disability (SSD) claims are denied because the rules are very strict. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how much a person works, their job history, their medical records, and whether forms were filled out the right way.

The sections below explain simple reasons a claim may not move forward and what can cause problems during the process.

Making Too Much Money to Qualify for SSD Benefits

A claim may be denied if a person earns too much money. SSA checks income to see if someone is still able to work at a certain level.

For people who still work:

• Paychecks that go over the monthly limit can lead to a claim denial.
• Money from self-employment counts, even if a person’s hours change.
• Part-time or short-term work may still affect a claim if earnings stay high.

Many older workers cut back their hours before applying. Our lawyer will look at income records and explain how work history fits into the claim.

Work History Does Not Meet SSD Requirements

SSD uses work credits, which come from years of paying into Social Security through a job.

A claim may fail if:

• Someone stopped working long ago and has no recent credits.
• Work records have gaps or missing details.
• Someone working for themselves reported their income incorrectly.

Even if people aged 50 and 62 have strong work histories, the SSA still checks for recent work credits before approving a claim.

Medical Records Are Not Strong Enough to Support a Claim

SSA looks at medical records to see how a condition affects daily life and job tasks. Claims may be denied when records are missing or unclear.

• Common problems include:
• Doctor’s notes that do not explain physical limits.
• Long gaps between medical visits.
• Test results that do not show how symptoms affect work.

Older applicants may see many doctors, which can make records hard to gather. Complete files help show how a condition limits work over time.

Not Following a Doctor’s Care Plan

SSA expects people to follow medical care from their doctor or another medical professional when they can. Missed treatment can raise questions during a claim.

Examples include:

• Stopping care without a doctor’s advice.
• Missing follow-up visits.
• Not attending exams that the SSA requests or requires.

Missed treatment does not always end a claim. We explain the reason for gaps and help present that information clearly.

Missing Forms or Deadlines

Some people learn their claims are denied before their medical records are fully reviewed. Missing details or late forms can stop the process early.

Common filing issues may arise after:

• Leaving out past job duties or physical tasks.
• Missing appeal deadlines after a denial.
• Sending contact or treatment information that is outdated.

Many people 50+ file after years in physical jobs. Clear job details help SSA compare past work with current limits.

Mistakes People Make After Learning Their Claim Is Denied

Some people think a denial means they can never get Social Security Disability benefits. However, this isn’t always true.

If you have received a claim denial, your situation may involve:

• Adding new medical records if a condition gets worse.
• Fixing mistakes in the income or work history that you reported.
• Getting doctors’ opinions that explain your physical limits.

Many problems can be fixed, and our attorneys help people with the process.

How Our Lawyer Helps Clients With Their SSD Claims

SSD claims can be harder to explain because the rules look closely at work history, age, and detailed medical records. People over age 50 often spend many years in the same type of job, and it can take clear proof to show why that work is no longer possible.

We help clients connect all of this information so that their claims make sense from start to finish. This includes:

• Looking through medical records and gathering any missing details.
• Requesting SSA exams when a claim needs more proof to support it.
• Preparing clients for hearings and explaining what to expect.
• Organizing work history so that the SSA understands a person’s past job duties.

We aim to show how a physical condition affects daily life and work ability.

We Lead the Three-Step SSD Process: Application, Hearing, Appeal

Claims for SSD benefits generally follow three main steps

• Application: This first step includes filing forms, medical records, and job history. Our Social Security Disability applications lawyer helps gather records and checks that the information is complete before sending it in.
• Hearing: If SSA denies the claim, a judge reviews the case at a hearing. Our Social Security Disability hearings lawyer prepares proof, explains work limits, and supports clients as they answer basic questions about their condition.
• Appeal: If the hearing does not lead to approval, another review may be requested. Our Social Security Disability appeals lawyer looks for errors in the decision and adds new proof when possible.

Each step has rules and deadlines. Some people come to us for help so they can get through the process with clarity and support.

How Age Over 50 Can Affect SSD Decisions

SSA uses special rules for people age 50 and older. These rules consider whether it is realistic to switch to a new type of job after decades in a specific field.

Among the key factors the SSA reviews are:

• Physical limits from past jobs.
• School level and job skills.
• Whether someone can move to easier or different work.

People ages 50 to 62 may qualify under special Social Security rules for older workers. A lawyer can explain how these rules fit each person’s case.

Get Answers About What Can Disqualify Someone From Social Security Disability

At Pilzer Klein, we explain what disqualifies someone from Social Security Disability and how to avoid common problems. When you call, you speak with an attorney right away, not a case manager. We will meet with you before your hearing, answer questions in simple terms, and keep you informed as your claim moves forward.

We focus only on Social Security Disability cases and have more than 50 years of combined experience. Many clients are over age 50 and come to the firm after years of hard work when health problems make jobs harder to do.

There are no fees or case costs unless you receive benefits. You get direct help from a lawyer who listens, explains each step, and helps you feel ready for what comes next. To learn how we will help you move forward with a Social Security Disability, contact our office today for a free consultation.