What information is in a Social Security disability denial letter?

A denial letter includes: the date of the decision, the type of benefit denied, the specific reason(s) for the denial, the evidence SSA considered, a statement of your appeal rights, the appeal deadline (60 days from the date of the letter plus 5 days for mail), and instructions for how to file an appeal.

What does 'we find you are not disabled' mean in a denial letter?

This is SSA's legal conclusion that you do not meet their definition of disability. The letter should explain which step of the evaluation process led to this conclusion and why. This is not a final determination — you can appeal this finding through up to four levels.

Where do I find the appeal deadline in my denial letter?

The appeal deadline is found in the 'Your Right to Appeal' section of the letter, usually near the end. It will state that you have 60 days from the date you receive the notice (SSA assumes 5 days for delivery) to request an appeal. Look for the date of the letter in the upper portion of the document and count 65 days forward.

How to Read Your Social Security Denial Letter — You Deserve Better. We Fight For You.

Don't Throw It Away — Read It Carefully

Your disability denial letter is one of the most important pieces of mail you'll ever receive. It tells you exactly why SSA rejected your claim, what evidence they considered, and most critically, what you must do — and by when — to challenge the decision.

Many people make the mistake of getting discouraged and setting the letter aside. This can be costly: the 60-day appeal window is running from the moment the letter was issued. Read it carefully, make note of the key information, and keep it in a safe place.

The Structure of a Denial Letter

SSA denial letters follow a standard format. Here's what you'll find in each section:

Header / Date

Found at the top of the letter. The date here is the official date of the decision — your 60-day appeal clock starts from this date (plus 5 days for mail). Write this date down immediately. Also note your Social Security number and claim number for reference in all future communications.

"We Have Made a Decision" / Result Statement

This section announces the decision. It may say "We find that you are not disabled under the Social Security Act," "We have determined that your impairment(s) is not severe enough to qualify," or "Based on a review of your case, we are unable to find that you remain disabled." The exact wording helps identify which stage of the evaluation led to denial.

Why We Made This Decision

This is the most important section — it tells you exactly why you were denied. Look for language like: "We found that you can perform your past work as a [job title]," "We found that jobs exist in significant numbers in the national economy that you can perform," "Your condition is not expected to last 12 months," or "Your impairment is not severe enough to prevent basic work activities." This section reveals your appeal strategy.

Facts About Your Case / Evidence Considered

SSA lists the medical records, reports, and other evidence they reviewed. This helps you see what was in your record when the decision was made. If important medical records are missing — records you know exist — this is a major flag. Getting those missing records into your appeal file is a priority.

Vocational and Medical Findings

For many denials, SSA summarizes what type of work they believe you can still do (your Residual Functional Capacity or RFC). They may list specific jobs they believe you can perform. This section is critical for understanding and challenging the functional capacity assessment at the heart of most denials.

Your Right to Appeal

This section explains your appeal rights. At the initial denial stage, it tells you how to request reconsideration. At later stages, it describes the next level (hearing, Appeals Council, federal court). It states your 60-day deadline. It may also mention your right to representation. Do not skip this section.

How to Appeal / Forms to Use

SSA lists the form you need to file (e.g., Form SSA-561 for reconsideration, Form HA-501 for a hearing request) and where to submit it. You can often file online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.

Key Phrases and What They Mean

"Your condition is not severe enough"

This is a Step 2 denial. SSA concluded your impairment doesn't significantly limit basic work activities. See our guide: SSA Says My Condition Is Not Severe Enough.

"You can perform your past work"

This is a Step 4 denial. SSA believes your RFC allows you to return to a former job. See: SSA Says I Can Perform My Past Work.

"You can perform other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy"

This is a Step 5 denial. SSA identified specific jobs they believe you can do despite your limitations. See: SSA Says I Can Perform Other Work.

"We did not find enough medical evidence"

Insufficient medical documentation. You need to supplement your record with additional treating physician records, test results, and functional assessments.

"The evidence does not support your statements about the intensity of your symptoms"

SSA is questioning your credibility about pain or symptom severity. This requires addressing the consistency between your statements and your medical records — and potentially additional supporting documentation.

What to Do Immediately After Reading the Letter

Note the date on the letter. Add 65 days. That's your appeal deadline.
Identify the specific denial reason. Circle or highlight it. This is your appeal focus.
Check what evidence SSA reviewed. Are any important records missing?
Contact a disability representative. Share the denial reason and start building your appeal strategy.
Do not throw away the letter. Keep it with all your disability paperwork.

Tip: Make two copies of the denial letter — keep one at home and give one to your representative. The denial reason directly shapes your appeal strategy.

How to Read Your Social Security Denial Letter