Why SSDI Claims Are Denied in Michigan

Before starting an appeal, it helps to understand why your claim may have been denied. Common reasons include:

• Lack of sufficient medical evidence to prove your condition prevents you from working.
• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms that left out crucial information.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment or attend consultative medical exams.
• Earnings above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, suggesting you can still work.
• Technical mistakes such as missing signatures or incorrect onset dates.

In many cases, these issues can be fixed during the appeal process — especially if you submit stronger documentation or clarify missing details.

The SSDI Appeals Process in Michigan

If your SSDI claim has been denied, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides four levels of appeal. Each stage gives you another opportunity to present evidence and strengthen your case.

Step 1: Request for Reconsideration

The first step is to file a Request for Reconsideration. This involves having your entire claim reviewed by someone who was not part of the original decision.

You’ll need to submit the request within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. During reconsideration, you can provide new medical records, updated test results, or any additional evidence showing how your disability prevents you from working.

Many Michigan applicants use this opportunity to correct mistakes and strengthen their file before moving to the next stage.

Step 2: Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is denied, the next step is requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

This is often the most critical part of the appeals process. During the hearing, you’ll meet with the judge (either in person, by video, or by phone) to explain your case. You can submit new evidence, call witnesses, and testify about how your disability affects your daily life and ability to work.

Many applicants in Michigan win their cases at this stage — especially when they are well-prepared and supported by detailed medical documentation.

Step 3: Appeals Council Review

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask for a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council may choose to:

• Approve your claim,
• Send it back for another hearing, or
• Deny the request if they believe the ALJ’s decision was correct.

This step involves reviewing the hearing record to determine whether any legal or procedural errors were made.

Step 4: Federal Court Review

If your case is still denied after the Appeals Council review, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit in a federal district court. This is the final level of appeal and typically requires legal representation due to the complexity of federal procedures.

Tips for a Successful SSDI Appeal in Michigan

To improve your chances of success during the appeal, keep these key strategies in mind:

• Act quickly: You must file each appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to appeal.
• Submit new medical evidence: Provide updated test results, new diagnoses, and recent treatment records.
• Be consistent and detailed: Ensure your statements and records clearly show how your condition prevents you from working.
• Work with your doctors: Ask your healthcare providers for detailed opinions or functional capacity reports that describe your limitations.
• Stay persistent: Many Michigan applicants win benefits on appeal, even after initial denials.