One out of three disability applications are approved and the rest can appealWhen it comes to eligibility for Social Security Disability or SSI, this is easily one of the oldest and most perpetuated myths out there. However---it is very easy to understand why it exists. Why? Because, because most applicants for disability benefits will tend to fall into the following scenario: 1. They will apply for disability with social security. 2. They will, within a few months (sometimes weeks, but usually three to four months), get denied for disability. 3. Of those who choose to file a request for reconsideration, the first appeal in the federal disability system, most will get denied (nationally, about 85 percent, which is actually significantly higher than the denial rate for initial claims. 4. Of those who choose to file a request for a disability hearing, about fifty percent will be approved for disability after a hearing is held. So, it isn't necessarily true that a claimant will need three tries to get approved for disability. In fact, for every ten individuals who file a claim, three out of ten will be approved. Related: What happens if you get denied for Social Security Disability three times? How Many Times Will you be denied before You Get Approved for Disability? If I Get Denied Twice For Disability, What Do I Do? However, a thirty percent approval rate also means a seventy percent initial claim denial rate, which is not encouraging. But, for those tho persist and file disability appeals, the chance of being approved later at a hearing is fairly decent. Roughly forty percent of individuals who go to a hearing by themselves will be approved for benefits, while a little over sixty percent of indivduals who go to a hearing with a disability lawyer or disability representative will be approved for benefits. The lesson to take from this is, of course, if you are denied for SSD or SSI, do not give up on your claim. File an appeal and if this first appeal is denied, file the second appeal (the hearing request). About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Which medical treatment sources will Social Security accept for evidence? How does Social Security determine someone can't work? How can I win disability if I don't have health insurance and can be seen by a doctor? Partial disability benefits How much does disability pay? What are the Application Requirements For SSI Disability? Permanent disability benefits Disability requirements and how to file in Florida How to File for SSI How do you Apply for SSI? What Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability? |
