These are judgment calls and they may be wrong. This is not always an easy or reliable way to determine eligibility for disability benefits. The medical condition and the vocational potential may not always demonstrate whether the individual can or cannot do a substantial amount of work. If you are denied SSI benefits and you still believe that you are eligible, you are not alone. Many of these initial denials are overturned when appealed.
Reconsideration is the first level of appeal.
If you are denied but still believe that you are eligible for SSI benefits, it is important to appeal the decision. Information on how to appeal can be received directly from SSA or in the Parent Brief titled Your Right to Appeal , which will be available soon from the National Transition Network. Applying for SSI is not that difficult. The various pages of the application look more complicated than they really are. Help is available in this application process from SSA and from advocacy organizations.