Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI benefits can be a challenging process. People who are too young to retire can apply for benefits that can help them pay for basic expenses until they qualify for retirement benefits. Many people who believe they should qualify still struggle to convince the Social Security Administration (SSA) that they need benefits. A large percentage of SSDI applicants get rejected initially and must appeal to prove that they deserve benefits.
Those facing appeals may already feel frustrated by the SSDI application process. They may wonder whether continuing to pursue an appeal is worth the effort. How likely are SSDI appeals to have a positive impact on applicants?
Thousands of people win their appeals each year
According to the statistics provided by the SSA, under a third of the people who apply for benefits end up approved. Of those approved for benefits, approximately one in three of those applicants obtains approval through the appeals process.
The final approval rate between 2010 and 2019 was approximately 31%, with 10% of applicants overall obtaining approval through the appeals process. In addition to increasing an applicant’s chances of success, an appeal can also lead to more financial support. A successful appeal may make applicants eligible for backdated benefits. They may receive a lump-sum payment that can help them catch up on their bills after months of waiting for benefits.
Working with an SSDI lawyer can make it easier for people to complete a complex SSDI application or navigate an appeal. The appeals process can increase how long it takes to obtain benefits, but it may be a worthwhile endeavor for people who cannot work due to disabling medical conditions.
