Filing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is a very challenging process. Most people don’t know what to expect. Frequently, those dealing with debilitating medical conditions hope to receive prompt approval when they apply for SSDI benefits. They typically cannot work at all, and they may worry about mounting household and medical expenses.
Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) scrutinizes every application thoroughly. Frequently, the level of scrutiny is so high that even qualified applicants get rejected initially. People then have to make a difficult decision about whether to appeal.
Many people find the SSDI appeals process intimidating and may think that giving up after a rejected claim is the simpler option. They may assume that an appeal is likely to fail if the SSA rejected their initial application. How likely are applicants to obtain benefits during an appeal?
Many people receive approval after appealing
Only about one in three SSDI applicants end up getting benefits. According to the SSA’s own reports about claims made between 2010 and 2019, the average final approval rate for SSDI benefits is approximately 31%. That is just under one in three people who apply.
However, only 21% or about one in five applicants get approved initially when they apply. The remaining 10% to get benefits through the appeals process. In other words, approximately one in three actual SSDI recipients got benefits by appealing rather than by applying and getting benefits immediately.
Reconsideration is the first part of the appeals process. SSA records show that about 2% of applicants on average get benefits during this process each year. Another 8% convince an administrative law judge that they qualify for benefits at an appeals hearing.
Those who successfully appeal may receive monthly benefits and be eligible for backdated benefits. Applicants planning to appeal may need help correcting the issues that led to their rejection initially.
Securing the right help during an SSDI appeal may improve an applicant’s chance of success. People who have legal support throughout the appeals process may worry less about learning the complexities of the appeals process, as they can rely on their lawyers to help educate them and manage much of the process on their behalf.