Most adults with careers plan to work until they reach retirement age. Some people even intend to work a few years past that point either in a lower-demand profession or a part-time job. However, not everyone can achieve these financial and career goals.
Some people develop debilitating medical conditions before they are old enough to retire. These individuals face numerous practical challenges, including difficulty supporting themselves because they cannot work. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are a way for working adults to cover basic expenses when challenges prevent them from continuing their careers. Yet, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a reputation for rejecting even highly-qualified individuals with debilitating medical issues when they apply for SSDI benefits.
Many applicants get rejected at first
For the sake of transparency, the SSA issues reports on the outcome of benefits claims. When looking at the last decade of claim outcomes, it is clear that more people get rejected than approved every year. However, a noteworthy number of applicants eventually get benefits because they appeal.
Between 2010 and 2019, the SSA averaged a 21% initial approval rate. Only about one in every five applicants received approval notice when they initially applied. However, many of those denied initially appealed that decision. An average of 10% of the total applicants for SSDI benefits eventually get approved during the appeals process. The final approval Rate for SSDI benefits is approximately 31%.
Just under one in three applicants ultimately receive SSDI coverage. Appeals are beneficial because they increase someone’s chances of getting the coverage they need. SSDI appeals can also lead to backdated benefits. Someone who successfully appeals can receive a lump-sum payment from the SSA for the benefits they should have received if approved when they initially applied. Applicants who submit new paperwork after an initial rejection do not receive backdated benefits.
While only a minority of applicants succeed when pursuing SSDI benefits, enough people do prevail in their claims to make applying – and possibly appealing – a worthwhile endeavor. But, due to the complexity of this process, seeking legal guidance when initially applying or during the appeals process may significantly increase someone’s chances of getting SSDI benefits when they cannot work due to medical challenges.