Understanding Your SSDI Denial Letter: Section by Section
TL;DR: Your SSDI denial letter (Form SSA-L445) contains the specific denial reason, your appeal rights, and the 60-day deadline. The key section is the "We have determined" paragraph, which tells you exactly why you were denied. Other sections cover your appeal options, how to request your file, and contact information. Read the entire letter and save it. You will need it for your appeal.
The SSDI denial letter arrives in a plain envelope from the Social Security Administration. It is a few pages long and packed with bureaucratic language. Most people skim it, feel defeated, and set it aside. That is a mistake. Every section of this letter contains information you need for your appeal.
Here is what each part means, in plain language.
The Header
The top of the letter contains your name, claim number, and the date of the notice. The date matters because your 60-day appeal deadline starts from this date (plus 5 days for mailing). Write this date down immediately.
"We Have Determined That..."
This is the most important section. It contains the specific reason for your denial. Common language includes:
| What the Letter Says | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "The medical evidence does not show that your condition is severe enough to be considered disabling." | Step 2 denial: not severe enough. See our not severe enough guide. |
| "While your condition prevents you from doing your past work, you are able to do other types of work." | Step 5 denial: can do other work. See our other work denial guide. |
| "The medical evidence does not support your claim." | Insufficient medical evidence. See our insufficient evidence guide. |
| "You do not have enough work credits to qualify." | Technical denial. See our technical denial guide. |
| "Your earnings show that you are able to do substantial work." | SGA denial: earning too much. |
Read this section multiple times. It tells you exactly what the SSA thinks is wrong with your claim, which tells you exactly what to fix on appeal.
"The Evidence Shows..."
Some denial letters include a section describing the medical evidence the examiner reviewed. This tells you what records the SSA actually looked at. If important records are missing from this section, the examiner made a decision without complete information. That is grounds for submitting new evidence on appeal.
"Your Right to Appeal"
This section explains your appeal options:
- Request for reconsideration. The first level of appeal. A different examiner reviews your claim.
- Deadline: 60 days from the date of the letter (plus 5 days for mailing).
- How to file: Online, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office.
The letter may also mention that you can request your file (the complete case record) from the SSA. Do this. You need to see what the examiner saw to understand why you were denied.
"If You Disagree..."
This section provides instructions for filing your appeal. It references Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration). You can file this online through your my Social Security account, which is the fastest method.
The Disability Examiner's Information
The letter may include the name and phone number of the disability examiner who handled your case. While this person made the decision to deny, they are generally not the person to argue with. Your energy is better spent on the appeal.
What to Do After Reading Your Letter
- Calculate your deadline. Take the letter date, add 65 days (60 + 5 for mailing). Mark it on your calendar.
- Identify the denial reason. Match the language in your letter to the table above.
- Request your case file. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office to get a copy of everything in your file.
- Read our guide for your specific denial reason. Each denial type has a different fix. See our 10 most common denial reasons for the full breakdown.
- Start gathering new evidence. Do not file your appeal with nothing new. See our guide on submitting new evidence.
- File your appeal before the deadline. See our reconsideration guide for step-by-step instructions.
Common Mistakes After Receiving a Denial Letter
- Throwing it away or ignoring it. Keep every piece of paper from the SSA. You will need the letter for your appeal.
- Waiting too long to act. The 60-day deadline is real. Do not let it pass.
- Filing a new application instead of appealing. Almost always the wrong move. See our appeal vs. new application guide.
- Calling the SSA to argue. The examiner who denied your claim cannot reverse it over the phone. The formal appeal process is the only path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I understand the different sections of my SSDI denial letter?
Your SSDI denial letter (Form SSA-L445) contains the specific denial reason, your appeal rights, and the 60-day deadline. The key section is the 'We have determined' paragraph, which tells you exactly why you were denied.
What information is included in the header of my SSDI denial letter?
The top of the letter contains your name, claim number, and the date of the notice. The date matters because your 60-day appeal deadline starts from this date (plus 5 days for mailing).
Why is the 'We have determined that...' section important in my SSDI denial letter?
This is the most important section. It contains the specific reason for your denial. Common language includes statements about your condition not meeting the SSA's definition of disability.
What does the 'The evidence shows...' section in my SSDI denial letter mean?
Some denial letters include a section describing the medical evidence the examiner reviewed. This tells you what records the SSA actually looked at. If important records are missing, the examiner made a decision without complete information.
Can I appeal the decision in my SSDI denial letter?
Yes, this section explains your appeal options. It references Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration), which you can file online through your my Social Security account.
Should I contact the disability examiner listed in my SSDI denial letter?
The letter may include the name and phone number of the disability examiner who handled your case. While this person made the decision to deny, they are generally not the person to argue with. Your energy is better spent on the appeal.
Is there a deadline to appeal the decision in my SSDI denial letter?
Yes, the letter states you have 60 days to file your appeal, plus an additional 5 days for mailing. Write down the date on the letter immediately, as this is when your deadline starts.