Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits protect working professionals. Work history and the severity of a medical condition are the main factors when determining if they qualify for SSDI benefits.
People who develop disabling medical conditions may be eligible for SSDI benefits if they can no longer work in any profession and their condition should persist for 12 months or longer. A surprising number of people who cannot work due to medical challenges believe that there is no value in applying for SSDI benefits, as they have heard that everyone who applies gets denied benefits and must appeal.
Is it true that the Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically denies every application initially?
Denials are common but not universal
Contrary to urban legends, the SSA does not automatically deny every applicant. It is true that a majority of applicants do not receive benefits, but many do. The SSA provides statistical data about applications within the last decade.
The most recent report, which covers claims made between 2010 and 2019, shows an average 31% final approval rate, with roughly 21% of applicants securing benefits immediately upon their initial application. Another 10% obtain benefits through the appeals process.
Most of the successful appellants receive their benefits through a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. The amount of medical documentation an applicant has and the thoroughness of their initial application can both have a profound impact on the likelihood of approval.
Working with an attorney when applying for SSDI benefits may decrease the odds of an initial denial. Professionals who cannot work may also need legal support if they must file an SSDI appeal, and that’s okay.
