When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, it is likely because you are unable to work due to a disability. However, there are circumstances in which the Social Security Administration might deny your application.
If this happens, you have the right to appeal their decision. You might wonder, though, if your SSDI payment be lower if you have to go through the appeals process.
The effect of an appeal on SSDI payments
The short answer is that an appeal will not necessarily lower SSDI payments. However, there are factors that could affect the amount you receive during the appeal process.
One factor is the type of disability benefits you are receiving. If you receive Disability Insurance Benefits, your payments will generally remain the same throughout the appeals process. This is because DIB payments only factor in your work history and earnings.
Situations where an appeal might affect SSDI payments
If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, your payments could change during the appeals process. This is because SSI payments vary based on financial need. If your financial situation changes while your appeal is pending, your SSI payment amount could change as well.
Another factor that could affect your SSDI payment during the appeals process is whether you are eligible for other forms of assistance. These might include such as workers’ compensation or state disability benefits. If you start receiving these benefits while your SSDI appeal is pending, it could impact the amount of SSDI you are eligible to receive.
The Social Security Administration reports that there were a total of 530,039 denials of medical applications for disability benefits in 2020. With denials being a common result for SSDI applications, it is important for applicants to understand that filing an appeal will not automatically lower the final SSDI payment if the appeal is successful.
