If you are applying for SSI or SSDI benefits, it’s probably best to lower your expectations and get help from an experienced Social Security disability attorney. According to a pamphlet that the Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes titled, “Outcomes of Applications for Disability Benefits,” more than 70 percent of all initial disability claims are denied. That figure changes dramatically, however, when an applicant appears for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Administrative law judges approved benefits for 56 percent of the claimants who appeared before them in 2013.
An applicant may be found disabled if he or she has an impairment listed in the Social Security “Blue Book,” has an impairment equivalent to a listed impairment, or has a severe impairment that makes the applicant unable to work. Claims can be denied if an applicant has an impairment that is not expected to last twelve months, is able to perform his or her usual work or another kind of work, or provides inadequate medical confirmation of a disability.
Why Appeals and Legal Representation Improve Approval Rates
Approval rates for Social Security disability benefits often improve at the hearing level, and one major reason is the involvement of experienced disability attorneys. A skilled lawyer can strengthen your case by gathering medical evidence, updating records, and even locating witnesses who can support your claim.
At a hearing, an administrative law judge reviews your case more closely and hears your testimony directly. If your claim is denied, the judge must provide a clear explanation for that decision. This added level of review can increase your chances of approval.
Persistence is key. Many applicants are denied initially but succeed during the appeals process. Working with an experienced disability attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving SSI or SSDI benefits.
If you are unable to work due to a disability, are applying for benefits, or have already been denied, don’t wait. Speak with an experienced disability attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.