1. What Is a Technical Denial?

A technical denial means SSA denied your application for reasons unrelated to your medical condition. Common causes include:

• Insufficient work credits for SSDI (e.g. you haven’t worked long enough in Social Security-covered employment)
• Exceeding income or resource limits for SSI (e.g. you have too much countable income or assets)
• Not meeting citizenship or residency requirements for SSI
• Filing a claim while already receiving benefits you cannot double-claim

2. Can You Appeal a Technical Denial?

In many cases, a technical denial cannot be formally appealed through the standard SSA medical appeal process because it is based on strict eligibility rules. However, you should:

• Request a reconsideration if you believe SSA made a mistake calculating your work credits, income, or resources
• Submit additional documentation showing correct earnings history or asset details
• Contact SSA immediately to discuss the reason for the technical denial before filing a new application

3. Steps to Appeal or Resolve a Technical Denial in Oklahoma

Step 1: Carefully Review Your Denial Notice

Your SSA denial letter will explain why your claim was technically denied. Review it to identify:

• Whether the issue is related to work credits, income limits, or missing information
• Any specific documents SSA says were lacking or incorrect

Step 2: Contact SSA for Clarification

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in Oklahoma. Ask:

• For a detailed explanation of your denial reason
• Whether additional documentation can resolve the issue
• If SSA recorded your earnings correctly for SSDI work credit calculations

Step 3: Request Reconsideration If Eligible

If you believe SSA made an error in your earnings record, income calculation, or application data:

• File a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2) within 60 days of the denial notice
• Provide any documentation proving eligibility, such as:
• Corrected W-2s or tax returns to update work credits
• Bank statements, pay stubs, or resource evaluations showing you remain within SSI limits
• Proof of immigration or residency status

Step 4: Correct Work Credit Issues

If denied SSDI due to insufficient work credits, options include:

• Reviewing your entire earnings history with SSA to ensure no employer reporting errors exist
• Exploring SSI eligibility instead, if you have limited income and assets
• Filing a new SSDI claim later if you return to work and earn additional credits

Step 5: Consider Filing a New Application

If the denial cannot be overturned through reconsideration, you may need to:

• Reapply for benefits after correcting the issue
• Consult with a disability attorney to evaluate potential options and ensure your new claim is submitted correctly

4. Why Technical Denials Cannot Always Be Appealed

SSA appeals processes address medical determinations, not eligibility criteria. For example:

• If you do not have enough SSDI work credits, no medical appeal will change that
• If your income exceeds SSI limits, you remain ineligible unless your financial situation changes

However, if SSA miscalculated your credits or income, a reconsideration request with supporting proof can resolve it.